Kariba Houseboat Booking – Book Your African Adventure

Relaunch Season

We are currently taking advance bookings for charters departing from DECEMBER 2026 onwards following our full refurbishment.

The following provides all the information required to book your holiday on The Abangane houseboat.

Kariba Houseboat Booking – Charter Fees

The self-catering cost to charter the boat is US$500 per night.

If you wish to be notified via email of discounts or offers, please visit our Kariba houseboat specials page.

Deposit

• A 25% deposit is required within 10 days of a confirmed booking
• The balance is required 30 days prior to travel

Kariba Houseboat Booking – Cancellation Fees

Cancelled bookings will attract the following penalties on total fare:

• 30 days before travel – 25%
• 14 days before travel – 50%
• 7 days before travel – 75%
• Less than 7 days of travel and non-arrivals will be charged in full

No reimbursement will be considered if guests arrive later or leave the charter early.

The above cancellation fees will only be reconsidered in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Kariba Houseboat Booking – Fuel Costs

• Petrol – 10 litres per tender boat per day and 2 stroke oil charges are included in the charter fee
• Diesel at current prices is based on the destination you choose, as detailed in the table below

Generator Costs

Costs for 9 hrs running time per day are included in the charter fee. Additional running time incures extra charges.

Zimbabwe National Parks Fees

These fees are not included in the Charter Fee.

• Payment Method: ZimParks fees are paid directly to the park official at the harbor before departure. Please note that payments must be made in USD cash.
• Cash Requirements: As park officials rarely carry change, we strongly recommend bringing exact change or smaller USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20). Please ensure banknotes are crisp and undamaged.
• Pre-Payment Option: If you prefer a seamless boarding experience, we can collect your details and pre-pay these fees on your behalf prior to departure.

Pre-Arrival Guest Registration

To ensure a quick and seamless harbour check-in and captain’s briefing with Captain Obert, please email your full guest details (guest names, residency status, and who will be angling) to shawn@abanganehouseboat.com prior to your arrival.

Passengers may be asked to prove their residential status by showing their ID’s to Parks officials.

Fees may be subject to change.

ZimParks Special Area Permits (Sanyati Gorge / Umi River)

Planning a cruise through highlights like the Sanyati Gorge?

Please note that additional ZimParks daily entry permits apply as shown below:

Included in the Boat Hire

Bedding, linen, mosquito nets, towels, cutlery, crockery, cleaning materials, soap, toilet paper, and rations for the crew.

Check In / Departure

Check-in and boarding the Abangane is at 12.00 noon on the day of arrival and disembarkation before 09.00 am on the day of departure.

Booking Form

Please complete in full.

Please click start and end date of booking. If a mistake is made simply click the start and end date again.

Please read our Terms & Conditions.