Luxury cruising on Lake Kariba

Life on Lake Kariba has a timeless quality as one drifts past petrified forests or sleeps on the deck under the stars.

Life on Lake Kariba has a timeless quality as one drifts past petrified forests or sleeps on the deck under the stars.

Published Dec 30, 2011

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Lying along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is the magnificent Lake Kariba. The world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume and fourth largest by surface area will soon become home to the first super yacht ever built on it.

The name Matusadona is the perfect fit; the Matusadona National Park is situated on the Zimbabwe shores of Lake Kariba and is a game viewing enthusiast’s dream. From herds of Buffalo, up to 1000 strong, and the king of the jungle, the lion, to over 240 species of birdlife, what better way to spend your holiday than cruising down the Lake in the lap of luxury?

The 110 ton, 28.6m by 6.5m luxurious yacht, with three spacious decks, Matusadona was built locally in Harare with all imported materials and will be launched at Andorra Harbour and moored at the famous Bumi Hills in February 2012.

With stylish air conditioned cabin accommodation for up to seven people, situated right on the waterline, and plenty of additional space under the stars on the upper deck, you’ll feel at one with nature.

The frequent grunt of the hippos, the distant lion’s roar, the cough of a leopard, the eerie cry of the Fish Eagle and all the sounds that make Africa so special – you’re in the real bush whilst cocooned in luxury.

The saloon, cabins and all deck areas have been exquisitely finished and decorated by the owners with extensive use of native hardwood timbers, local Zimbabwe granite and natural fabrics. Luxurious yet comfy, there are no pretences.

Matusadona does not sail alone; she’s accompanied by two tenders for local fishing and mooring, a speed-boat for transfers and a pontoon, especially geared for water-based game viewing.

A completely different experience to land-based game viewing, watching game by boat is truly memorable. Seeing a herd of elephants come down to drink, so close you can almost touch them, their calves frolicking in the water with their mothers suspiciously standing by is a truly once in a lifetime experience.

On sweltering summer evenings sip on refreshing cocktails in the Jacuzzi under the stars or at the bar, and on the odd chilly African evening warm yourself up with a Cognac in the cosy saloon while watching a variety of wildlife documentaries.

If you’re up for something a bit more on the wild side then choose to sleep on the Upper Deck under the clear African night sky where stars shine in their thousands.

Matusadona is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Her beauty and grace blends in seamlessly with her lush environment. Perfect for an amazing family holiday, romantic honeymoon or simply a break from ‘real’ life with some friends.

Crewed by a friendly and professional Zimbabwean team, you’ll have your own private Captain, Chef and Steward who’ll make you feel at home, making it almost impossible to leave.

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