There are three cabins on the lower deck (one on-suite) and day seats on the upper deck convert to comfortable, fully mosquito proofed beds at night. Relax with a sundowner drink at the Captain's Bar.
Six passengers sleep on the upper deck in comfort
We offer Self Catering and Fully Catered options
Food is prepared on-board by the crew chef.
The lower deck boasts a real live working Jacuzzi in which to relax
and cool off from the mid-day sun
(Bubbles are NOT mandatory!!)
Day cruises can be arranged for large groups - maximum 50 passengers - prior booking required subject to quotation.
Due to unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Kariba, Bateleur DOES NOT operate during the months of
December, January and February.
COMPARE OUR RATES WITH SIMILAR ZIMBABWE HOUSEBOATS
Take the time to compare Like with Like when comparing prices.
Almost ALL the Zimbabwe boats will quote a "Dry Boat" price.
In other words you will pay extra for the fuel used on the boat (main engine and generator if available). and the cost is only determined once your trip is over.
Our price is quoted as a "Wet Boat" and includes ALL fuel used on the boat (main engines and generator) and also includes one can of petrol per day for the tender boat used for fishing or sight seeing. There are no hidden fuel costs and you know "up front" the cost of your trip.
Also consider the number of passengers that the boats can accommodate.
Most boats will quote the maximum number of passengers and use phrases like "sleeps 7 in comfort / 12 maximum". Seven in comfort often means that there are 7 beds and the rest sleep on matresses. Bateleur sleeps 6 in cabins on the lower deck and 6 on the upper deck in comfort - all upper deck sleeping accommodation includes proper beds and mosquito nets - see the photo above).
Consider whether the boat has a pool. Kariba can be "hot" particularly in the summer months. Many boats do not have pools on board, only croc cages that are dropped into the Lake once the boat is moored. Those that do have pools often stipulate that the pool cannot be used whilst the boat is in motion.
Bateleur has a fully functioning Jacuzzi on board and is alway in use whether the boat is moving or not.
While Zambia does not have a National Park along its Lake Shore and wildlife is scarce, the birdlife and the scenery is "second to none". Also, not having National Park restrictions means that passengers are NOT confined to the boat. On the Zambian side of the Lake there are many opportunities for passengers to disembark and explore the Lake Shore or even have a braai dinner or beach party on one of the many islands.
Here are some Like with Like prices to compare:
(Bateleur is compared as a "Dry Boat" equivalent and tender boat fuel has been included in other boats to show Like with Like).
The comparison is based on published 2012 rates and based on a one night charter averaging 3 to 4 hrs engine running time on outward journey to destination and return journey to harbour.
....................Basic.....Fuel........Tender..Total .Num .....Cost.....Max No .Cost
Boat Name....Cost..Surcharge....Fuel... /Day ..Beds ../Pax/Day ..Pax ./Pax/Day
L**** B**......$745 ....$166 .......$60 ....$ .971 ...5 ......$195 ...... 8 ......$121
F*** S***......$675 ....$368 .......$60 ....$1,103 ..8 .......$138 .....12 ......$ 92
E*** .............$450 ....$288 .......$60 ....$ .798 ...7 ......$114 ......12 ......$ 66
K****** .......$590 ....$0 ..........$60 ....$ .650 ...6 ......$108 ......12 ......$ 54
J****** .. .....$400 ....$300 .......$60 ....$ .760 ...7 ......$109 ......12 ......$ 63
A**** Q**** $475 ....$269 .......$60 ....$ .804 ...8 ......$100 ......12 ......$ 67
Bateleur ........$412 ....$288 .......$60 ....$ .760 ..12 .....$ 63 .......12 ......$63
Bateleur Prices are quoted as a "Wet Boat" including tender boat fuel:
SELF CATERING
Total cost per day .........................$760 -
Sleeps 12 passengers in comfort
Based on 12 passengers cost is ......$63 per person day
Based on 10 passengers cost is ......$76 per person day
Based on ..8 passengers cost is ......$95 per person day
CATERING OPTION
Full Board Catering provided and charged extra at $50 per person per day
BAR
The choice is yours:
You can bring ALL your own drinks or
We supply beer, softies, water etc on "sale or return" basis (the heavy stuff)
We recommend that you bring your own wines and spirits
ZAMBIAN KWACHA RATES
Total cost per day ................ZMK 3,800,000 -
Sleeps 12 passengers in comfort
Based on 12 passengers cost is ..+/- ZMK 320,000 per person day
Based on 10 passengers cost is ..+/- ZMK 380,000 per person day
Based on ..8 passengers cost is ..+/- ZMK 475,000 per person day
Full Board Catering charged extra at ZMK 250,000 per person per day
