Andora Harbour

The vessels depart on their voyages promptly at 10.30. Intending passengers are advised to be at the departure/loading point not less than 1 hour prior to sailing. For security reasons, once vehicles are loaded, access to vehicles is restricted. So do not forget to pack an overnight bag with personal and other requirements.

"Soon after departing from Andora Harbour, to our right the Dam Wall may be seen along with the Sampakaruma Group of islands in the fore-ground, named after a local chief. The small rocky outcrop to the left of these is called Rhino Island, so called due to the rescue of a particularly belligerent Rhino during the famous "Operation Noah". This being the widest point of the lake at 32 kilometres.
 

Rhino Island

Continuing on a westerly track, and passing the Islands of Sampakaruma on the right and long island on the left, we alter our coarse making a heading for Bumi Hills and the Sibilobilo lagoon, at this point we are either serving Lunch (Kariba – Mlibizi) or serving breakfast (Mlibizi – Kariba).

Bumi Hills

After cruising across the south eastern basin, we arrive at the Sibilobilo Lagoon, which is formed by a series of islands along its northern border and is over-looked by the well known Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. This whole area abounds with many varieties of game and birds, numbers of which may frequently be seen at the waters edge. Binoculars at this time are a decided advantage. The animals swim regularly between the islands and indeed to and from the mainland.

Kota Kota Narrows

As we leave the lagoon via the gap between the Lubangwa and Namembere Islands, most passengers settle down to an after lunch nap in our fully relining bed/armchairs. The ferry continues its journey between the northern shores of the islands forming Sibilobilo Lagoon and another chain of islands which form a channel. Game is often seen in this area. We now enter the "Kota Kota" Narrows which is named after the mountain on the northern shore.

The lake then opens into the Sengwa Basin through which we travel some kilometres offshore. Weather and time permitting, your captain will stop, for those who wish it, to allow a refreshing swim in the warm semi-tropical waters. Passengers should note that whilst we consider swimming in open water as being safe, it is at their own risk! It is strictly prohibited to climb on the roof and passengers are reminded that they are required to obey all instructions from the captain or crew.

Shortly thereafter, you will almost certainly be witness to an African Sunset second to none, whilst enjoying a cool sundowner from the bar before dinner is served at approximately 20:00.

Chete Gorge

You may wish to have an after dinner night-cap as your crew steers you through the night under the constant supervision of the captain, aided by radar and GPS mapping. The ferry passes the Sinamwenda River and then on to Kudu Island where a slight course change takes you into the Chete Gorge, so named by the Batonka tribesment who traded and fished along the river before the harnessing of the Zambezi. At this point, there were a series of swirling rapids that prevented them from proceeding any further hence the name "Chete" meaning the end or finish. The gorge narrows to less than 400 metres wide before we once again sail into open water."

Mlibizi

Having passed a number of islands, Binga and through the Sebungwe Narrows, the ferry will dock at M'libizi at around 07:00 whereafter off-loading you may continue your journey.