Standard Daily Charter Rate
US$500 per day
Includes full vessel hire, 3 dedicated crew members, 2 tender rafts, and 1 x 200HP Vixen Speedboat.
What’s Included in Your Hire
Your daily rate covers full access to The Abangane, its tender fleet, crew, and onboard amenities:
- Full Vessel Access: Exclusive private use of The Abangane for up to 12–15 guests.
- 3 Dedicated Crew Members: Captain (Obert), Chef (Frank), and Deckhand (Brian) to handle navigation, domestic needs, meal preparation, and guest comfort.
- Onboard Chef Service: All meals prepared and served using your supplied provisions.
- Tender Fleet: 2 x Twin-Hulled Tender Rafts plus 1 x 200HP Vixen Speedboat (crew-driven) for fast tiger fishing, game viewing, and sunset cruises.
- Generator Power Allowance: 9 hours of generator running time per day is included in the charter fee (covering daily air conditioning, refrigeration, deep freezers, and battery charging).
- Onboard Amenities & Supplies: Air-conditioned cabins and top-deck lounge, carpeted living areas, Wi-Fi, DStv satellite TV, deck pool, deep freezers, bedding, linen, mosquito nets, bath towels, cutlery, crockery, cleaning materials, soap, toilet paper, and crew rations.
Fuel & Catering Policies
Catering & Provisioning Policy
- Self-Catering: Guests supply all their own food, beverages, ice blocks, and cooking ingredients.
- Chef Included: Hand your provisions over to Chef Frank upon embarkation; he will handle all meal preparation, cooking, and kitchen service throughout your trip.
- Ice Recommendations: We recommend bringing 4–5 blocks of ice per day during summer months (or 3–4 blocks per day in winter) for a standard group.
Main Engine Fuel & Popular Kariba Destinations
The main diesel engines on The Abangane leave harbour fully fueled. Main engine diesel consumption depends on your chosen cruising itinerary, distance, and water conditions. Below are estimated fuel costs for popular Kariba cruising routes:
| Destination | Travel Time (Return) | Est. Diesel Cost (USD) | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kariba Basin / Antelope Island | ~2 Hours | $150 – $200 | 1 – 2 Nights |
| Gordon’s Bay & Elephant Point | ~4 Hours | $300 – $400 | 2 Nights |
| Sampa Karuma Sound | ~6 Hours | $450 – $550 | 3 Nights |
| Matusadona / Tashinga | ~8 – 10 Hours | $650 – $800 | 3 – 4 Nights |
| Bumi Hills & Tiger Bay | ~12 Hours | $900 – $1,100 | 4 – 5 Nights |
| Gache Gache Estuary | ~5 Hours | $350 – $450 | 2 – 3 Nights |
- Main Vessel & Tenders: Main engines, generators, and tender boats leave harbour fully fueled. Fuel/oil consumed during the charter is metered upon return and settled in USD cash at market rates.
- Additional Generator Time: Any generator running time beyond the included 9 hours per day is billed at current fuel rates upon check-out.
What to Bring & Practical Onboard Info
- Personal Items: Swimming towels, sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, personal toiletries, and any personal prescription medications.
- Electrical Outlets: Cabins and common areas feature standard Zimbabwean/UK 3-pin square plug points (Type G). Bring suitable wall adapters or USB charging blocks for phones, cameras, or drone batteries.
- Fishing Gear: Bring your own tiger fishing rods, tackle, and bait (worms, kapenta, or bream). Rod hire can be arranged with prior notice.
- Special Occasions: Celebrating a birthday, milestone, or anniversary on Lake Kariba? Let us know in advance so Captain Obert and the crew can help make your trip extra special!
Booking Terms & Cancellation Policy
Deposit & Payment Terms
- Provisional Hold: Submitted booking requests hold your dates provisionally for 48 hours.
- Deposit: A 25% deposit (or 50% for direct confirmation) is required within 10 days of booking approval to lock in your dates.
- Balance: The remaining balance is required 30 days prior to departure.
- Cash on Arrival Terms: Remaining charter balances or fuel deposits settled on-site must be paid in USD cash upon embarkation at Pama Harbour prior to departure. Please ensure you bring crisp, undamaged USD banknotes.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation notices must be submitted in writing to shawn@abanganehouseboat.com. Cancellations attract the following total fare penalties:
- 30+ days before travel: 25% penalty
- 14–29 days before travel: 50% penalty
- 7–13 days before travel: 75% penalty
- Less than 7 days / Non-arrivals: 100% penalty (charged in full)
No reimbursement is provided if guests arrive late or disembark early. Cancellation fees may only be reconsidered under extreme extenuating circumstances.
Mandatory Zimbabwe National Parks & Fishing Fees
National Parks entry fees and fishing permits are set by the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and are payable directly in USD cash upon arrival at Pama Harbour prior to departure.
- Lake Entry Fees: From US$5/night (Zim Residents) to US$10/night (International)
- Fishing Permits: From US$5/night (Zim Residents) to US$12/night (International)
- Special Gorge Fees: Additional daily permits apply for entering Sanyati Gorge or Umi River.
👉 View Complete ZimParks Fee Schedule, Guidelines & Gorge Rates →
National Parks fees are set by the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and are payable directly to Parks representatives at the boat prior to departure in USD cash. Parks officials may board the boat at any stage to verify receipts.
Charter Schedule & Logistics
- Boarding / Check-in: 12:00 PM (Noon) on arrival date.
- Disembarkation: Prior to 09:00 AM on departure date.
- Mooring Location: Pama Harbour, Kariba, Zimbabwe.