3 Days Zimbabwe Safari Sailing with Elephants in Matusadona NP
This 3 Days Zimbabwe Safari Sailing with Elephants in Matusadona National Park takes you sailing with Elephants Kariba Sailing Self-Drive Add-on is designed as an add-on to your self-drive for groups of 2-6 guests/boat. Starting and ending on our private beach in Kariba. Your skipper will lead you on board our purpose-built multi-hulled yachts. You will sail the shoreline, viewing elephants and other animals on the grassy shores. This is a full-participation adventure for active people who have no problem living in board shorts and sarongs (Kariba weather is balmy year-round).
During this immersive Zimbabwe Safari, you'll sail through the heart of Lake Kariba, Africa's largest man-made reservoir stretching over 5,400 square kilometers along the Zambezi River. The Zimbabwe Safari experience combines the thrill of hands-on sailing with incredible opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles that gather along the lake's shoreline, all while enjoying spectacular mountain vistas.
Your Zimbabwe Safari adventure is guided by an expert skipper who shares sailing techniques and intimate knowledge of Kariba's hidden coves and wildlife hotspots. From the expansive Eastern Basin to the dramatic Sanyati Gorge, each day reveals new wonders as you sleep under starlit skies with the sounds of nature providing an enchanting soundtrack to your journey.
Tour highlights
Hands-on sailing experience on a comfortable catamaran
Up-close elephant encounters along Matusadona's shoreline
Navigation through the spectacular Sanyati Gorge
Overnight anchoring in secluded wilderness coves
Fishing opportunities for Tiger Fish and Bream
Breathtaking views of the Matusadona Mountain range
Wildlife viewing from the unique vantage point of the water
Optional hiking to panoramic viewpoints
Sunrise and sunset over Lake Kariba's pristine waters
Expert guidance from experienced skippers
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfer from Kariba town to the marina
- Bottled water during sailing
- Full board accommodation on the sailing catamaran
- Professional English-speaking skipper
- Fishing equipment
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
- Safety equipment
Price Excludes:
- Zimbabwe Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff
- Pre/post-tour accommodation in Kariba Town
Itinary in details
- Day1Sailboat Kariba Beach
Your Zimbabwe Safari begins with morning embarkation at Kariba Harbor, located approximately 365 km from Harare (a 4–5-hour drive), where you'll meet your expert skipper at the marina. This exciting Zimbabwe Safari Day includes a comprehensive sailing orientation before setting off across Kariba's azure waters toward Sampakaruma Island, approximately 12 nautical miles from harbor. Your Zimbabwe Safari experience continues with practical sailing lessons as you navigate through the eastern basin, passing Antelope Island before anchoring in a secluded bay where elephants frequently come to drink as the sun sets over the water.
- Day2Cruise Kariba Lake
The second day of your Zimbabwe Safari begins with breakfast on deck as you witness hippos returning to water and elephants gathering along the shoreline. Your Zimbabwe Safari journey continues with a scenic sailing route across the Eastern Basin toward the Matusadona National Park shoreline, covering approximately 20 nautical miles through waters known locally as "Nyeredzi Dzetsoka" (Stars of the Water). The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activities include navigating the dramatic Sanyati Gorge with its towering 100-meter walls, followed by fishing opportunities and an optional guided hike to a viewpoint overlooking the gorge before anchoring in a wilderness cove for your final night under the stars.
- Day3Return to Kariba Harbor and Disembark
The final day of your Zimbabwe Safari starts with the peaceful dawn chorus of hippos and birds echoing through the gorge as you enjoy breakfast on deck. This memorable Zimbabwe Safari morning includes early sailing toward Kariba Town, taking approximately 4-5 hours to cover the 25 nautical miles while watching for the famous tree-climbing lions of Matusadona along the shoreline. Your Zimbabwe Safari concludes with arrival at Kariba Harbor by early afternoon, where you'll disembark with lasting memories of this unique sailing and wildlife adventure through one of Zimbabwe's most spectacular wilderness areas.