A relaxing winter weekend at Kingfisher Lodges (Lambs Lair)

Share this post

Winter in Kariba is probably one of the most mild and enjoyable places to be.  The nights and early mornings are chilly, usually no more than a jacket is needed to keep warm and this is shed my mid-morning when the sunshine heat kicks in.  We were lucky enough to be invited out to the newly refurbished Kingfisher Lodges (previously Lambs Lair) in the Charara area over the long weekend at the end of May and jumped at the chance to “get out of town.”

The day before we were due to leave Woody picked up a tiny kitten that was about to be run over in the middle of the road,  as he was so dinky we couldn’t leave him alone so early on in his little life, and Tash and Penny very kindly let us bring the kitten along to the lodge.  The kitten was as good as gold over the weekend.

I digress! …… I didn’t know what to expect of Kingfisher Lodge as I had never been to Lambs Lair when the previous owners had it, but was very impressed with it now. Located between Cerruti and OH, it overlooks Paterson Bay of NAUZ Charara where, due to the current lake levels, the slipway is now located.  Many hours of entertainment can be had watching the experienced and not so experienced guests of NAUZ launch and pull their boats out. 

Kingfisher is made up of 3 self-catering lodges next to one another.  Two have 4 bedrooms each and can take up to 8 people, and the third one is smaller with 2 bedrooms for 4 people.  Each have their own fully kitted out kitchen and a cook who can assist in the preparation of meals, or cook them if you so like.  We had Gift looking after us at number 2, he had worked his way up from security guard and was very passionate about his new job doing his absolute best to meet all our needs.

After a good night’s sleep and a nice winter lie-in we took Tash up on her offer of using their speedboat for a fishing excursion.   Andre and Tash work together and they very expertly launched the boat and we were soon speeding across the bay to a nice fishing spot, doing our best to catch our dinner.  Sadly the fish were not biting, but it didn’t really bother us, as it is so great to just get out on the lake and soak up the beauty around us.

Andre and Tash accepted our invitation to come across for sundowners that evening, and we had a lovely time chatting and taking in the gorgeous view from the perfectly located picnic bench near the bottom of the property.  Number 2 lodge is most definitely our recommendation for those that have children because there is even an outdoor play area.  Each lodge has their own pool overlooking the lake, which this time we decided not to use as the water was just a little too cold for our Kariba acclimatised blood! 

So there you have it … if you are looking for somewhere to get away from the winter blues (or any time of the year!) Kingfisher Lodges are ideal and the perfect place for larger groups too, if you take all 3 lodges you can have your entire family of up to 20 people accommodated!  What a great place to chill and make memories.

Contact Us

Package Deals

For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around the Eastern Highlands, Matopos, Kariba & Vic Falls area.

Excellent rating
Based on 37 reviews
Facebook star 1Facebook star 2Facebook star 3Facebook star 4Facebook star 5
positiverecommends
We had a fantastic experience with Bryony and her team. Bryony is clearly knowledgeable about the region and guided us through our options and the Lake Kariba houseboat booking and choices. We had a fantastic time and I would thoroughly recommend using Heartveld.
Denise Jackson profile picture
Denise Jackson
23 days ago
positiverecommends
What an incredible holiday we just had in Zimbabwe. Thanks Bryony & Heartveld Adventures. Camp Mana was definitely the highlight for us.
Patrick Campbell profile picture
Patrick Campbell
43 days ago
positiverecommends
We have just had an amazing 6 nights on Tambarara houseboat organised by Heartveld Adventures. The boat was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. The captain, Reg, was very professional and helpful, the chef cooked delicious meals, the barman kept our drinks flowing, the cleaners left animals made from our towels on our beds at night and the guys on the tender boat were so good with the boys aged 3, 5, 7 and 9 showing them what to do and putting on worms, for us as well. Highly recommended.
Debbie Davies profile picture
Debbie Davies
421 days ago
positiverecommends
Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response
Vicky Grant Bird profile picture
Vicky Grant Bird
429 days ago
positiverecommends
The trip was all you could ask for when you want to relax and forget about the world. Captain Godrey and his team consisting Pilot, Chef Takesure and Silas made our stay comfortable and easy. The food was flavourful and filling. You couldn’t say no to Chef Takesure’s meals. Silas kept our cooler box ready every day because he knew we loved our drinks cold and first thing in the morning. Pilot and Captain Godfrey took us to amazing views, magical sunset cruises and helped me find all the crocodiles I was looking for. I totally recommend Heartveld Adventures for all your Kariba fantasies! ☀️⛴️🍹#February2025
Ashleigh Chamboko profile picture
Ashleigh Chamboko
595 days ago
positiverecommends
Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then! Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic! I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara, Cheers and thanks again Glenn and Family.
Glenn A Armstrong profile picture
Glenn A Armstrong
741 days ago
positiverecommends
Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses
Tatenda Antony Mhene profile picture
Tatenda Antony Mhene
883 days ago
positiverecommends
Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙
Wils Raubenheimer profile picture
Wils Raubenheimer
904 days ago
positiverecommends
Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖
Magda Gillwald profile picture
Magda Gillwald
924 days ago
positiverecommends
Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryony
gadgetsnzawesome profile picture
gadgetsnzawesome
1048 days ago
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Kariba Houseboats

Also on Heartveld Adventures

Blog

Ingwe Pan

Mana Pools is one of our best loved National Parks in Zimbabwe and as we are based in Kariba, we are lucky not to be too far away to sneak

Read More »
Blog

Camp Mana April 2021

Since our lock down in Zimbabwe has eased and COVID vaccines made available, Woody and I were keen to start getting out and about more. So the long Independence weekend

Read More »