Twin Hull
18m
2 x 85 HP Cummins Diesel Engines
220 Volts Power
2 x Kholer KV6 (20kva and 12 kva)
12 comfortably, but Max Pax is 15 plus crew
1 Captain, 1 Chef and 2 Deck Hands
“Abangane” is a spacious, houseboat that has 2 cabins/changing rooms with 2 single beds in each (4 in total) on the lower deck. Double beds can be arranged. All the cabins have mosquito nets with a free-standing cupboard. There are 2 shower rooms, and 2 separate toilets on the lower deck to service the 2 cabins. Most passengers sleep on mattresses under mosquito nets (provided) on the upper deck, where there is also 1 toilet.
Also located on the lower deck there are the storerooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, which include electrical appliances, a gas stove, 2 fridges and 3 deep freezers.
Approximately 75% of the spacious upper deck of the Abangane houseboat is under cover and contains a bar with bottle cooler and ice making machine and the counter doubles as a cosy meal table. Two freezers are situated on the deck and a large gas braai unit complements the cooking facilities and provides sociable meal preparation.
Generators provide 220 Volt electrical power to operate fridges, freezers, a hot water geyser, fans and plug points and charges the batteries to service the 12 Volt lighting system. An inverter ensures that the iPod dock (supplied) and fans work when the generators are switched off.
Splash pool, braai and ice machine.
There are 3 tender boats (1 x pelican and 2 x skimmer’s) which are towed by the boat to allow access to shallow waters for fishing, and game and bird viewing. Please treat them with care. Passengers may bring their own tender boats, but only 3 boats may be towed by the Abangane houseboat.
Tender Boats are for fishing and game drives, distance dependant on fuel available, with 20 litres petrol per day provided in the charter rate for these 3 boats. This is adequate but if clients’ want extra petrol then this is charged for separately at US$2-00 per litre. These tender boats are strictly crew driven. If you would like to bring your own speedboat to be towed behind the houseboat, one of the houseboat tenders will be left behind, as towing more than 3 boats causes damage (please bring your own rope for towing and fuel.)
Fishing Equipment
A limited number of basic fishing rods and reels are available for guest use. Each raft is equipped with a worm box, landing net and a keep net. You should bring your own fishing rods, reels, tackle and your own bait. Worms may be purchased from vendors outside the Bulawayo city hall and you should try and obtain 3 or 4 packets of dry and selected fresh kapenta (the crew can assist when locally available) for Tiger fishing. Bait is offered under the full catering option.
Security and valuables
Please use the small safe facilities in the bar provided, and bring your own padlock and key.
Medicines
There is a small first aid box for emergencies but you are advised to bring your personal medications such as hangover pills, antacids, antiseptic ointment, stomach remedies and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent sprays or ointments are essential requirements.
Drinking water is filtered, but not chlorinated. You may wish to boil the water, bring chlorine tablets, or buy bottled water. Drinking ice (chlorinated filters) is made at the bar, once the boat has exited the harbour and water can be drawn from the open lake.
| Destination | Travel Time | Fuel Cost at current prices |
|---|---|---|
| Senkwe | 12 Hours (Return trip) | US$ 1 350-00 |
| Chete | 16 Hours (Return Trip) | US$ 1 550-00 |
| Ruzi | 18 Hours (Return Trip) | US$ 1 650-00 |
| Elephant Bay | 3 hours (Return Trip) | US$ 400-00 |
From Bulawayo drive along the Victoria Falls Road, pass (or stop in for a break) Halfway Hotel some 230 km away, and then after a further 30 km turn right at Dete Crossroads (GPS S 18029.292 E 0260 55.254)on to the Kamativi Road.
From Victoria Falls or Hwange drive on the Bulawayo Road and turn left at Dete Crossroads onto the Kamativi Road.
Once on the Kamativi Road travel some 45 km before turning right onto the Binga Road (signposted), and proceed some 130 km to the Kuliswe Lodge mooring, at Binga. GPS S17o35.203 E27o21.367
It is suggested you time your visit to arrive late morning, to enable you to reach your first overnight stop in time to fish or game view in the late afternoon. You need to pay your National Parks fees at the boat before you leave.
Fuel is now available at Kuliswe, but phone numbers following may assist you on the way. Crossroads +263 (0) 779 013 736
Halfway House +263 (0) 774 780 475
Binga CMED +263 (0) 713 572 998
KF979
12 Noon
09:00a.m
Kulizwe Harbour – Secure parking available at a rate is $10 per day
**Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the details supplied above are correct we cannot be held responsible in any way should an item mentioned above not be on board/broken or miss quoted.
