Mlibizi Lodge — Old style comforts in a warm and friendly atmosphere

22 May, 2016 - 00:05 0 Views
Mlibizi Lodge — Old style comforts in a warm and friendly atmosphere Mlibizi lodge

The Sunday News

Mlibizi lodge

Mlibizi lodge

Rumbidzai Mbewe
MLIBIZI is the western terminus for Lake Kariba ferry services. The Resort is a selection of self-catering chalets in the Mlibizi area that are either privately owned or booked out for visitors. Chalets range from accommodation for two guests, and there are chalets which can accommodate larger groups. The Kariba Ferry launches from a dock next to the resort which makes this an ideal stopover when catching the ferry.

Although each self-catering chalet is different, they all offer certain facilities inclusive of the daily rate. All linen requirements are provided and the fully equipped kitchens offer gas stoves, electric deep-freezers and fridges. The bedrooms are fitted with window fly screens and overhead ceiling fans.

A total of 50 guests can be accommodated at the Mlibizi Lodge in a variety of accommodation options. There are six thatched bungalows, all overlooking Lake Kariba. All are ensuite and can sleep four adults. There are five thatched bungalows in the gardens of the Mlibizi Lodge in Zimbabwe, all en suite, and can sleep two adults. There are two flats in the garden of the Mlibizi Lodge on Lake Kariba, both with two separate bathrooms, and both able to house four adults and three children.

Five thatched lodges in the garden of Mlibizi Lodge can accommodate two adults and two children, with ensuite bathroom and veranda. Finally, there is one self-catering ( self-contained ) villa in the garden of the Mlibizi Lodge in Zimbabwe, where 12 to 15 adults can be accommodated. The villa is spacious with two bathrooms, separate toilets, a very large living room, fully equipped kitchen and stone-built braai area.

Chalet attendants are responsible for basic household chores including setting barbecue fires, making the beds and the washing the dishes. One attendant is shared between two chalets.

The little fishing village and boating harbour of Mlibizi lies at the extreme western end of Lake Kariba and is the traditional terminus for the passenger and vehicle ferry service that plies Lake Kariba. Link to Kariba from here on a 22-hour overnight journey Kariba Ferries.

The overnight ferry service which carries vehicles (but has roof space for only three high-roof 4x4s) is a popular way for visitors to traverse the lake to Kariba town from the Hwange/ Victoria Falls area — or vice versa. The ferry runs weekly and sometimes more often during high season periods. It’s advisable to check out their sailing schedule on their website well in advance, and early booking is essential.

The ferry departs at 9.00am but passengers need to embark an hour before this. Some tour operators in Victoria Falls and Hwange offer road transfers to Mlibizi for travellers without a vehicle. However, since the transfer journey is three hours plus long from Vic Falls, unless you want to make an extremely early morning start, it is usually more convenient to stay in Mlibizi the night before the ferry departs to Kariba.

Accommodation in Mlibizi is restricted to a few privately-owned lodges, self-catering houses, a small hotel and a lakeside resort (self-catering chalets and a campsite) next to the ferry terminal. Pontoon-style boats can be hired for fishing at a daily rate.

Life at the Mlibizi Lodge revolves around Lake Kariba, so the main activities are fishing and game viewing. A number of cruises are offered by the Mlibizi Lodge, including early morning, day and evening bird watching trips, as well as half-day and full-day fishing expeditions. The full day trip includes a braai on board. The Mlibizi Lodge also offers a croc watching expedition on Lake Kariba — this trip is done by spotlight and leaves soon after dinner.

The Zambezi is navigable for houseboats and fishing boats upstream from Mlibizi, where the river enters Lake Kariba via the magnificent, steep-sided Devil’s Gorge. There is spectacular cruising and some wonderful overnight mooring spots here and up the Gwayi River which meets the Zambezi just above the Gorge.

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