ONBOARD ZIMBABWEAN DREAM — In Southern Africa, CroisiEurope offers remarkable safari cruises spanning three countries, across lakes, rivers, waterways and overland adventures. Earlier this year, I experienced this fascinating journey firsthand and returned thoroughly impressed.

Departing from Kasane, a remarkable border town located at the meeting point of four countries – Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – a flight over the African landscape provides a stunning introduction to the region’s geography.

From the air, endless savannahs and forests stretch to the horizon, while the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest river, winds its way for 2,574 kilometres between Zambia and Mozambique.

Although difficult to navigate along its entire length, the river widens dramatically between Zambia and Zimbabwe to form Lake Kariba. Measuring approximately 300 kilometres long and averaging 45 kilometres wide, it is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, covering 5,400 square kilometres. It was created following the construction of a hydroelectric dam in the 1960s.

Today Lake Kariba is an amazing expanse of water framed by mountain peaks and dotted with the trunks and branches of submerged trees, whose twisted white branches create an almost ghostly atmosphere in places.

It is on this enchanting lake that CroisiEurope takes a select group of fortunate passengers each week for an exceptional cruise.

ALL ABOARD

Small yet remarkably open to its surroundings, intimate yet bright, the Zimbabwean Dream (along with sister ship African Dream) accommodates just 16 passengers in eight cabins, including two balcony suites.

Though compact, the cabins are thoughtfully designed and feature king-size beds and full bathrooms with showers. Their standout feature is a large picture window, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the ever-changing scenery and wildlife whenever animals suddenly appear nearby.

Several public spaces onboard invite passengers to immerse themselves in the spectacular natural surroundings. In addition to the fully windowed dining room, the small aft deck offers plenty of space to relax outdoors, even from the hot tub.

For panoramic views of the lake and its abundant wildlife, the sun deck is the ideal spot, furnished with comfortable outdoor sofas, tables, and chairs where guests can sip a chilled rosé while taking in 360-degree vistas.

COMFORT & FINE DINING

As on all CroisiEurope vessels, the chef aboard the Zimbabwean Dream takes pride in preparing refined, flavourful meals throughout the day. A generous buffet breakfast is served each morning, while lunch and dinner are presented as fixed-menu meals.

Wine and standard spirits are included without limit, while guests wishing to enjoy premium vintages can choose from an extensive à la carte wine list available for an additional charge.

True to its reputation, CroisiEurope’s crew is warm, attentive and genuinely friendly. The staff enthusiastically welcomes guests before and after every excursion and concludes the voyage with an excellent performance of traditional songs and dances on the final evening.

As comfortable as the ship is, however, passengers often have little time to enjoy it beyond the evenings, since enriching excursions – already included in the fare – fill both mornings and afternoons.

IN THE HEART OF MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK

Among Africa’s safari destinations, Matusadona National Park is unique. Established in 1975 to provide refuge for animals rescued during the flooding caused by the creation of Lake Kariba, this vast 1,400-square-kilometre sanctuary is home to lions and other big cats, zebras, giraffes, elephants, impalas, kudus, buffalo, waterbucks and many other species, which visitors encounter during game drives or aboard a small pontoon boat.

The boat safaris are especially memorable. Guests weave among the branches of partially submerged trees while spotting countless hippopotamuses and observing wildlife grazing quietly along the shoreline, close enough for excellent viewing without disturbing the animals.

Elsewhere on the lake, crocodiles and hippos are plentiful. The same boat excursions often reveal large reptiles basking on islands or flocks of pelicans gliding overhead, not to mention the extraordinary colours that paint the African sky at cocktail hour.

THE SERENITY OF LAKE KARIBA

For much of the year, particularly during the low season, passengers aboard the Zimbabwean Dream have the lake almost entirely to themselves.

During the January excursions, not a single other safari vehicle, cruise boat or tour group interrupted the peaceful atmosphere in the section of the park where the ship was anchored.

Even during the busy summer season, when roughly twenty cruise vessels operate on the lake, Lake Kariba remains a relatively little-known destination: off the beaten path and, above all, unforgettable.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Safari Cruise Along the Zambezi is a nine-day itinerary that begins in Johannesburg and takes travellers into Zimbabwe through a combination of guided excursions and a lake cruise.

The journey starts with a three-night stay at a lodge in Namibia, featuring both river and land safaris, including excursions into neighbouring Botswana. Guests then board one of CroisiEurope’s intimate luxury ships, the African Dream or the Zimbabwean Dream, for a three-day cruise on Lake Kariba. The trip concludes at Victoria Falls, where travellers have the option of taking a helicopter flight over the spectacular waterfalls.

Travellers from Montreal and Toronto can reach Johannesburg via several major international hubs, including Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. On either the outbound or return journey, eligible passengers can enjoy the airline’s impressive business lounge at Istanbul Airport, take advantage of its stopover program, or participate in complimentary Touristanbulguided city tours. In Istanbul, Turkish Airlines partners with several excellent hotels, including the centrally located Lokalist Hotel, overlooking Taksim Square.

For flights between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, Zimbabwean carrier Fastjet has earned one of the region’s strongest records for on-time performance.

Lead image caption: A spectacular sunset as seen from CroisiEurope’s Zimbabwean Dream (all photos courtesy Gary Lawrence)