Full Steam Ahead for the Southern Belle

The US$1 million-plus refurbishment of Protea Hotel’s latest innovative project, the Southern Belle, has been completed. Bookings have now opened for the maiden Zambian voyage of the old steam-style boat, which was an institution in the waters of Lake Kariba on the Zimbabwe side for more than a decade.

Since the completion of her refurbishment, the Southern Belle, operated by Protea Hotels, has undergone lake trials, all of which have proven incredibly successful. The vessel’s first official voyage takes place on 1 December, and bookings have already begun to pour in for what is sure to be a fantastic experience.
 
“The renovation of the Southern Belle has been a lengthy process, and we’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve managed to execute it timeously and immaculately. Our first series of lake trials have been a great success, and we simply can’t wait to welcome visitors aboard in December,” said Mark O’Donnell, Chairman of Protea Hotels Zambia.
 
His sentiments were echoed by Protea Hospitality Group Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue, Danny Bryer, who said the Southern Belle was a unique addition to the Protea Hotels portfolio. “We are tremendously excited about her maiden voyage and we have no doubt that the Southern Belle will draw leisure and conferencing guests from all over the world.”

Renovations to the vessel have been extensive, but all 22 refurbished en-suite cabins have remained sympathetic to the design elements that make a steam boat classical. Massive interior refurbishments have also taken place, with all the original décor and furnishings being stripped, and the old generators having been replaced with more energy-efficient alternatives, as well as solar energy water heating systems.
 
The newly completed Southern Belle also features a conference room for up to 40 people, a shop, restaurant and bar, and a top deck with bar and a swimming pool. All guests will be welcomed aboard the vessel at the newly completed base station, which features a thatched verandah as well as a secure parking facility.

The Southern Belle will operate from the base station in Manchinchi Bay near Siavonga on Lake Kariba. International guests can fly in to Lusaka International Airport. Should they wish to rest overnight before departing for the lake, travellers are welcomed at the Protea Hotel Cairo Road and Protea Hotel Lusaka. Transfers to the Southern Belle’s base station, about three hours from Lusaka, can be arranged when booking.

O’Donnell said guests could charter the vessel for 1 to 5 nights, depending on group requirements. The Southern Belle would depart from the base station at noon and return at 10am on the final day.