Protea Hotel Southern Belle

The Boat

The Southern Belle is one of the largest houseboats in Southern Africa located on Lake Kariba, Zambia, which is the largest artificial lake in the world. It is located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Lake Kariba is over 220 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers in width. It covers an area of 5,580 square kilometers. The lake is home to several islands, including Maaze, Mashape, Chete, Sekula, Sampa Karuma, Fothergill, Spurwing, Snake, Antelope and Bed Island.

The Southern Belle has three decks offering 21 en-suite cabins as well as a  conference room for up to 30 people, lobby, sundry shop, restaurant and bar, top deck with bar and a swimming pool. Ideal for both leisure and business cruises with spectacular views, stunning sunsets as well as a range of activities or wonderful relaxing holidays just soaking up the sunshine.

Each of the 21 cabins are en suite with a modern light and airy feel. Each cabin offers satellite television and air conditioning.
The three decks offer comfortable and spacious public areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The Southern Belle offers the ideal venue to appreciate Lake Kariba’s well renowned sun sets and star gazing.
The conference room with its private verandah offers a unique experience and an alternative venue for corporate retreats and conferences.

Features

The interior refurbishment has been extensive, with all the original décor and furnishings having been stripped, and the old generators having been replaced with more energy-efficient alternatives, as well as solar energy water heating systems.

For your comfort and recreation there is a dining room, bar, sundry shop, spacious lounge with dance floor, splash pool, conference room and a games deck with a bar. You can always find a private space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The first deck contains a splash pool with lounge area on the front outdoor deck, inside the first deck contains a spacious lounge with a dance floor, reception, sundry shop and open plan bar area as well as a separate dining room. The second deck contains the cabins and the third deck contains another spacious seating area with a bar and a braai area as well as the conference room and Presidential Suite.

The conference room can seat up to 30 people classroom style and 20 people in a “U” shape set up. The conference room has its own private verandah ideal for tea breaks.Hire of the conference room includes writing pads, pens, mints, cordials, water, white boards, soft boards, screen, markers, flipcharts, paper and data projector.

Location

Lake Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It is unique and wild, surrounded by African bush and terrain. It is located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Lake Kariba is over 226 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers in width. It covers an area of 5,580 square kilometers.

GPS Coordinates: 16°55’27.68”S 27°57’58.71”E

Attractions

Activities off board:
Fishing: The Southern Belle has three tender boats to ensure the fishing enthusiast’s gain access to some of the best fishing areas on the lake. Lake Kariba is renowned for tiger fishing.

• Cultural Tour:
• GUESTS will be taken to a village to interact with the locals and experience their way of life.
  Bush Walk: Some of the nearby islands offer great bush walks and trekking.

• Activities on board:
• The time spent on board during the day is really a relaxing interval between the morning and afternoon off board activities, while the evenings are an opportunity to sample good food, fine wine while recalling the day’s adventures.

Cabins

All 21 en-suite cabins have been retained and renovated in a modern contemporary style, while remaining sympathetic to the design elements that make a steam boat classical. The Southern Belle has also been brought up to standard in terms of safety.
The décor provides a light and airy feel to the cabin with modern wooden flooring and soothing colours.

1 Presidential Cabin
Consists of 1 double bed, en suite, air conditioned, private balcony, outward facing.
Room can accommodate 2 people.

4 Suites
Consists of 1 double bed, en suite, air conditioned, outward facing.
Room can accommodate 2 people.

10 Double Cabins
Consists of 1 double bed, en suite, air conditioned, outward facing.
Room can accommodate 2 people.

4 Twin Cabins
Consists of 2 single beds, en suite and air conditioned.
Room can accommodate 2 people.

2 Triple Cabins
Consists of 3 single beds, en suite and air conditioned.
Room can accommodate 3 people.

Schedule

The Southern Belle is located in Manchinchi Bay near Siavonga on Lake Kariba. Siavonga is an approximate 2 ½ hours drive from Lusaka.

The Southern Belle is available for full charter bookings. Individual bookings are available on selected dates only.

• Charter Cruises
• Charter packages are available from one night up to five night cruises with the possibility of additional nights. Charter cruises can be tailored to suit the group’s needs.
• Charter rate: USD 7500 / ZMW 37 500.00

Reservations can be made online as well as through the Central Reservations Office in Zambia:
Tel: +260 211 254 605
Email: reservations@proteahotels.co.zm

Reservations can also be made directly with the reservations TEAM at Protea Hotel Southern Belle:
Tel: +260 211 511 639
Email: reservations@phsouthernbelle.co.zm

We have two sets of rates and dates available for 2013. Click on the below links to view departure date details.

1. Non Cruise with Sundowner - Bookable with the hotel DIRECTLY
2. Cruise Weekends

A minimum of 5 cabins or more need to be booked in order for the boat to set sail for both the non cruise with Sundowner and set cruise weekends.

PLEASE NOTE: NON CRUISE RATES ARE NOT BOOKABLE ONLINE. NON CRUISE RATES ARE TO BE BOOKED WITH THE HOTEL DIRECTLY.

Non Cruise dates are available on the Bed and Breakfast rates only. Non Cruise is when the boat is stationery at the base station. The boat will however go for a sundowner cruise from 16:30hrs to 18:00hrs.

Cruise weekend rates include bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.