F
E A T U R E
By Ant Williams
Osprey Houseboat - Lake Kariba
O
ver the years, we have published several accounts of
the kind sponsorship of houseboats for the enjoyment
of the residents at Sunningdale Old Age Home in
Chinhoyi. One of the craft they have experienced has been the
Osprey owned and operated by Kariba Houseboat Cruises. At
28m in length (90ft), she is spacious and safe when cruising
Kariba. The opportunity for many of these people to see Kariba
from the water is a first time event, while for others, it is a
gentle walk down memory lane, but for most, their reduced
mobility can make such a cruise daunting. I was very interested
then, when the owners of Osprey invited me to test the recently
completed modifications to the boat, making her wheelchair
friendly.
Osprey has 12 cabins and is rated to sleep up to 26 pax. She
is ideal for entertaining large group reunions, serious fishing
trips, with “after wedding” parties being very popular. In spite of
her size, small group bookings are encouraged too as evidenced
by their pricing structure. Kariba Houseboat Cruises have used
her for day and sundowner cruises entertaining up to 60 guests
on board for the afternoon, while she has also been the venue
for on-board weddings. Due to her width (nearly nine metres),
she boasts considerable space not normally found on smaller
houseboats and an amazing five bathrooms each with shower
(with two 150l solar geysers with 220v back-up elements),
toilets and hand basins... no queues for amenities on this craft.
Sitting at the Harbor View Cafe overlooking Andora Harbor
where Osprey is moored, I asked owner Keith Balantyne why
the modifications to her had been made. “I’m probably going
to need a wheelchair myself one day!” he joked. But more
seriously, his experiences with the old age home and disabled
people had shown that very few craft on Kariba are adequately
equipped for their needs, and given Osprey’s ample size, she
could easily be modified. Converting the back section of the top
deck with an additional four bedrooms - two of which are now
easily accessed with a wheelchair - he also added a separate
wheelchair friendly shower/toilet with hospital style grab rails
P a g e 10
Osprey with her swimming cage lowered. Fitted with bench
seats, the cage could probably accommodate everyone on the
boat, and well safe from crocs and the like.
conveniently placed next to the shower and toilet to assist
in using these facilities, and a purpose made and adjustable
shower chair to complete the facility. Consulting with a friend
whose father was wheelchair bound for many years, Keith was
also able to fine tune other aspects of the boat. The top deck
toilet has been heightened to suit those moving in and out of a
wheelchair, while a ramp and winch system easily and safely
All cabins are open sided with a private view over the lake.
Two of the up-stairs cabins are open on two sides, giving
great ventilation as well as views.
Email [email protected], [email protected]
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