DELEGATES attending the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly will be in for a treat when the Zambezi Explorer boat hosts one of the conferences and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls.
Report by Melissa Mpofu
Zimbabwe and Zambia will co-host the 20th session of the UNWTO general assembly from August 24 to August 29 in Victoria Falls and Livingstone respectively, with delegates expected to land in the two countries in a few weeks.
On June 9 this year, the Zambezi River welcomed a new and big baby on the waters, the Zambezi Explorer.
Over 1 000 people have already had an opportunity to sample the boat which is located upstream from the Victoria Falls at the Explorers’ Jetty.
Zambezi Explorer marketing director Charles Chakanya said they were ready to host UNWTO delegates.
“We are ready for the UNWTO delegates and we have a lot in store for them. We will take the UNWTO delegates for a sunset cruise on our boat and one of their conferences will be held on our boat,” said Chakanya.
He added that the conference would be world class as the boat has cordless microphones, free wi-fi, projectors and a PA system for the convenience of delegates.
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I had to be part of the water based tourism fun and decided to cruise on the boat last weekend when I was in the resort town for the Econet Vic Falls Marathon. The boat is just spectacular and when you see it, all you can say is wow!
Built for the modern traveller with an environmental conscience, the Zambezi Explorer has minimal carbon emission. All of the vessel’s on-board facilities run exclusively on solar energy, making for a sublimely therapeutic cruising experience.
Upon entering, you are welcomed by a glass of ice tea while light music is played on board. The boat has three decks.
It features two five-star luxury lower decks which serve delectable snacks, an exciting range of beverages and cocktails during the two-hour promenade. A third level, the Signature deck, is deliberately conceived for the sophisticated world traveller.
Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and selected premium beverages are served in the comfort of custom-made couches and ottomans.
The décor on the boat is well thought out, borrowing from the subtle hues of the Zambezi River, and the tranquil tapestry of colour inspired by the African sky. In brief, Zambezi Explorer showcases a futuristic imagination.
The entire 30m2 roof of the Zambezi Explorer is carpeted with an intricate network of photovoltaic cells, capturing precious solar energy which powers the vessels lighting and on-board electrical requirements.
Two 4-stroke engines quietly propel the vessel.
There are several options when it comes to exploring the river. The pre-dawn sunrise cruise lets you soak up the sounds of the abundant bird life as the sun rises into the African sky, all the while enjoying a spread of freshly baked croissants and tea or coffee.
The cruise focuses on the serenity of the river, the lifting fog and the prolific birdlife.
The lunch cruise boasts a scrumptious lunch alongside gigantic crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river, pods of hippo grunting and herds of elephants bathing in the river.
The boat sails away from the hub of town to course the islands above the Victoria Falls. You can treat your palate to tasty dishes prepared alfresco by the highly innovative chefs.
At the end of the day, the Zambezi Explorer sails upstream to celebrate the setting of the African sun alongside hippos, elephants and the many animals that come to the river for their daily sundowner. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets.
The perfect way to round off your day is with a candlelit dinner accompanied by the ambient sounds of the African night. One can enjoy their five star meal with their favourite wine on the dinner cruise.
With a capacity of 150 seats, the Zambezi Explorer is ideal for both leisure and corporate events where either the entire craft or individual decks may be privatised for exclusive functions or product launches. From board meetings to leisure travel, the Zambezi Explorer can meet and be tailor-made to the needs of any traveller.
For bookings and reservations, contact Charles Chakanya on +263 134 2475 or send an email to [email protected] or visit their website www.zambeziexplorer.com or Facebook page: Zambezi Explorer and Twitter at ExplorerZambezi.
