The Lion King of the Victoria Falls is a uniquely designed boat built in 2015 and is moored on a private piece of land with a private jetty right at the entrance to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. During the cruise which takes place on the Zambezi River, a mere 5km above the Mighty Victoria Falls, is approximately 2hrs in duration whereby you will have the opportunity to see Hippo, Crocodile, Elephant and many other species of game that come down to the waters edge to drink. For the bird lover, there are a large variety of birds to see on the waters edge like the African Fish Eagle, Egyptian Geese, Giant Heron, the endangered African Skimmer, the elusive and shy African Finfoot, and many other species of birdlife.
Relax whilst sipping away on a variety of local beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks and sampling our scrumptious snacks whilst waiting for a spectacular sunset.
The Hull
The vessel is catamaran hull of the Aqualeisure Class built by Turbo Glass in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 18mts in length and 6mts wide and is powered by 2 x 60hp Mercury 4 Stroke outboard engines. The boat consists of 2 decks and the manufacture specified carrying capacity of 105 passengers in total. The upper deck can carry 25 passengers.
Top deck
The top deck is accessed by one staircase at the rear of the boat. The roof is a solid fiberglass and aluminium structure. This upper deck is smaller than the lower deck.
Construction
The two hulls are made entirely out of fiberglass and wood. Each hull has three watertight compartments that run the length of the hull. Above these is a fiberglass floor. Above this floor are waterproof transverse bulkheads numbering sixteen per hull. Forming the parameter of each bulkhead is an aluminium frame that is part of the superstructure. Each of these waterproof bulkheads has an inspection hatch. The superstructure is made entirely of aluminium with the entire frame welded together. A fiberglass roof is suspended on an aluminium framework
Safety equipment
- 1 x life raft
- 4 x life rings (2 on the lower deck and 2 on the upper deck)
- 50 x life jackets
- 6 x 1kg fire extinguishers
LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILILTY
The Lion King and its agents, act as agents to the company or person making the safari in all matters relating to accommodation, touring and transporting whether by road, rail, aircraft, coach, boat or by any other means. The Lion King shall not be held liable for death, injuries, loss, delay or damage arising from any cause what so ever.
Liability to passengers carried in any vehicle, aircraft or vessel owned by The Lion King is governed by the laws of Zambia in which such safaris take place and all claims are subject to jurisdiction of the courts of Zambia in which causes arise.
The Lion King reserves the right to employ the subcontractors to carry out all or part of the service offered in the event such right being exercised, terms set out above relating to our liability shall apply.
The Lion King or sub-contractors reserve the rights to refuse, accept, or retain any person whose physical or mental health and condition or general attitude that may impede the operation of the safari or welfare and employment of the tour passenger equitable-refund in such cases may be made.
The Lion King recommends that passenger effect separate baggage insurance; for whilst in cases care taken, we cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of personal belonging.
There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide offering good service. However, travellers must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees that private hospitals charge. Should the need arise; immediate casualty evacuation will be to the nearest medical facility in Livingstone.
ALTERATION TO SAFARIS
The Lion King reserves the right to withdraw any safari, eliminate any feature or alter itinerary, should local conditions necessitate in such cases, equivalent value substituted will be offered or proportional refunds to total tour will be made
PARK ENTRY FEES AND LEVY
All clients are required to pay a National Park Entry Fee whether a Zambian Citizen, Resident of Zambia or an International Tourist
All payments are required to be paid before boarding
Exceptions
- Proof in the form of an official Parks receipt valid for that date
- Letter of Exemption on an official ZAWA letterhead
- Proof of residency at any of the specific Lodges or Hotels that are within the National Park Boundaries
Proof of identity
The Lion King Consultants and its Agents reserve the right to ask for Proof of Identity of any passenger on the cruise. This is to confirm Citizenship of Zambia as per regulations set out by the Zambia Wildlife Authority.
TIMES
| WINTER (1st May to 31st August) | PICKUP TIME | CRUISE TIME | DOCKING TIME | DURATION |
| BREAKFAST CRUISE | TBA | |||
| LUNCH CRUISE | TBA | |||
| SINDOWNER CRUISE | 1530hrs | 1600hrs | 1800hrs | 2hrs |
| DINNER CRUISE | ||||
| SUMMER (1st September to 30th April) | PICKUP TIME | CRUISE TIME | DOCKING TIME | DURATION |
| BREAKFAST CRUISE | TBA | |||
| LUNCH CRUISE | TBA | |||
| SINDOWNER CRUISE | 1600hrs | 1630hrs | 1830hrs | 2hrs |
| DINNER CRUISE | TBA |
CURRENCY
The currency unit is the Kwacha, denoted by the symbol K or ZMW. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks, and bureau de changes. Most major international credit cards, such as American express, MasterCard, Visa (and their affiliates), are widely accepted.
The Lion King accepts payment using MasterCard and Visa credit cards
The Lion King shall not be responsible for any bank errors regarding card transactions.
All rates quoted are in United States Dollars.
CLOTHING
For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey / jacket might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrella’s and raincoats are essential for summer (December to April). Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months (June to August).
MALARIA
Zambia in endemic to malaria and it is advisable to apply creams or sprays and or wear long pants and long sleeved tops as a deterrent when going on a cruise.
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO FOOTAGE
Any photograph and or video footage taken on any cruise may be used for advertising purposes.
FOR BOOKINGS & RESERVATION DETAILS
(Landline): +260 312 322 286; +260 213 322 469 / (Mobile): +260 968 971 740; +260 954 447 116
EMAIL: lionking@mukunibig5.co.zm
