Spurwing Island Lodge

Situated in the Eastern basin of Lake Kariba, a short hop from Fothergill Island and approximately twenty seven kilometers from Kariba Town and lies within the Matusadona National Park

Situated on Lake Kariba in the middle of one of Africa’s most spectacular lakes, overlooked by the majestic Matusadona Mountains, Lake Kariba accommodation at Spurwing Island Lodge is the perfect place for a tranquil getaway for the wildlife enthusiast, serious fisherman and holiday maker alike.

Facts & Facilities

Spurwing Island is able to cater for a maximum of forty adult guests in three different styles of accommodation. However, for special events more guests can be accommodated with prior arrangement. All rooms have scenic views over Lake Kariba and the Matusadona mountains, with a 'sit for hours' veranda with outside seating. Insect spray, mosquito nets and repellents are provided in the rooms.

The eleven spacious, canvas tents under thatch, have two zipped entrances - one onto a small veranda and the other into an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and washbasin. They are twin bedded with a dressing table; plug sockets (220V AC), pedestal fan and mosquito nets. Two of the tents form a "double tent" which can be used as family accommodation with each side of the tent having its own en-suite facilities.

Six stone under thatch cabins with an en-suite shower, toilet and washbasin house twin beds. Built in cupboards, a dressing table, plug socket (220V AC), ceiling fan and mosquito nets are standard. Optional double bed and/or extra beds for children are available on request. Chairs are placed outside on the veranda once again offering stunning views over Lake Kariba and Matusadona Mountains.

The three chalets are again stone under thatch with an en-suite bath, separate shower, toilet and washbasin. Twin bedded with built in cupboards, a dressing table, comfy chairs, ceiling fan, plug socket (220V AC), and mosquito nets. Optional double bed or extra beds for children. Rooms have French doors which open out onto a veranda, affording views and a cooling breeze off the Lake.

Activities

Spurwing Island is ideally situated to offer a wide range of game viewing activities. Game viewing options available incorporate both water (cruises) and land (walks and drives) activities to ensure that guests have access to some of the finest game and bird viewing in the country.

The Matusadona National Park hosts a healthy population of large predators such as lions, cheetah and leopard, making the sighting of these cats a regular and exciting experience. Matusadona is also an intensive protection zone for the endangered black rhino, and sightings of these rare animals are a treat for the fortunate. Resident in the park is a substantial elephant population ever present on the lake shores, with numbers of other large mammals such as hippo, buffalo, impala, kudu, waterbuck, zebra and baboon also to be found. Linked with these are a host of smaller animals and over 400 species of bird.

Game Drives:

Conducted in purpose built comfortable Land Rovers with each vehicle taking a maximum of seven guests. The game drives leave from Spurwing Island by boat, which transfers the guests to the Matusadona National Park mainland, where they board the vehicles for the game drive

Walking Safaris:

Walks are lead by an armed Professional Guide within the Matusadona National Park. Guests are transferred to the starting point of the walk by boat and/or Land rover. A walking safari provides an excellent opportunity to study nature at "grassroots level" whether it is an interesting insect, tree, bird, spoor, or a close encounter with wildlife. The walk can take a maximum of six guests. Regrettably no children under 16 are allowed on the walks.

Game Cruises:

Early morning and evening cruises along the lake shore by speedboat or covered pontoon adds a new element to the guest's game viewing experience. Unique to Kariba is its forest of 'dead' trees which is home to a wide variety of nesting and roosting birds. Elephants bathing in the bays and inlets are a common sight whilst enjoying a sun downer and panoramic views of the spectacular Kariba sunset.

Sanyati Gorge Scenic Safari:

This is a scenic cruise up the Sanyati River Gorge by speed boat .The Sanyati Gorge, which is directly opposite Spurwing Island, cuts into the Matusadona mountains providing its own dramatic landscape. During the rainy season waterfalls flow in abundance along the course of the gorge, bird life is prolific and some rarities may be seen including the Black Eagle and African Fin foot

Fishing Trips:

Fishing is a popular sport on Kariba and Spurwing Island offers tackle and an experienced coxswain for those who want to try their hand. Fishing trips are offered on a half day basis - departing early morning arriving back in time for lunch, or alternatively departing after lunch arriving back just after sunset. Guests may bring their own boats.

The Tiger Fish, a fierce, fresh-water game fish, offers a thrill to those who manage to land them. The Kariba Bream, which is an excellent eating fish, is a challenge to the keen fisherman. Your catch will be prepared by Spurwing's chefs on your request, or frozen if you would like to take them home.

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