THE Zambezi River, a source of pride for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, has many vessels floating on its waters and among them is the magical Zambezi Explorer.
The Zambezi Explorer is one of six vessels that belong to the Zambezi Explorer Cruise Company.
The vessel is as good as it is eye-catching.
The 70-tonner three-deck boat, offers unforgettable experience on the majestic river especially during sunset.
The Patriot Senior Reporter Margaret Mvura (MM) caught up with Zambezi Explorer’s marketing director Charles Chakanya (CC) who gave an insight into the operations of the company and how the new flagship has impacted on the organisation.
MM: How did the Zambezi Explorer Cruise Company come into being?
CC: The idea to form the company came about in 2007 when four tourism-passionate individuals namely Messias Maoneni who is the chief executive officer, Raphael Curiger, chairman, Elizabeth Curiger, operations and myself teamed up to bring the idea to reality.
MM: Most people think in a venture where there are white people, the blacks are just fronts. Are you and Messias the indigenisation part to the equation?
CC: I always try to avoid that question, but all I can say is that the four of us are partners in our right. We have come together to provide a unique Zimbabwean experience for our clients.
MM: The company mid-year introduced a new vessel on the Zambezi waters, how has it been thus far?
CC: We started sailing on the river on June 9 and the introduction of the vessel is meant to give clients a gourmet and therapeutic experience while on board.
MM: What is unique about the Zambezi Explorer?
CC: The vessel was made by GDI at Msasa in Harare. It has a kitchen on board, conference and projector presentation facilities with a carrying capacity of about 150 people.
All its furniture, ranging from the wash sinks to the couches, tables and chairs, tell a Zimbabwean story, a story of the capabilities of our people and our resources.
MM: Can you elaborate?
CC: For example, the wash-sinks are made of stone from Domboshava, while the furniture is from Msasa in Harare.
The hand lotions used on board are from a local company Baobab Products.
And also unique about this vessel is its ability to use renewable energy through the solar panels that are on deck and its four-stroke engine reduces its carbon footprint.
In short the vessel which flies the Zimbabwean flag proudly is locally made and shows off the capacity and strengths of the people of Zimbabwe.
MM: You say the vessel was made in Harare, can you tell us more?
CC: The Zambezi Explorer took 18 months to construct and it took 12 days to transport it to Victoria Falls, passing through various towns showcasing the possibilities and potential that lies in the country.
MM: How much was invested in the project?
CC: We invested at least US$1,5 million and are still counting.
MM: How is the boat operating?
CC: We are providing a two-hour sunset cruise offering a gourmet experience while people enjoy the wildlife along the river course.
There are three decks onboard the Zambezi explorer.
The two lower decks provide a five-star luxury service where guests can choose from an exciting range of beverages and cocktails as well as a selection of delicious snacks.
The ‘Signature Deck’ is the third level and it is pure luxury with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a wide range of premium beverages served from a private bar. Guests can relax in the comfort of the deep set couches and enjoy the extravagance of VIP service.
MM: Which are your major source markets and which months do you peak?
CC: Our clients are mainly from Europe, Asia and South Africa.
The domestic market is mostly made up of corporates.
We have business all year round but in August, December and the Easter holidays we have more bookings.
We also do private functions that see the boat being booked for weddings.
MM: What else can you say about the services the Zambezi Explorer Cruise Company offers?
CC: We provide a selection of teas, coffees and fresh pastries served during the sunrise cruise.
You get to soak up the sounds of the abundant bird life and prepare to capture the ‘liquid gold’ allure of the Zambezi’s waters as the sun rises into the African sky. Guests can ease into the day as the Zambezi wakes up.
For lunch, the boat sails away from the commotion of town to explore the islands above the Victoria Falls.
Those on board get to watch the gigantic crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river, hippos grunting and herds of elephants bathing in the river.
At the end of the day, the Zambezi Explorer sails upstream to celebrate the setting African sun.
This is the epitome of any travels to Victoria Falls.
MM: What is the major expense of the Zambezi Explorer per outing?
CC: Our highest costs are labour and fuel.
The number of waiters and waitresses is never constant as it varies according to the number of people on board.
We employ the best to provide unique and unforgettable meals.
MM: Who is your competition and how are you dealing with it?
CC: Competition is not an issue because we are working with the competition. There is a share for everyone on the Zambezi River.
Zambezi Explorer is a unique product that complements the destination.
It is a feature on the mighty Zambezi River giving a mighty Zambezi experience. We are different altogether and we give the attribute to the Zimbabwean people who are attaching that Zimbabwean philosophy that we are better.
We believe competition is not an issue because we are there to complement the destination.
MM: What has the Zambezi Explorer done in terms of corporate social responsibility?
CC: We are working on a corporate social responsibility policy and currently we are educating the people about the benefits of the Zambezi River in terms of tourism, hydro energy and fish farming.
During our sunset cruises we share information about the river and its impact to those living around and along it because it supports livelihoods upstream and downstream.