MV Makumbi was launched in 1971. It was owned and managed by the Zambia National Tourism Bureau. The luxury river boat (launch) had a 150 capacity and covered five miles on the Zambezi river from Livingstone to neighbouring islands. The cruises lasted an hour and travelled upstream to above Victoria Falls. The “Sundowner Cruise” became extremely popular.
The launch would meet another launch on the Rhodesian side of the river. However, during the Rhodesian Bush War, the course of the cruise was altered to remain close to the Zambian side of the river in order to avoid any potential conflict. The cruise returned to its normal route in 1980 when Zimbabwe achieved independence.
Postcards
1973 – SAPRA Studio (ZNTB Series)
References
- Commonwealth (1973)
- Z. Issues 45-51 (1973)