10 Mar 2015

A tour operator in Kasane, Flame of Africa, has set the bar high for operators in the tourism industry by introducing a floating restaurant on the Chobe River.

Dubbed, The Raft, the floating restaurant located between Namibia and Botswana is an experience that a number of tourist long for. To reach The Raft, one can use a boat, which takes less than 10 minutes from the Botswana side.

Flame of Africa Manager, Thatayaone Gabaitsiwe said in an interview that The Raft was hundred per cent owned by Batswana and that they started operating last year September. Even though they are currently in the low season they (Flame of Africa) still have a large number of guests booking with them. “One does not have to use their passport to visit or place a booking,” he says.

Gabaitsiwe explains that all the material used to bring this extraordinary idea to life is recycled from the remains of a lodge on the Namibian side. “We used scrap metal to make the stove, scrap wood to make the floor and part of the roofing,” he adds.

Gabaitsiwe says that the secluded area allows guests to experience the tranquil environment. “We have had a number of honeymooners and couples visiting our restaurant,” he adds.
Furthermore, he says during the dry season one may be fortunate to witness elephants and buffaloes swimming across the river.

He mentions that bird watchers are always mesmerised by the number of birds that can be seen on the Sedudu Island which is a stone’s throw away from the restaurant.

The Raft can hold up to 64 clients, this is achieved simply because of the seven tanks that keep the figure afloat and three anchors that prevent the restaurant from being carried off by the river’s current. Currently, four employees are responsible for catering to customer needs.

The Raft Chef, Matildah Nealishebo says that they normally ululate when the guest arrive, and when they leave.

]She also mentions that orders are made the day before. “We purchase all our ingredients in Kasane and prepare the food at Chobe Villa’s on the Namibian side, except for the meat which is prepared on The Raft according to an individual’s preference,” notes Nealishebo.

Nealishebo continues to say that The Raft only provides lunch at the moment. “We provide lunch but we have had to turn down a number of request for dinner, this is due the fact that the government of Botswana does not allow boats to move during the evening and night and the Chobe National Park, which one has to move through to reach The Raft, closes at 6pm” notes Nealishebo.

She says that their menu consists of baked potatoes, roasted butternut, two salads, garlic bread, chicken, beef, sausage and desert. “We do take special orders especially if they are for traditional cuisines,” mentions Nealishebo. ENDS