Lake Kariba
When the Kariba Dam closed the Zambezi gorge in the late 1950s, the river backed up into a lake 280 kilometres long – by volume one of the largest reservoirs on Earth. Today Lake Kariba, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, is where locals and visitors alike go to slow down, making it the most relaxing of Zimbabwe tourist attractions.
The flooding of the valley displaced tens of thousands of Tonga people from their ancestral homes along the river, and it also stranded wildlife on shrinking islands. Between 1958 and 1964, a rescue mission known as Operation Noah, led by the game ranger Rupert Fothergill, saved thousands of animals, from elephants to snakes, and carried them to the mainland. Tonga legend tells of Nyami Nyami, the river god whose anger was blamed for the floods that twice damaged the dam during construction.
Why visit Lake Kariba?
Ghostly trunks of drowned trees rise from the water while elephants, buffalo and hippos graze along the shore. Houseboat holidays, world-class tigerfish angling and blazing sunsets complete the picture.
The lake's southern shore is lined with protected areas, including Matusadona National Park and several safari areas, so wildlife viewing from the water is excellent. Watching elephants swim between islands, fish eagles swooping for prey and the kapenta fishing fleet heading out at dusk with its lights glittering on the water are among the lake's most memorable sights.
Getting there and around
Kariba town, at the eastern end, is about 365 kilometres north-west of Harare via Chinhoyi; charter flights also serve it. On the water you travel by houseboat, speedboat or the Kariba–Mlibizi ferry. Overland, the lake is part of the 22-day tour of Zimbabwe from Harare, which also takes in Mana Pools.
The ferry between Kariba and Mlibizi, near the western end of the lake, takes around 22 hours and links the area with Hwange and Victoria Falls, though its schedule should be checked well in advance. Kariba town itself is spread across hills overlooking the water, so a vehicle is useful for getting between the harbours, viewpoints and hotels.
Highlights not to miss
- Houseboat cruise: Several days among remote bays and islands, with fishing, game viewing and sundowners on deck.
- Matusadona National Park: Lions, elephants and buffalo on the shoreline, with mountains rising behind.
- Tiger fishing: Especially during the October tournament, one of the largest freshwater fishing competitions in Africa.
- Kariba Dam wall: The 128-metre barrier that created the lake, best seen from the viewpoint above the gorge.
- Operation Noah Monument: A memorial to the wildlife rescue, with sweeping views over the lake.
Practical tips
Never swim – crocodiles and hippos are common – and use strong sun protection, as the water intensifies the glare.
Houseboats range from simple self-catering vessels to fully crewed luxury boats, so check what is included before booking. Fishing permits are required and are usually arranged by your boat operator or lodge.
Best time to visit
May to October brings calm water and shoreline game; October and November are scorching but prime for tigerfish.
The rainy season from December to March brings dramatic storms and strong winds that can make the open water rough, though the landscape turns a vivid green.
Accommodation and food
Houseboats of every size, lakeshore lodges and Matusadona safari camps are all available. Try freshly caught bream or kapenta, the lake's tiny sardine-like fish.
Kapenta was introduced from Lake Tanganyika in the 1960s and now supports an important fishing industry; dried kapenta is a staple across Zimbabwe and Zambia.
How does it compare to other Zimbabwe tourist attractions?
Hwange means game drives and Victoria Falls means adrenaline; Kariba is unhurried life on the water.
It combines naturally with Mana Pools National Park downstream, a UNESCO-listed wilderness famous for walking safaris along the Zambezi.
In summary
Three or four nights on a houseboat is the best way to fall under the lake's spell.
