Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is one of Zimbabwe's (and Zambia's) best-kept secrets; the lake's vastness creates spectacular panoramas as the sun casts its glow across the shimmering waters catching the distinctive half-submerged trees and islands.

Kariba is not as popular as it should be; this has always confused us as wildlife and birdlife are excellent, especially around the Matusadona National Park and the Chete Safari Area.

Lake Kariba Facts

Size: 290km long, 32km at its widest, and has a minimum depth of 120metres
Location: Northern Zimbabwe
When to visit the park: Year-round
Altitude: 500m
Accommodation: Lake Kariba Lodges

Where is Lake Kariba located?

An easy question to answer, Lake Kariba is located on the north-western border of Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River and Kariba form the borders between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Click here to see the location for yourself on Google maps; Google Maps - Lake Kariba

Best Time to Visit Lake Kariba?

The Lake is a year-round destination when it comes to visiting. Summers are hot with rainfall, while winters are mild and dry.

Information On Lake Kariba

Visit the second-largest man-made dam in the world, Kariba, for game viewing, birding, photography, fishing and houseboat cruises.

The Lake (which is actually a dam) is 290km long, 32km at its widest and has a minimum depth of 120metres and was opened by the Queen Mother in 1960.

Lake Kariba's dam wall contains over a million cubic metres of concrete and 11 000 tones of steel and stands 126 metres high, and it took 10 000 men four years to build. The Dam wall is a spectacular sight in itself and can be photographed and visited by going through the Zimbabwean border post near the town of Kariba.

Main Attractions Of Lake Kariba

Kariba dam wall
Fishing
House Boats
Wildlife
Birdlife
Photography
Sunsets
Matusadona National Park
Chete Safari Area
Surrounding panoramas

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge set high on the cliffs overlooking the Save River and the fabled Gonarezhou National Park. Gonarezhou is 'big game country' in a region of Zimbabwe that is as wild as one can get. Wildlife here includes all the cats, rhino, buffalo and elephants to mention but a few.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Ilala Lodge

The perfect base for exploring all that Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and the Zambezi National Park has to offer, 73 spacious rooms and suites all offer up the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The ideal options for honeymoons, couples and families alike.
Ilala Lodge
Chikwenya Camp

Chikwenya Camp is located at the confluence of the Sapi River and the Zambezi River, on the eastern border of the world heritage Mana Pools National Park. The Lodge enjoys an exclusive 7000-acre lease of pristine lower Zambezi floodplain and some 5km of river frontage.
Chikwenya Camp
Zambezi Expeditions Camp

Zambezi Expeditions Camp, a semi-mobile camp is a fantastic option for exploring and experiencing all that is on offer within Mana Pools. It is a camp aimed squarely at those who want and need to get away from the modern world.
Zambezi Expeditions Camp
Deka Camp

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary safari experience? Look no further than Deka Camp! Situated in a private concession within Hwange National Park. With incredible wildlife sightings and night drives available, you will most certainly be captivated by this stunning safari destination. So discover the magic of Deka Camp today!
Deka Camp
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Along with a strong focus on complete relaxation, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge features the natural wonders of Kariba. Having the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, the lodge overlooks the foreshore below and the vastness associated with Lake Kariba.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge