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
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Along with a strong focus on complete relaxation, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge features the natural wonders of Lake Kariba.
Having the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge overlooks the foreshore below and the vastness associated with Lake Kariba.
- Victoria Falls Hotel
The famed Victoria Falls Hotel, "the grand old lady of the Falls", renowned for impeccable service, luxurious accommodation and exceptional facilities is without question one of the best options for anyone looking for 5-star accommodation.
- Matetsi Victoria Falls
Matetsi Victoria Falls, an exclusive, private and luxurious option when looking for a safari experience on the upper Zambezi River in Zimbabwe offers exceptional wildlife encounters, unparalleled river experiences, world-class cuisine and the utmost in luxury.
When it comes to luxurious safari lodges in Zimbabwe, very few can match or come close to Matetsi.
- The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is located within the Victoria Falls National Park and is within a 10-minute drive of the Falls themselves.
An emphasis on exclusivity and privacy all the while surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife.
- Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge and Little Gorges lodge are built on top 200-metre high cliffs above the Zambezi River below, offering guests a more idyllic and peaceful experience away from the busyness surrounding the Falls and the town.
One of the betters safari lodges for those looking for a bit more of a safari experience.
- Ingwe Pan Camp
Ingwe Pan Camp is a short 30-minute game drive away from both the Zambezi River and the famed Mana floodplain.
The camp is located on the edge of a secluded pan (namely Ingwe Pan) surrounded by pristine bushveld and amazing wildlife, all within the Mana Pools National Park.