
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
- Verney's Camp
Verney's Camp is a private concession area in a remote and wild area of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Watch as elephants play at the waterhole nearby, and enjoy plenty of peace and quiet in this remote corner of Zimbabwe. Come discover why Hwange Verney's Camp is one of the most highly acclaimed safari destinations in Africa!
- Somalisa Camp
Nestled in the breathtaking Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. This award-winning camp combines luxury with a genuine bush experience, providing guests with an intimate connection to the wildlife surrounding them.
With its stunning tented suites, each offering a unique vantage point of the park's diverse ecosystem, Somalisa Camp is perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation of Africa’s natural beauty.
- 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.
Chikwenya Camp enjoys an exclusive 7000-acre lease of pristine lower Zambezi floodplain and some 5km of river frontage.
- Deka Camp
Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary safari experience when visiting Zimbabwe? 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 in the Hwange today!
- Ilala Lodge
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure. This charming boutique hotel is ideally situated for guests eager to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the nearby falls, just a short stroll away.
With exceptional amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, welcoming bar, and the opportunity to experience the stunning Zambezi River through a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane, Ilala Lodge is the ultimate retreat for families and adventurers alike.
- Kanga Camp
Kanga Camp, a seasonal safari camp located in a completely untouched wilderness paradise, offers guests a remote and wild safari experience overlooking the Kanga Pan in the Mana Pools National Park.
A small and intimate safari experience awaits all that visit with game drives and walking safaris.