About Kariba
Zimbabwe's Premier Destination
Kariba is one of Zimbabwe's premier tourist destinations and is famous for exciting wildlife and exceptional fishing. The shorelines vegetation is rich in grassland, natural bush and trees. The high hills of the Matusadona National Park offer a spectacular backdrop to the lake. All these offer numerous opportunities for game viewing, birdwatching or fishing in the prolific waters.
Kariba Dam, constructed in the period 1955 to 1959, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, with a height of 128m and a length of 617m. The dam was constructed on the Zambezi River, at grid reference 28.74778°E and 16.51222°S, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe(called respectively Northern and Southern Rhodesia during the colonial times) and it is jointly owned by the two countries. Kariba was designed as a single-purpose hydropower project, but it turned out both fishery and tourism became important benefits.
One of Zimbabwe's premier tourist destinations
Kariba Dam
A monumental feat of engineering that created one of the largest man-made lakes on the planet.
Constructed between 1955 and 1959, the Kariba Dam stands as one of the greatest engineering achievements in African history. The double-curvature concrete arch dam was built across the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi River, creating a reservoir so vast it can be seen from space. The project required the relocation of the Tonga people and inspired Operation Noah — a legendary wildlife rescue that saved thousands of animals from the rising waters. Today, Kariba Dam continues to generate hydroelectric power for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, while the lake it created has become a world-class destination for fishing, wildlife, and unforgettable houseboat experiences.
Wildlife & Activities
The Matusadona National Park and surrounding waters offer a wealth of experiences for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Game Viewing
The Matusadona National Park is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, and impala. From the water, you can observe these magnificent animals as they come to drink along the shoreline — an unrivalled vantage point that only a houseboat safari can offer.
Bird Watching
Lake Kariba is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 350 recorded species. The iconic African fish eagle is a constant companion, while herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and rare migrants populate the shores and islands. The drowned forests provide exceptional nesting habitats.
Fishing
Kariba is legendary for its tiger fishing — widely regarded as one of the finest freshwater sport fish in the world. The lake also offers excellent bream and vundu fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the thrill of landing a tiger fish is an experience not to be missed.