Lake Kariba Travel Guide

Dubbed Zambia’s undiscovered Riviera, Lake Kariba is Africa’s largest; and one of the world’s largest human-made reservoirs; (226km long and 40 km wide). It is situated almost halfway between the source and mouth on the mighty Zambezi River, and forms the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Lake Kariba lies about 1300 km upstream from the Indian Ocean and covers a total area of 5,579 sq km. It has a storage capacity of 185 cubic km with a mean depth of 28.5m and maximum depth of 98m.

Lake Kariba

The flourish rich water of the lake have turned it into a great habitant of a number of fish species notably the sardine-like kapenta (this was introduced from Lake Tanganyika), tiger fish and much more species. Thriving commercial fishing activities as well as game fishing are booming at the lake shore. Other inhabitants of Lake Kariba include hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles.
Aside from the water species, Lake Kariba also has numerous islands such as Antelope Island, Bed Island, Chete Island, Maaze Island, Mashape Island, Sampa Karuma, Fothergill Island, Spurwing, Snake Island and Chikanka Island. These islands offer great sites for commercial fishing and holiday relaxing.
Climate
The weather surrounding the lake is characteristically tropical with three distinct seasons – extreme hot dry season ( Late September to November); hot rainy season (Between mid November and late March); and a more traveler-friendly cool dry season (May to Mid August). The surrounding areas experience an annual rainfall averaging between 400mm in the Valley to about 700mm on the plateau. Day time temperatures may rise up to 40°C during the hot months.
Getting There
From Lusaka, take a 2.5 hour drive to Siavonga through the attractive Zambezi Rift Valley to Chirundu and turn right about 18km before the Zimbabwe border. From Harare, take the turnoff to Kariba and cross over the dam wall to Siavonga. You can charter a private aircraft from Harare, the Zimbabwean capital. There is an airstrip at Siavonga. Kariba is a 4.5 hour drive from Harare. For independent travelers, it’s equally fast to connect via the ferry (22 hours) from the Victoria Falls.

kariba-dam

Lake Kariba Safaris
The lake is one of the best safari destinations for memorable unwinding holidays because of its scenic views, striking sunsets, interesting sport fishing activities, sailing excursions and amazing sunrises for sun bathing.

• Sport Fishing particularly on the lower Zambezi River. An annual Tiger Fishing Competition held every May is so prominent down the lake shore at
  

  kariba-safaris

  Sinazongwe.

• Canoe Safaris on the Zambezi
• Photographic safaris at Kariba Dam on the northeastern end of Lake Kariba
• Sailing Excursions to spot the Fish Eagles