An Inland Sea of Adventure, Wildlife & History
Imagine having an entire houseboat to yourselves, waking up on an inland sea, fishing for tiger fish before breakfast, watching elephants along the shoreline and ending the day beneath a spectacular African sunset.
Welcome to Lake Kariba – where family time meets wild adventure.
YOUR OWN FLOATING AFRICAN ADVENTURE
One of the most memorable ways to experience Kariba is through exclusive-use houseboat charter.
With the boat, crew and tender boats dedicated entirely to your family or group, days can unfold at your own pace. Swim in designated areas, try your hand at tiger fishing, head out on wildlife excursions, explore quiet bays, enjoy sundowners on deck or simply relax as the vast Zambezi landscape drifts by.
For families, it is the perfect combination of adventure and downtime – and there is something wonderfully special about having your own floating base in the middle of the wilderness.
WHAT TO DO ON LAKE KARIBA
• Exclusive-use houseboat cruises
• Tiger fishing
• Game viewing by tender boat
• Sunrise and sunset cruises
• Birdwatching and photography
• Swimming and relaxing on board
• Beach barbecues and sundowners
• Visit a local fishing village
• Game drives and walking experiences in Matusadona National Park
THE STORY BEHIND THE LAKE
Kariba wasn’t always a lake.
In the 1950s, the Zambezi flowed through the dramatic Kariba Gorge. The decision to harness the river for hydroelectric power resulted in one of the great engineering projects of the era. Construction of the dam began in 1956, and the first stage was completed in 1959.
The project was also an international financial undertaking. The World Bank provided an US$80 million loan, while the Commonwealth Development Corporation contributed £15 million and the Commonwealth Development Finance Company a further £3 million. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland also provided substantial funding. (World Bank)
The dam transformed the region’s power infrastructure – but its creation also had a profound human cost. Approximately 57,000 Tonga people were relocated as the Zambezi Valley was flooded, making their story an essential part of Kariba’s history. (World Bank)
AND THEN CAME OPERATION NOAH
As the waters rose, thousands of animals became stranded on islands and higher ground. Operation Noah was launched to rescue them, with around 6,000 animals eventually brought to safety.
Today, the wildlife and wilderness around Kariba are an enduring part of the remarkable story of how this enormous lake came to be.
PAIR KARIBA WITH VICTORIA FALLS
Kariba works beautifully as part of a Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe safari itinerary.
After the exhilaration of Victoria Falls, slow the pace down with several nights on the lake. It creates a lovely contrast: the energy and adventure of the Falls followed by sun-drenched days, wildlife and complete relaxation on your own private houseboat.
For families and multigenerational groups, the combination offers two very different sides of Zimbabwe – from one of the world’s great natural wonders to an unforgettable African escape on the water.
CONSIDERATION FOR INTERGENERATIONAL GROUPS
For larger families or groups, there are excellent exclusive-use options. For example, a luxury houseboat accommodates up to 28 guests in en-suite, air-conditioned cabins, including dedicated family cabins, and has a pool, spacious decks and tender boats for fishing, game viewing and sunset cruises.
MORE THAN A LAKE
Lake Kariba is a destination where the journey becomes the experience.
Wildlife. Water. History. Adventure. Family time.
And perhaps best of all, nowhere to be at a particular time.
Our Top Tip: Charter a houseboat exclusively for your family or group and let the days unfold around the rhythm of the lake – with a Victoria Falls adventure on either side.
Speak to an Into Africa travel professional for more information on Lake Kariba.