Lake Kariba has become famous for boating, fishing (particularly tiger fishing), and game viewing. This is the home of house-boating.
Lake Kariba is situated in the northwest of Zimbabwe and was constructed between 1955 and 1959. It was for many years the largest man-made lake in the world. It is approximately 7770 km2 and holds about a million gallons of water! The dam wall links Zimbabwe with Zambia.
Fishing for tiger fish and bream is another big attraction of the lake. There’s an international tiger fishing tournament held here each October. Houseboats offer fishing trips, or you can book a specific fishing safari. Cruising Lake Kariba on a houseboat is one of Zimbabwe’s top experiences.
Elephants and Hippos at Changa
The Matusadona National Park is located on the southern shores of Lake Kariba. It has the “Big 5′, as well as the rare roan and sable antelope. Herds of up to 1000 buffalo and many other wild animals come to the shoreline in the dry weather. The bird life is fantastic. There are about 240 species of birds – herons and Saddlebill storks are particular highlights. There are several lodges and resorts here.
Pied Kingfisher and Lilac Breasted Roller
The famous Kariba sunsets are not only romantic but will take your breath away. As you stand in awe and watch the sun get swallowed by the famed Zambezi River. With over 55 islands in the lake, Kariba is the ideal place to get away from it all and relax.
Best time to visit and tiger fish on Lake Kariba
The area generally has hot summers averaging 38 degrees Celsius and an average rainfall of 660 millimeters. The winters are usually warm with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
The best time for tiger fishing in Lake Kariba is September to February. With the ultimate time of year being between October and November.This is also the best weather. The annual Kariba International Tiger Fishing Tournament is held in October every year.
Getting to Lake Kariba/Matusadona National Park
Kariba is four and half hours by tarred road (365km) from Harare Lusaka airport in Zambia is a 2.5 hr drive on a tarred road A tarred road from Kariba via Zambia to Livingstone is about an 8 hour journey The Kariba car ferry, which sails the length of Kariba to Mlibizi. The journey takes approximately 22 hours.
