Overview
A mystic place of superlative proportions, Lake Kariba lies along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. In terms of volume, it is the largest man-made lake in the world, reaching over 140 miles/ 220 kilometers in length. At its widest point, it spans a distance of approximately 25 miles/ 40 kilometers - so that often, gazing over Lake Kariba feels like looking out to sea.
Lake Kariba was created after the completion of the Kariba Dam in 1959. The dam caused the Zambezi River to flood into the Kariba Gorge - a controversial decision that displaced the Batonga tribes living in the valley. The native wildlife was also adversely affected by the sudden loss of habitat, although the damage was somewhat mitigated by Operation Noah. This initiative saved the lives of over 6,000 animals (from dangerous snakes to endangered rhinos), by using boats to rescue them when they became stranded on islands created by the rising floodwaters.
The little town which developed haphazardly on the hills near the site of the massive hydro-electric dam constructed across the Zambezi River in the 1950s, became known as “Kariba”.
The name 'Kariba' is thought to be a corruption of a local word 'Kariva' which means "little trap". It is believed when those who wished to construct the dam wall wanted to explain the nature of the project to the locals, they emphasised that they wanted to build a little water trap-Kariva. However, the complex pronunciation of the 'v' in Kariva saw the Western constructors produce a sound much like a 'b' hence the creation of the word Kariba.
Kariba is now a small and spread-out resort town which is the starting point for tourism activities centered on the lake of the same name.
Access is by air into the town's minor airport (from where transfers can be arranged) or by road via a scenic route through the Zambezi escarpment hills about 4-5 hours' drive from Harare. The distance by road from Lusaka (via either Chirundu or Siavonga) is less, but involves border formalities which can cause delays. It can, however, allow visitors the chance to cross the Zambezi River over the Chirundu Bridge or the awesomely impressive Kariba dam wall.
The Lake's Geography
The lake’s source, the Zambezi River, is the fourth largest river in Africa. Lake Kariba itself plunges to 320 feet/ 97 meters at its deepest point and in total covers over 2,100 square miles/ 5,500 square kilometers. It is estimated that the mass of its water when full exceeds 200 billion tons. Kariba Dam is located at the northeastern end of the lake, and serves as a major source of electric power, both for Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 1967, huge shoals of kapenta (a small, sardine-like fish) were airlifted to Kariba from Lake Tanganyika.
There are several islands in the lake, the best-known of which include Fothergill, Spurwing, Chete, Chikanka and Antelope islands. On the Zimbabwean side of the lake, there are several protected wildlife areas. The ones that most frequently feature on Lake Kariba itineraries are Matusadona National Park, Charara Safari Area and Chete Safari Area.
Biodiversity
Before the gorge was flooded, the land that would become the lake bed was razed, releasing important nutrients into the earth - and later, the lake. This foresight is responsible in large part for the impressive biodiversity of the lake today. Along with the kapenta, several other fish species have been introduced to Lake Kariba: but the most famous of its piscine residents is the mighty tiger fish. An indigenous species, the razor-toothed tigerfish is revered around the world for its strength and ferocity.
These traits make it one of the most sought-after game fish species on the continent.
Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses thrive in the lake. Kariba’s fertile shores and a perennial supply of freshwater also attract a wealth of game animals - including elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah and antelope. The lake is a haven for birdlife, most of which is found along the lake shores and on its islands. Herons, egrets, kingfishers and storks are all commonly seen, while the adjoining parks offer good bush bird and raptor sightings. The air is frequently rent by the soul-shaking call of the African fish eagle.
Activities
Of course, many of Kariba’s top attractions revolve around its wildlife. In particular, tiger fishing is a major draw, and many lodges and houseboats offer dedicated tiger fishing trips and/ or guides. The most established of these will have rods and tackle for rent, but it’s always best to bring your own if you have it. In October, the lake hosts the Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament. Zimbabwe’s record tiger fish was caught at Kariba in 2001, weighing in at a whopping 35.4 pounds/ 16.1 kilograms. Tilapia and bream species complete Kariba’s fishing attractions.
Birding and game-viewing are also popular activities on Lake Kariba. The most rewarding area for safari trips is Matusadona National Park, located on the Zimbabwe side to the west of Kariba Town. This park is home to the Big Five - including rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard. Sailing, motor-boating and various watersports are also allowed on Kariba, while the dam itself is well worth visiting. With a plunging drop into the gorge on one side and the placid waters of the lake on the other, it is as beautiful as it is impressive from an engineering perspective.
Above all though, it is perhaps the lake’s unique scenery for which it is most famous. Drowned trees reach skywards from the depths, their bare limbs painted against the burning blue of the African sky. During the day, the lakescape is a stunning panorama of blue and green, while the sunsets double in beauty when reflected in Kariba’s serene surface. At night, the stars appear in a blaze of glory across the uninterrupted expanse of sky, their fire undimmed by light pollution. From its controversial beginnings, Lake Kariba has become a place of wonder and one of Zimbabwe's top attractions.