Lake Kariba, located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, stands as one of Southern Africa’s most extraordinary destinations. Forming roughly a third of the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south, its waters swell the narrow gorges of the Zambezi - one of Africa’s greatest rivers. It was created by damming the Zambezi River in the Kariba Gorge, where the river narrows between hills of hard rock 250 miles (400 km) below Victoria Falls.
Many describe Lake Kariba as Zambia’s hidden Riveira! This man-made lake boasts beautiful vistas and gorgeous sunsets. Visitors to its calming shores are often mesmerized by the tranquility of the area, falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves and waking to the rustle of leaves as elephants feed from its trees. For Lake Kariba has also developed a reputation as one of Africa’s most unusual safari destinations, with the chance to spot iconic species from both land and water. Lake Kariba is a popular fishing destination for avid and novice fishermen. This destination offers an opportunity for the African eco-tourism enthusiast to take advantage of the beauty, abundant fishing and photography opportunities that this lake offers. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars and your camera.
Lake Kariba is well-known for its spectacular and mesmerizing sunsets, wildlife-rich shorelines and incredible fishing opportunities.
Lake Kariba from Kariba Heights
Key Facts About Lake Kariba
Here are some key facts about Lake Kariba:
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- Lake Kariba is the world's largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume.
- It lies 1,300 kilometres (810 mi) upstream from the mouth of the Zambezi river on the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Kariba covers an area of 5500 km2 and extends for another 280km.
- Lake Kariba is over 223 kilometres (139 miles) long and up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in width.
- It covers an area of 5,580 square kilometres (2,150 square miles) and its storage capacity is 185 cubic kilometres (44 cubic miles).
- The mean depth of the lake is 29 metres (95 feet); the maximum depth is 97 metres (318 feet).
- Its depth is irregular (295 feet [90 meters] near the dam), and its full capacity is 146,415,000 acre-feet (180,600,000,000 cubic meters).
The Kariba Dam
Lake Kariba was created in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the construction of Kariba Dam across the Zambezi. The primary aim was to provide a source of hydroelectric power for industry on both sides of the Zambia-Zimbabwe border (then an internal border of the British Empire between Northern and Southern Rhodesia). Its capacity is not only centered on tourism but extends to supplying hydroelectric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. After 1960 the hydroelectric facilities of the Kariba Dam served the towns of Zambia, the Harare (formerly Salisbury) and Bulawayo areas, and the southern part of Zimbabwe.Such was its importance at the time that its inauguration was attended by the Queen Mother of Great Britain.
Kariba Dam is made up of a double arch wall. The Kariba Dam consists of a double-arch wall. Kariba Dam rises to a height of 420 feet, the equivalent of a 39-story building. Its arching form has a total length of almost 2,000 feet or a third of a mile. The dam cost a total of $480m, and very sadly, the lives of 86 construction workers.
- The chief designer of the Kariba Dam Wall, Andre Coyne, was a well-known French engineer and inventor.
- It took up to three years for the dam wall to be completed.
- The leading designer was called Andre Coyne. He was a renowned French engineer and inventor. André Coyne, a French engineer conceptualised and designed Lake Kariba.
Construction on Lake Kariba began in the early 1950s out of the necessity to generate hydroelectric energy for Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kariba was designed and conceptualized by a French engineer named André Coyne, who is a renowned “arch dam” specialist.
The story of how Lake Kariba came to be, is an interesting one which we would love to share with you. The lake shelters an area of 5500 square kilometers, and it spreads for an additional 280km.
How Zimbabwe Kariba Dam was built and the myths behind the stories🇿🇼
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Relocation and Controversy
Due to the construction of the dam, the surrounding areas would be flooded. This in turn would be catastrophic resulting in the loss of habitat for both humans and animals. The construction of the dam meant that the surrounding areas would be flooded. This would result in the loss of habitat for both humans and wildlife.
The rising waters resulted in the displacement and forced resettlement of an estimated 57,000 Batonga people. The matter was resolved in 1951. During the construction period, there was a massive forced relocation operation by the Rhodesia Nyasaland federation. This moved 22,000 into Zimbabwe, and 35,000 people into Zambia.
As a precautionary measure, the Tongan tribes of the Gwembe Valley were relocated. This relocation was negotiated based on the economic benefit for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. As a precautionary measure, the Tongan tribes of the Gwembe Valley were relocated. This relocation was negotiated on the basis of the economic benefit for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Ultimately, the concept of Lake Kariba had become a topic of controversy. The construction of Kariba was a very controversial topic, especially since the local people believed that the dam’s construction would anger the Zambezi River god, Nyami Nyami. Always revering the river, the Basilwizi believed that construction of Kariba Dam would anger the river god Nyaminyami. The BaTonga people believe the construction of the Kariba Dam greatly insulted Nyami Nyami. The construction separated him from his wife.
To this day, it is believed that Nyami Nyami lives under a rock close to the Lake Kariba dam wall. The rock has been named “Kariwa“ meaning to trap. To this day, it is believed that Nyami Nyami lives under a rock close to the Lake Kariba dam wall. The rock has been named “Kariwa“, which means to trap. Kariwa is the Shona word for ‘little trap,’ which some suggest is the origins of the name Kariba. Locals have warned that canoeing past this location can be fatal. The locals have warned that canoeing past this location can be fatal. After the Dam construction was complete the Tonga believe that Nyami Nyami left the world of men. The BaTonga people believe the quakes are Nyami Nyami trying to see his wife.
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Nyami Nyami
Wildlife Rescue: Operation Noah
It wasn’t only human populations which were permanently displaced by the creation of Lake Kariba. Not only did the Tongan tribe lose their land as a result of Kariba’s construction, but the wildlife in the surrounding areas lost their habitats as well. The region’s wildlife also found itself at risk. As the waters rose, many species instinctively sought the perceived safety of higher ground.
This ultimately led to a major project to relocate larger species before they drowned. Thousands of wild animals fled, in search of higher ground away from the powerful body of water. It was described by the media of the time as a ‘silent SOS’ and ‘animal Dunkirk,’ a reference to the evacuation of British troops from the French town during the Second World War.
Operation Noah was a 5-year liberation operation. Operation Noah was led by a South African-born senior game warden called Rupert Bellamy Fothergill. It successfully relocated more than 6,000 wild animals. A similar operation would eventually begin on the Zambian side of the lake too. Medium-sized animals such as antelope were generally caught by stringing camouflaged nets across the islands, before tying their legs with nylon stockings to prevent them injuring themselves. Ropes were found to be too rough. Other animals, including buffalo calves, were wrestled to the ground by hand. Venomous snakes included deadly black mambas were caught using adapted fishing rods and pillowcases, while the pioneering use of tranquilizer darts helped with the rescue of 43 rhino and many adult buffalo.
Thanks to Fothergill’s efforts, it’s still possible to see species as diverse as Nile crocodiles, hippos, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, Cape buffalo, antelope, cormorants, and fish eagles.
Seismic Activity
Between 1958 and 1963, the sheer weight of the water filling the Kariba dam caused more than 20 earthquakes. Between 1958 and 1963 the sheer weight of water filling the Kariba dam instigated more than 20 earthquakes.
Lake Kariba Today
Since its completion in 1959, Lake Kariba has provided a wide range of benefits to the people of Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as visitors from across the world. The history of Lake Kariba is riddled with historic mythology and is described by locals as a spiritually powerful body of water that is revered and respected by the locals of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Towns Around Lake Kariba
Towns around Lake Kariba on the Zimbabwean side are Binga, Victoria Falls, and Hwange. Today, the Basilwizi are most likely to be encountered in Kariba town, a major settlement close to the dam wall on the lake’s eastern end in Zimbabwe. At the other end of the lake, Zimbabwe’s Binga Village is another place to meet with the Basilwizi. In Zambia, head to Chirundu town, 50 miles east of the dam.
Climate and Weather
The climate around Lake Kariba is generally warm throughout the year. Kariba weather is most favorable during the dry winter season. The weather is mild and dry from late April through early August. The weather is perfect, with sunny days and mild evenings. The sky is clear and sunny, and the risk of rain is quite low.
During the months of September, October, and November, Lake Kariba experiences temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius. The water tends to be rough as well. August through November is a fantastic time of year for game viewing since the bush is dry, allowing for better visibility. The hot, dry season is also high season, which means that many travelers will flock to the region.
Afternoon thundershowers and high humidity are hallmarks of the rainy season, which typically lasts from November through April. In between the rains, there is generally a nice, sunny day. Watching the massive clouds and rumbling thunderstorms as they form over the enormous lake is breathtaking. The lush vegetation thrives in the much-needed rain, which turns the bush green and dense quickly. At this time of year, the plains games give birth to their young, which is a beautiful sight in itself. Seasonal birding is at its peak, with an abundance of birds and ducks.
While the local rains have little effect on the lake’s level, it will begin to increase once the Zambezi headwaters, which originate in northern Zambia, arrive in March.
Wildlife and Activities
The banks of the rivers that flow from the Zimbabwe Highlands, such as from the Chizerira National Park provide wonderful viewing of the wildlife. Just about anywhere alongside the shore of the lake, you can see wild animals. Visitors enjoy a wide range of Lake Kariba activities. Enjoy an array of activities excellent fishing, boating and water sports.
Lake Kariba is the habitat of several fish species including the famous Tiger fish, Tilapia Bream, Vundu fish, and Nkupe. The Squeaker fish, locally known as the Korokoro fish, is an interesting oddity to catch. Lake Kariba is home to some fantastic fish species including the famous Tiger fish, Tilapia Bream, Catfish and the mighty Vundu.
Lodges and Camps
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is strategically situated on a range of remote hills in one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness locations. With the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, this haven of pure serenity overlooks the glistening waters of Lake Kariba. Not only is the Kariba shoreline teeming with wildlife, but the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows for other species of wildlife to move freely between the national park and Bumi Hills’ private concession. Wildlife may easily roam between the national park and Bumi Hill’s private concession, making for limitless game-viewing possibilities with the help of our knowledgeable guides. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts ten spacious suites which are tastefully appointed to provide you with the best views and a truly exclusive experience. Each suite offers to air-condition, an en-suite bathroom, hairdryers, battery charging points, a well-stocked minibar and a private viewing deck boasting the most magnificent views of Lake Kariba. The Baobab Villa, is a 2-bedroomed private villa, complete with its own living room bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks is ideal for families.
Changa Safari Camp is perfectly located on nearly 4 kilometres of prime lakeshore frontage on the world’s largest man-made lake: Lake Kariba.
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