Lake Kariba is a vast manmade lake stretching for over 5000 square kilometres, and is 220 kilometres long and over 40 kilometres in width. It is one of the largest dams in the world. The dam was constructed on the Zambezi River along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is owned by the two countries. By flooding Kariba Gorge and the Zambezi River between 1958 and 1963, Kariba Lake was born. One of the world’s largest animal rescue attempts took place in the area, under the name “Operation Noah”. The team rescued more than 6,000 animals and relocated them to Matusadona National Park and the surroundings of the lake. The lake generates hydro electric power for both countries and has a very good commercial kapenta fishing industry. The sheer size of it makes it easy to forget it’s a dam and in certain places it almost feels like an ocean. The name “Kariba” is derived for the Tonga word karive, meaning “trap”. It is well named as the river has been trapped by the dam across the gorge.

Lake Kariba is a very popular destination for both locals and tourists. It offers spectacular views, walking safaris, game drives, fishing for the feisty tiger fish, as well as canoeing. This large man-made lake is bordered by some of the finest parks on the planet and offers a remarkable safari and wildlife experience. Around the lake, the healthy populations of hippo and crocodiles dot the waters and the sun-bleached trees that drowned all those years ago are still standing strong, breaking the surface to become birdlife magnets, especially for fish eagles, cormorants and other water birds. Sites to see within Kariba include the dam wall - a feat of engineering.

A particularly atmospheric and beautiful lake, Lake Kariba enchants with spectacular sunsets and dramatic vistas. Most of all, you will remember the smells of Africa. The dust of the day, the moisture of the lake and, most evocative of all, the smell of advancing rain.