Kariba

Kariba is a resort town on the shores of Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made lake by volume. The town was built to house workers constructing the Kariba Dam (completed 1959), which created the lake. Today Kariba is a popular holiday destination for Zimbabweans and international visitors, offering houseboating, sport fishing, and game viewing. The lake's shoreline borders Matusadona National Park, one of Zimbabwe's most scenic wildlife areas.

By Plane

Kariba Airport (KAB) receives charter and scheduled flights from Harare and Victoria Falls.

By Car / Road

Kariba is 280 km north-west of Harare (4 hours) via Chinhoyi and the Makuti turn-off. The road is tarred. Minibus kombis from Harare reach Kariba.

The town is small and walkable along the lakeshore. Houseboat charters include transport on the lake. Taxis are available for local trips.

• Lake Kariba: The vast lake, 280 km long and up to 60 m deep.

• Kariba Dam: The massive hydroelectric dam wall on the Zambezi River.

• Matusadona National Park: Game viewing on the lake's southern shore.

• Houseboat cruise: Multi-day houseboating with fishing, swimming, and game viewing.

• Tiger fishing: Lake Kariba is one of Africa's premier tiger-fishing destinations.

• Game viewing in Matusadona: Accessible by boat from Kariba.

• Dam tour: Visit the Kariba Dam wall.

• Kariba Breezers restaurant: Lake views and fresh fish.
• Cutty Sark Hotel: Restaurant and bar on the lake.
• Lakeview Lodge: Coffee shop and light meals.

Bottled water is recommended. Bars at hotels and lodges.

• Budget: Kariba Rest Camp (US$20–40 camping/rooms).
• Mid-range: Cutty Sark Hotel (US$60–100), Kariba Safari Lodge (US$80–130).
• Upscale: Houseboats (US$200–500 per person per night for a full charter).
• Luxury: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (US$400+).

Kariba town has supermarkets, marine supply shops, and craft stalls.

• Matusadona National Park (30 km west by boat) — wildlife viewing.
• Mana Pools National Park (150 km east, 3 hours by road) — Unesco World Heritage site.
• Kariba Dam / Zambia (adjacent) — border crossing.
• Chirundu (120 km east, 2 hours) — border with Zambia.