Lake Kariba

Enjoy this watery wilderness combining the beauty of Lake Kariba with superb big game sightings in Matusadona National Park.

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Overview

Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe was formed when the Zambezi river was dammed in the late 1950’s. This has brought not only hydroelectricity, but it also created a beautiful lake with wildlife sanctuaries, mesmerizing sunsets and wraparound views. Now Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world - 200km long and 40km at its widest point. This shimmering lake, with its characteristic silhouettes of dead trees, is mezmerising. And the Matusadona Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop. A Lake Kariba safari offers a paradise for photographers, particularly at sunset.

Visitors come to Lake Kariba mainly for the wildlife of the surrounding Matusadona National Park. With the dam. the wildlife has congregated on the southern shores of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park. As before the dam build, they burnt the existing vegetation. This created a layer of fertile soil on both the lake bed and surrounding floodplains. So now the lake has a vibrant ecology with plenty of hippos and crocodiles. Plus the kapenta and tiger fish attract large numbers of fish eagles, cormorants and other birdlife.

A Matusadona safari affords superb game viewing on both land and water.

Elephant, buffalo and black rhino roam in large numbers on the flood plains. (The melodious Matusadona actually means ‘constant dripping of dung’ which refers, rather unmusically, to the huge elephant population!)

Why We Love It

More than 40 species of fish with the most notably the famous fighting tiger fish, makes this a fishing paradise.
The birdlife is excellent due to the diversity of terrain (wooded hills, plateau and lakeshore) and the plentiful fish on offer. There are plenty of African fish eagles with their distinctive haunting call. You may also spot other raptors such as the harrier hawk, martial eagle and bateleur eagle. Many other water birds such as grey heron, open-billed stork, saddle-billed stork, sacred ibis, malachite kingfisher and even flamingos can be seen.

On The Map

When to visit Lake Kariba

Summer in Lake Kariba

Summer is not the ideal time for Lake Kariba and many of the camps close for safari visitors during the summer rainy season. However many lodges stay open and summer is a good time for tiger fishing. And summer is the time for mosquitos so ensure you have taken malaria prophylactics and cover up at night.

AVG RAINFALL 173 mm

MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 88 ℉

MIN TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉

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Autumn in Lake Kariba

This is the start of the safari season in the Matusadona National park which surrounds part of Lake Kariba. The landscape is still green and lush, birding is still excellent. And the sunsets are superb as the skies are clearer. This is still quite a mosquito time of year so ensure you have taken malaria prophylactics and cover up at night. Safari prices are keen during this time.

AVG RAINFALL 59 mm

MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉

MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 62 ℉

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Winter in Lake Kariba

Traditionally this is the best time to visit as the dry season continues. The bush becomes less dense and the animals flock to the lake to drink. The days are sunny and dry and the Malaria risk declines as there are fewer mosquitos around.

AVG RAINFALL 1 mm

MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉

MIN TEMP 11 ℃ / 52 ℉

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Spring in Lake Kariba

It is hot, hot, hot in late September and October prior to the start of the summer rains. October is known as suicide month here! So make sure you are comfortable with heat! Game-viewing remains very good though the very high temperatures in late October make for uncomfortable game-viewing.

AVG RAINFALL 42 mm

MAX TEMP 35 ℃ / 95 ℉

MIN TEMP 23 ℃ / 73 ℉

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Popular tours & safaris

Zimbabwe Safari Explorer

This 12 night safari offers four contrasting scenic areas of Zimbabwe. You begin with Victoria Falls and a private concession by the Zambezi River for some game-viewing by vehicle and boat. Continue ...

WHEN Mar - Aug

DURATION 12 Nights

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Zimbabwe Highlights Safari

The 9 night Zimbabwe Highlights Safari tour is a well-priced safari showing three contrast areas of Zimbabwe. You can choose to add on Cape Town or even Botswana if you wish.

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DURATION 9 Nights

FROM ₤ 4,921

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Accommodation

Changa Safari Camp

Changa Safari Camp lies on the northern shores of Lake Kariba within Matusadona National Park – a wonderful luxurious tented camp for only 16 people. Activities include bush walks, game drives, boat ...

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Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills overlooks Lake Kariba with the awe inspiring Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop. This safari lodge offers various activities including game viewing in open safari vehicles, by boat and on ...

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Fothergill Island

On the shores of Lake Kariba, within the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe, rests the magical oasis of Fothergill. A place where African traditions and fascinating history combine to form a safari ...

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Musango Safari Camp

Musanga Safari Camp is a small, intimate game lodge on its own private island on Lake Kariba overlooking Matusadona National Park. The camp is owner-run by Steve Edwards, one of the finest ...

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Download our What to Wear on Safari Guide

An important part of planning an African safari is deciding what to wear, what to take and what to pack. Get the low-down here. Get our Free Guide here

Experiences To Look Forward To

Tiger Fishing

There are plenty of areas in Zambia and Zimbabwe where you can try your luck at tiger fishing – an adrenalin rush of note! The razor-toothed tiger fish is pound-for-pound one of the world’s most ...

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