About Kariba dam in Zambia

About Kariba Dam in Zambia

Kariba Dam on River Zambezi is a project that serves Zambia and Zimbabwe. This arch dam was formed from a double curvature concrete on Kariba Gorge. The Kariba Dam stands 128 meters tall and 579 meters long. The Dam holds about 185 cubic kilometers of water and has an extension of 280 kilometers. The construction of Kariba Dam started in 1955 to 1959 but improvements have been done over the years based on the level of electricity demand.

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Filming the Kariba Dam

The Kariba Dam was constructed to generate hydroelectricity power for Northern Rhodesia then which is currently Zambia and Zimbabwe. At the moment, the Kariba dam generates about 1626 Mega Watts distributed to the different power stations of each country with one on the northern side and another on the southern side.

After the construction of this arch dam Kariba Dam, the largest lake in the world was formed that is Lake Kariba. The Dam is jointly operated by both Zambia and Zimbabwe through the Zambezi River Authority.

During the construction of Kariba Dam, the locals living closer to the dam had to be resettled in order to create space for reservoirs. Some of the affected people were the Tongan people. To date the people who were displaced from there homes along the Zambezi River are still home less and are living in quite unprivileged life.

The construction of Kariba dams led to the introduction of modern technology in Zambia and Zambezi like the blondin’ cables used to airlift construction materials like concrete. It is an aerial route way used in slating stone quarries. These have a resemblance with the modern day cable cars used to carry heavy materials to the dam construction site.

Who Constructed The Kariba Dam In Zambia?

The Kariba Dam in Zambia was jointly constructed by the Federation of Rhodesia which was part of the British empire and Nyasaland. Northern Rhodesia had a plan in early 1953 to construct a dam on Kafue River which was closer to the copper belt but this was latter watered down. Over the years, other dams have been built on River Kague that is Kafue Gorge Upper Dam, Kafue River lower Dam and Itezihi Tezhi Dam.

What Happened To the People Displaced During the construction of Kariba Dam?

The Tonga people who lives along the Zambezi River were displaced during the construction of Kariba dam in order to expand the reservoirs. These were meagerly compensated and up to today some still face the after effects of this eviction.

The then government tried to revert the life of the displaced Tonga people in the most cost effective way by teaching them new agricultural method, hilly land was designed into contours to guard against erosion. The locals were taught how to plant cash crops like bananas, lemons, oranges vegetables and others. Some of these would be sold through cooperatives as this was one of the ways to find joint market.

 In 2002 the Basilwizi trust was formed to try improving the lives of the local people affected by this project to make there lives better. Through this trust, the affected people especially those in the Zambezi Velley are helped to improve there lives in conjunction with there country’s decisions making programs. Get in touch with us.

 What Happened To The Flora And Flora Affected By The Building Kariba Dam?

Before starting the Kariba Dam construction project in 1958 to 1961, the then colonial government of Northern Rhodesia conducted the Operation Noah’s where more than 6000 wild animals were resettled so that they are not affected by the rising Lake water.

Recent Updates on Kariba Dam

After completing the construction of Kariba Dam, the Hydroelectricity power generated was used in the mining of copper and distributed throughout the then Northern Rhodesia but over time, due to increase in demand for power and natural causes like over flooding after long rainy seasons, some refurbishing was required.

In February 2008, due to the rise in water level, floodgates were opened in 2010 around Kariba Dam which displaces more than 130000 people. In 2014 Zambezi River Authority was organised by engineers and in this, the possibility of Kariba Dam failure was part of the discussion.

In February 2022, refurbishing of Kariba Dam where more plunge pools and spill gates were to be rehabilitated. The work of revamping Kariba Dam is still going on until about 2025.

How To Get To Kariba Dam in Zambia?

From Lusaka capital of Zambia, it takes about 3 hours to get to Kariba Dam excluding stops. Do not expect a smooth ride because the roads are quite bumpy and some parts are dusty or may get slippery especially during the severe rainy seasons. It is best to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle during the drive to Kariba Dam.

The distance to cover from Lusaka to Kariba Dam is about 192 kilometers.

 In case you use a charter flight, it takes about 40 minutes.

 Accommodation To Use On A Tour To Kariba Dam In Zambia

Making memories during a safari in Zambia is one of the goals every tourist would desire to achieve but where you spend your nights speaks volumes to this. Accommodations to stay at during a safari to Kariba Dam are categorized into upmarket, mid-range and budget.

Accommodation Close to Kariba Dam in Zambia: Lake Safari Lodge, Eagles Rest Lodge, Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower, Tag Pamodzi Lusaka, Radisson Blue Hotel Lusaka, Chita Lodge and Resort Lusaka, Kaliyangile Guest House, Southern Sun Ridgeway Lusaka and others.

What Activities to Do Close to Kariba Dam?

Sight Seeing  around  Lake Kariba

From the banks of Lake Kariba, you enjoy the stunning view of its surroundings and the amazing infrastructure built around this very old Dam. The look of this Kariba Dam keeps you wondering about the type of technology used by the engineers who set it up. The banks of Lake Kariba are often visited by flocks of various bird species.

The surrounding green lush vegetation is eye captivating and a plethora of water birds love spending their time in this forested area.

Lake Kariba is the largest manmade lake in Africa and the second largest in the world. it banks are often flooded by several water birds, there are hippo and crocodiles too. You may arrange a special boat trip on Lake Kariba to enjoy the cool breeze off this freshwater lake.

 Visit the Victoria Falls

The majestic look of Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders that the world celebrates. This curtain of water that flows down the gorge is mesmerizing and eye captivating. During the dry season when the water is calm, you may be allowed to move closer to the edge of the falls but this must be carefully done due to the strong water currencies. In case you have high anxiety levels, it is better not to attempt this daring activity.

Community visit

The local communities around Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls are friendly to strangers but you must be ready to respect there norms. You may take a community visit to learn more about there daily life and engage in some, where possible.

Sport Fishing

You may get the opportunity to catch the largest fish on Lake Kariba but you need to make advance arrangements and carry own fishing equipment

Is Kariba Dam Safe For a Visit

Visiting Kariba Dam is safe as long as you follow the guidelines of visitors to this Dam. Note that Kariba Dam although under rehabilitation it still has some fragile areas and so many no go zones. Do not walk around the dam without supervision.

Can Kids Visit Kariba dam in Zambia?

Children are allowed to visit the Kariba dam in Zambia as long as they are with a parent or Guardian. Children are very inquisitive and sometimes may not care about the consequences of their actions so try not to let them out of your sight.

The velocity of the water at the Victoria Falls may stimulate some adrenaline so ensure you take children through what to expect on the visit to the falls. Contact us.

When is the best time to Plan a Safari To Kariba Dam in Zambia?

 All activities around Kariba Dam are open all year around no matter season. During the dry season that is May to September water on River Zambezi is calm as long as the winds are also calm. While at the Victoria Falls the water sparkles and on a clear sunny day a rainbow may form right before your eyes.

The dry season is the peak tourism season of Zambia so expect high demand and more tourists on the ground with whom to share your Zambian Safari experience. Demand for Logistics that support the tour in Zambia is high creating last minute scarcity on logistics like accommodation, vehicle hire to mention but a few.

The wet season that is normally December to April may receive less demand for Safari to Zambia but is also interesting for those visiting the Kariba Dam. You may get the opportunity to witness how flooded water is dealt with at this Dam. The water flowing at Victoria Falls is dirtier and flows at a high volume. Expect less obstruction from other tourists during the low season and it may be an opportunity for those who are budget conscious to visit Zambia. Contact us.

How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Kariba Dam In Zambia?

The cost of safari to Kariba Dam in Zambia varies with items included in the package. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we cost our safaris according to Luxury, Mid-range and Budget. To cost the Zambia safari, some of the factors we consider include accommodation, transport, number of people traveling, time of booking, number of days on safari, additional Zambia Safari activities and others.

In case you have to pay park entrance fees, the cost cuts across all packages as this is one way to support park maintenance. For vehicle hire before the Zambia Safari, it is better to purchase a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle because of the still poor road network especially in the countryside.

Our experienced and knowledgeable tour consultants are always ready to work with you to draft and confirm the safari package according to your needs, interests and budget. We freely do help our clients with more information about the different safari destinations in Africa when requested.

What To Pack For Zambia Safari To Kariba Dam?

• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look at the surroundings of Kariba Dam
• Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zambia experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zambia
• Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case your one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zambia there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

Contact us for more information.