Facts About Kariba Lake Zimbabwe

Facts About Kariba Lake Zimbabwe

Facts About Kariba Lake Zimbabwe. Kariba Lake is a manmade Lake on Zambezi River in Zimbabwe just 1300 kilometers from the Indian Ocean on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The formation of Lake Kariba was started on 1958 and Later in 1963 resulting from the formation of the Kariba Dam. Lake Kariba occupies about 223 square kilometers of Land and is the world’s largest man made lake.

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Filming Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

Kariba town was built as a settlement for people who worked on the Kariba Dam Lake but Later Binga and Mlibizi village in Zimbabwe were set up as settlements for people displaced by the construction of the Dam.

The presence of Lake Kariba is a blessing in disguise with its natural beauties along its banks. This man name Lake has several island dotted in its water including Mashape, Maaze, Chete, snake, Sampa Island and others.

Lake Kariba has a rich fora and fauna and these are supported by the rich nutrients that accumulated from the decomposition of matter during the Lake filing as this created a thick Layer of fertile soil where several plants thrive.  In addition. Several fish species are thriving in Lake Kariba including the famous tiger fish which is one of the indigenous species. Other fish species have been introduced from Lake Tanganyika such as Kapeta.

Lake Kariba is often flocked by a number of birds especially water birds some of which include Cormorants, fish eagle, king fisher, Skimmers and others. Some wild animals may be spotted around the lake sometimes like lions, cheetah, herds of elephants, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, Hippos and others. Contact us for more information.

Brief History Of Kariba Dam

When Kariba Dam construction started, Lake Kariba was filled with water starting in the year 1955 and ended in 1958. By the time of filling water into the manmade lake, it contains a lot of nutrients which are favoring the growth of vegetation around its banks.  After completing the construction of Kariba Dam, it took about 5 more years for it to function since people affected had to be relocated and more than 22000 people were victims. Operation Noah’s Arch under the headship of Rupert Fothergill was done. By the 1960s, some towns in Zimbabwe like Bulawayo, Harare and others were receiving hydro electricity power from this Dam

Both Zimbabwe and Zambia are working on improving the tourism potential around the shores of Lake Kariba. New fish species have over time been introduced into Lake Kariba including Kapeta and others.

What to see and Do Around lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

Sports Fishing

Lake Kariba  has a variety of fish species that can be caught during sports fishing adventures some of which include tiger fish, Kapeta, Cut fish, tilapia and others. You must acquire a fishing permit to engage in this adventure.

At Encounter Africa Safaris we encourage catch and release method for sustainable fish existence in Lake Kariba.

Scenic Viewing around lake Kariba.

The environment around lake Kariba is mind refreshing from the cool breeze off the lake. The chances of spotting different animas that move down the shores to take a bath and cool off the day’s heat are high. The stunning lush evergreen vegetation that shades the shores is unbelievable. The fishing communities living closer to Lake Kariba is welcoming and ready to mingle with strangers. To enjoy the best of your stay around Lake Kariba, you need to plan on what to do in advance.

Game viewings at lake Kariba

The surrounding of Lake Kariba is home to a number of wild animas that feed on the freebies of this lake Shores. Some of the animas you may spot around Lake Kariba include Nile crocodiles, Hippos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, herds of buffaloes and others. The existence of parks like Matusadona National Park where wild animals were moved to after they were relocated as Kariba Dam was under construction in the southern part is a haven to some of these animals. This Park has over the years been affected by poaching vice to the extent that some animal species dramatically reduced in numbers like the back and white rhinos.

The area around Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has be recognized as a recreation Park by Zimbabwe Park and Wildlife estate.

The existence of different vegetation zones around Lake Kariba has been supported by the rich in nutrients water resulting from decomposing matter and regular water supply.

Birding around Lake Kariba

Several bird species find home in the vegetation around Lake Kariba especially those that flock the shores regularly. Some of these birds include fish eagle, fish skimmers, cormorants and others.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Kariba In Zimbabwe

The best time to visit Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe is when you are ready so all year you can plan your safari but the most exciting time is the dry season. Normally the dry season around Lake Kariba is June to September even though some showers may be received.

The water surface on Lake Kariba is calmer and you can take a walk on the beach area of this lake. During a clear sunny day, the water of Lake Kariba is stunningly bright and most of the activities around it are in high gear.

Since less water exists in the habitats around Lake Kariba in the dry season, some animals move down the shoreline to quench thirst and cool off the day’s heat. This gives you a chance to spot the different animals that grace the shoreline. This is peak tourism season of Zimbabwe so more people on holiday may visit the shores of Lake Kariba.

The wet season is also lovely time for visiting Lake Kariba when the water volume tends to increase and the water from the Kariba dam is splashed higher. The vegetation around Lake Kariba is beautiful and thicker since fewer animals feed on it as majority of them are in hiding.

Note that for those wishing to enjoy some quiet time while staying around Lake Kariba, the wet season may provide the perfect environment and time since there are no or fewer people visiting too. Get in touch with us for more information.

How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Lake Kariba In Zimbabwe

In general, the cost of a visit to Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe is packaged according to luxury, mid-range and budget. Items included in the cost of a safari to Lake Kariba vary with activities you wish to engage in,  the type of accommodation to stay at, number of people traveling with and others. before booing the Zimbabwe safari inclusive of a visit to Lake Kariba, you must know what you wish to engage in during the visit.

In case you wish to do sports fishing on Lake Kariba, pay for your fishing permit in advance to avoid last minute panic.

Is it safe to do a safari around Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

A visit to Lake Kariba is safe even though the formation of this Lake results from the construction of Kariba Dam. Even the political atmosphere of Zimbabwe has overtime improved creating a suitable environment to visit the country’s destinations.

It is best to follow the guidelines of activities at Lake Kariba in order not to fall victim. In case you spot wild animals that normally pay a visit to the shoreline of Lake Kariba, keep calm and follow instructions given by the guide and sometimes predators Like Lions, leopards may be spotted.

Is a Safari To Lake Kariba worth the money?

The safari to Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe is worth the money as you get to visit the largest man-made Lake in the world. by engaging in activities around Lake Kariba, you contribute to the revenue sources that support sustainable existence of this Lake and its surroundings. Even the Local people around the Lake get to appreciate the relevancy of the existence of  Lake Kariba in there communities when more people visit.

The beauty of Lake Kariba is extraordinarily amazing with its Lash evergreen surrounding. This gives habitant to several animals that may be seen moving down to quench thirst and enjoy a bath in the Lake waters. The Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba has some of the best views of the shoreline of this Lake and it offer great sunset views.

Can I swim in Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe?

Swimming in Lake Kariba may be unsafe because of the existence of huge Nile crocodiles, hippos, vipers and others. the average depth of Lake Kariba is about 29 meters as the surface area is approximately 5580 square Kilometers, water volume 180 cubic Kilometers

Are Children Allowed To Visit Lake Kariba In Zimbabwe

Children are allowed to visit the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe as long as they are in company of a responsible adult. The environment around Lake Kariba is a great learning destination about the existence of ecosystem and its relevancy to humans. it is best to brief the children about what to expect on this visit to Lake Kariba so that they are not shocked on arrival. Get in touch with us.

How did Lake Kariba get its name?

Locally, the name Kariba is from “Kariva” a Shona word meaning Little trap. It is believed that before the construction of the Kariba Dam on Zambezi River at this point, the River Zambezi was used to go through a narrow bend of approximately 100 meters at this point and as time went by, the river eroded the rocks above leaving an arch that resembled a trapped fish.  It is believed that this is the way the name Kariba came into existence and when Kariba Dam was constructed, the Lake Kariba came into existence and it acquired its name.

What else to see around Lake Kariba?

Matusadona National park

The existence of Matusadona National Park was boosted after wild animals were relocated from the surrounding of Kariba Dam during operation Noah’s arch in 1963. Some of the rescued animals taken to this par included Kudus, impalas, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, buffaloes and others.

Kariba Islands

There are several Islands in Lake Kariba you can visit while on a visit some of which include Sampa Karuma, Antelope Island, Fothergill, Bed Island, Sekula island and others.

Chete Safari Area

Even though it is quite challenging to accesses Chete Safari Areausing a vehicle because of its ragged terrain, this hunting controlled area is worth visiting while on a Zimbabwe trip.To get to this area you can use a boat, vehicle or no a guided foot trek. it is situated close to Matusadona National Park

What To Pack For A Safari To Lake Kariba

• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surrounding of Lake Kariba especially the different land forms around the city.
• Canvas 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 along the way.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zimbabwe is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with the visit.
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sun glasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because Zimbabwe experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Lake Kariba
• Some clothes to wear while traversing Victoria Falls. Be mindful of the culture of the communities in Zimbabwe so that you do not appear to offend them.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency in case you extend your tour to other destinations of Lake Kariba. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you 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 no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are in Lake Kariba in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moment while on a visit to Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

Contact our team for further inquiries.