Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba Overview

Kariba is famous for its houseboats. These fully equipped and catered boats cruise the lake, mooring in secluded bays in game rich areas. Small tender boats go out at dawn and dusk for game cruises and fishing.

Fishing is a very popular pastime. The annual Tiger Fishing Tournament, running since 1962, attracts many local, regional and international teams. Bream are another favourite species with sport fishermen.

Catamaran sail safaris are available along the shoreline between Kariba and Matusadona National Park. Sunset and day cruises are available from both Kariba and Binga.

The luxury lodges and camps along the southern shoreline offer the total safari experience with game drives, boat cruises, game walks and fishing.

Highlights & Places in Lake Kariba

The lake’s western town of Kariba grew as a direct result of the dam’s construction and is still mainly a service centre for the lake’s safari and houseboat industry. There are some good hotels with great lake views situated on the shoreline.

Further east is the Matusadona National Park, which was the main lakeside location for the animals rescued when the lake started filling. There is a very healthy lion and buffalo population here and a small but increasing number of rhino. Bordering this are some excellent lodges and camps.

The town of Binga in the west is Kariba’s smaller cousin. Houseboat and fishing safaris can also be arranged from here.  

Best Time to Visit Lake Kariba

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Lake Kariba

Air Zimbabwe goes through stages of flying into Kariba Town airport. Solenta Air operates scheduled 12 seater flights from Harare to Kariba and then onto Bumi Hills, Hwange and Victoria Falls. There are other airstrips at Fothergill, Gache-Gache, Makuti, and Tashinga.

Kariba town is accessed via Makuti which is on the Harare, Chirundu road. Binga in the west is accessed via a road 50 kilometres east of Hwange town. There is a dirt road that connects Binga to Kariba, which has often appalling side roads to Cheta, Matusadona and Gache-Gache.

Getting Around Lake Kariba

The easiest way to explore the lake is by boat as the road that joins Kariba and Binga is average at best. The side-roads branching down to the various lake areas are often atrocious. Houseboats can be hired from Kariba or Binga whilst sailing safaris are based in Kariba. The lakeside Lodges provide both air and boat transfers.

If you have your own boat then you have the freedom of the lake. Small boats with crew can be hired from Kariba.

Lake Kariba Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
Kariba and Binga both have banks and ATMs, although if visiting Binga it is best to bring sufficient cash with you as this service is not always reliable.

Forex/Money:
The banks and Bureau de Changes in Kariba can change money. Again this service is not so reliable in Binga.

Credit/Debit cards:
Kariba hotels and upmarket shops will accept credit and debit cards but their use shouldn’t be relied upon in Binga.

Internet availability:
There is internet in various places in Kariba and most of the lakeside lodges offer some form of internet services.

Drinking water:
Kariba and Binga town municipal water is treated. Lodges along the lake shore pump water from the lake or boreholes. Bottled water is available throughout.

Hospitals & Medical:
Kariba has a small but adequate hospital but in an emergency it will be necessary to travel to Harare. Binga‘s hospital is more basic with Bulawayo providing the closest emergency medical care.

Zimbabwe Visa Requirements:
Most Nationals require a single entry visa which costs $30, a double entry is $45. Britain and Irelands single entry is $55, double is $70 and a multiple $90. Canadian single entry is $75. A double or multiple needs to be obtained from your local embassy prior to departure 

Lake Kariba Map