ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

enter image description here

Lake Kariba is landlocked Zimbabwe’s answer to the seaside: a massive manmade lake that provides a magical combination of water and wildlife.

Situated in the country’s north and sharing a border with Zambia, Lake Kariba is best explored by a slow cruise on a houseboat over a few days.

Whiling away hours watching birds, hippos, and crocodiles from the deck couldn’t be more relaxing.

Still, you can also spend your days on smaller tender boats or canoes fishing and spotting wildlife in Matusadona National Park on the lake’s shores.

Highlights

Cruising Lake Kariba on a houseboat is one of Zimbabwe’s top experiences. Spending a few days on a houseboat safari is the perfect way to unwind and soak up the magic of this vast watery wilderness and its beautiful islands.

Matusadona National Park lies on the southern shores of Lake Kariba, and it’s the perfect place for a Big Five safari.

The park is also ideal for a birding safari as it is home to the rare roan and sable antelope and 240 species of birds (herons and Saddlebill storks are particular highlights).

enter image description here

A highlight of visiting Kariba is the water-based game-viewing safari you can do from the lake in small boats or canoes, which allows you to get thrillingly close to elephants and other animals.

enter image description here

Fishing for Tigerfish and Bream is another big lake attraction, and there’s an international tiger fishing tournament held here each October. Houseboat safaris offer fishing trips, or you can book a specific fishing safari.

Practical Advice

June to October is the best time to visit Lake Kariba for wildlife viewing, but be aware that September and October are scorching months.

Don’t be tempted to swim in the lake, and be careful when fishing on the shoreline because of the threat of crocodiles.

Malaria is present in Lake Kariba, and the risk of contraction is highest during the rainy months from November to April – take the necessary precautions.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Two safaris in South Africa with specialists Discover Africa

4-Day Madikwe Safari Review

Dr David R Rose, France
01 Mar 2023
Perfection!

Flights over Zimbabwe Safari Review

Terri, United States
16 Jan 2023
The greatest experience we've had using an agency!

4 Day Luxury Timbavati Safari Review

Colleen Klush, United States
27 Dec 2022
We had the most wonderful time, and it was just – a...

Namibia Safari Review

Andreas, Germany
31 Aug 2022
Quick to respond and easy to talk with!

Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Review

Riley, Canada
26 Aug 2022
Worked very hard to fulfill all my requirements and more!

Southern African Adventure

Cassie, Canada
16 Oct 2017

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Vihann Van Wyk, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe | Last Updated: 29 September 2023