Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba

Africa's Inland Sea - One of the World's Largest Man-Made Lakes

5,580 km² Surface Area
220km Long
World-Class Fishing

Discover Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is one of the world's largest man-made lakes, stretching over 220 kilometers along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Created in the late 1950s by the damming of the Zambezi River, this magnificent inland sea has become one of Southern Africa's premier holiday destinations.

The lake's vast expanse of water, dotted with drowned trees and surrounded by rugged mountains, creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape. Spectacular sunsets paint the sky in brilliant oranges and reds, while the still waters reflect the changing colors in a mesmerizing display.

Lake Kariba is renowned for its excellent tiger fishing, houseboat holidays, and abundant wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, and other game can often be seen along the shoreline, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit the waters. The lake also supports a thriving fishing industry and provides hydroelectric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Whether you're seeking adventure on the water, relaxation on a houseboat, or the thrill of landing a tiger fish, Lake Kariba offers an unforgettable African experience in a stunning natural setting.

Wildlife at Lake Kariba
Houseboat on Lake Kariba
Tiger Fishing
Kariba Sunset

What to Expect at Lake Kariba

From houseboat adventures to world-class fishing, discover the magic of Africa's inland sea

Houseboat Holidays

Experience the ultimate relaxation on a fully-equipped houseboat. Cruise the lake at your leisure, anchor in secluded bays, and enjoy stunning sunsets from your private deck.

Tiger Fishing

Lake Kariba is world-famous for tiger fishing. These fierce fighters provide an exhilarating angling experience. The lake also offers excellent bream and chessa fishing.

Wildlife Viewing

Spot elephants, buffalo, and antelope along the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are common in the waters, while fish eagles soar overhead.

Spectacular Sunsets

Kariba is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Watch the sky transform into brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple as the sun sets over the water.

Water Sports

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing on the calm waters. The lake offers perfect conditions for various water-based activities.

Photography Paradise

Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and the iconic drowned trees. The ever-changing light creates perfect conditions for photography enthusiasts.

Essential Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

May to October (dry season) offers the best weather and wildlife viewing. Tiger fishing is excellent from September to December.

Getting There

Kariba town is accessible by road from Harare (365km) or by air with regular flights. The journey offers scenic views of the escarpment.

What to Pack

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light clothing, swimwear, fishing gear (if you have your own), binoculars, and camera equipment.

Health & Safety

Kariba is a malaria area - take prophylaxis. Avoid swimming due to crocodiles and hippos. Always follow safety guidelines on boats.

Accommodation

Options range from luxury lodges and houseboats to budget-friendly campsites. Houseboats can be self-catered or fully catered.

Activities

Book fishing trips, sunset cruises, and game drives in advance. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages with activities included.

Lake Kariba Packages

Choose from our carefully crafted packages for an unforgettable Kariba experience

Filter by Package Type

Kariba Houseboat Weekend
Weekend
$390pp

Ref: AVR-WKD-002

Kariba Houseboat Weekend

2 Days / 1 Night

Perfect for couples

Package Includes

Houseboat AccommodationSunset CruiseFishing EquipmentAll MealsFuel
Tiger Fishing Adventure
$650pp

Ref: AVR-KRB-001

Tiger Fishing Adventure

3 Days / 2 Nights

Expert fishing guides

Package Includes

Lodge AccommodationGuided Fishing TripsAll EquipmentAll MealsBoat Transfers
Kariba Family Getaway
Family
$1,200pp

Ref: AVR-FAM-007

Kariba Family Getaway

4 Days / 3 Nights

Family-friendly

Package Includes

Houseboat for 6 PeopleWater Sports EquipmentSunset CruisesAll MealsActivities
Luxury Kariba Escape
Luxury
$1,850pp

Ref: AVR-LUX-008

Luxury Kariba Escape

5 Days / 4 Nights

5-star luxury

Package Includes

Luxury LodgePrivate Boat TripsSpa TreatmentsGourmet MealsGame Drives
Kariba Fishing Safari
$2,400pp

Ref: AVR-KRB-002

Kariba Fishing Safari

4 Days / 3 Nights

Extended fishing time

Package Includes

Houseboat AccommodationDaily Fishing TripsProfessional GuideAll EquipmentAll Meals
Kariba Wildlife & Water
Extended
$980pp

Ref: AVR-EXT-004

Kariba Wildlife & Water

4 Days / 3 Nights

Wildlife viewing

Package Includes

Lodge AccommodationBoat SafarisGame DrivesSunset CruisesAll Meals
Kariba Day Trip
Day Trip
$180pp

Ref: AVR-DAY-001

Kariba Day Trip

1 Day

Perfect day trip

Package Includes

Boat CruiseLunchFishing Try-outWildlife ViewingTransfers
Kariba Sunset Romance
Honeymoon
$850pp

Ref: AVR-HON-011

Kariba Sunset Romance

3 Days / 2 Nights

Honeymoon special

Package Includes

Luxury HouseboatChampagne SunsetsRomantic DinnersCouples SpaPrivate Cruises
Kariba & Mana Pools Combo
Multi-Dest
$3,200pp

Ref: AVR-CMB-010

Kariba & Mana Pools Combo

4 Days / 3 Nights

Two destinations

Package Includes

Kariba HouseboatMana Pools SafariAll TransfersAll ActivitiesAll Meals

Most visitors combine this with Victoria Falls (4 hrs by road)

Also popular: Hwange · 3 hrs by road

Plan Combined Trip
Things To Do

Activities in Kariba

Curated experiences hand-picked by our local guides

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Kariba Tiger Fishing
4.82
Fishing & Boating

Kariba Tiger Fishing

Full DayFrom 10+
From

$110

Looking for a place to stay in Kariba?

Browse verified lodges, camps & villas filtered just for this destination

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Getting There & Around

Transfers to & from Kariba

Private, door-to-door transfers — no waiting, no sharing

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Harare to Victoria FallsMost Booked
4.9
Inter-City

Harare to Victoria Falls

Harare → Vic Falls

9–10 hrsUp to 6 pax
From

$420

per vehicle
Victoria Falls Airport TransferSuperhost
4.9
Airport Pickup

Victoria Falls Airport Transfer

VFA Airport → Town

20 minUp to 4 pax
From

$35

per vehicle
Victoria Falls to ChobeStaff Pick
4.8
Cross-Border

Victoria Falls to Chobe

Vic Falls → Chobe

1.5 hrsUp to 4 pax
From

$110

per vehicle
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