Where the Zambezi was dammed in 1959, Lake Kariba was born—five thousand square kilometres of inland sea. It is the world's largest man-made lake by volume, and its shores teem with wildlife. Elephants wade into the shallows at Matusadona National Park, hippos cluster in bays by the hundred, and crocodiles bask on sandbanks. Houseboats glide across mirror-calm waters at dawn, offering front-row seats to one of Africa's most spectacular sunsets. Tiger fishing, game drives, and walking safaris complete the Kariba experience.
The great inland sea of Africa — drifting past elephant-lined shores as the sun sinks behind the Matusadona. We place you aboard the finest houseboats and intimate camps, time your cruises for the legendary Kariba sunsets, and pair tiger-fishing and Matusadona game drives with the quiet the lake is loved for. Every evening is composed for the light you came to see.
At a glance, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia spans 5,580 km², elephants, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, protected since 1959 — and the best time to be here is typically May-October (dry season).
Houseboat Safari
Multi-day floating lodge experience with onboard chef and game viewing
- Guide
- Park fees
- Refreshments
Why Go
- World's largest man-made lake by volume
- Houseboat safaris on calm waters
- Matusadona National Park wildlife
- Legendary tiger fishing
- Spectacular African sunsets
- 4,000+ hippos and vast crocodile populations
The Animals of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Here is what the guiding team looks for on a typical few days in the bush.
African Elephant.
Hippopotamus.
Nile Crocodile.
African Fish Eagle.
Tigerfish.
Cape Buffalo.
Lion.
Leopard.
On Safari: What to Do
Houseboat Safari
2-3 hours · Wildlife
Multi-day floating lodge experience with onboard chef and game viewing
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
Tiger Fishing
Half-day · Adventure
Sport fishing for tigerfish, bream, and vundu catfish
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
Sunset Cruises
Full day · Cultural
Evening boat cruises with sundowners and wildlife viewing
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
Matusadona Game Drives
3-4 hours · Nature Walk
Land-based safaris for elephant, buffalo, and lion
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
Walking Safaris
1-2 hours · Game Drive
Guided bush walks along the shoreline
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
Canoeing Expeditions
2 hours · Hiking
Multi-day canoe safaris down the Zambezi
Best for: Wildlife lovers, Photographers, Adventure seekers.
The Lodges & Camps
We hand-pick every camp and lodge we use in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia. These are the addresses we return to, chosen for their guiding, their location and the way they make the wilderness feel like your own.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge ★★★★★
From $300 per person per night.
Changa Safari Camp ★★★★
From $300 per person per night.
Rhino Safari Camp ★★★★
From $300 per person per night.
Spurwing Island Lodge ★★★★
From $300 per person per night.
Kariba Houseboats ★★★
From $150 per person per night.
Musango Safari Camp ★★★★
From $300 per person per night.
Where to Go Next
The finest journeys rarely stop at one destination. Here is how our specialists most often pair Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia:
- Matobo Hills — 3 hours away — ancient rock art & rhino tracking
- Great Zimbabwe Masvingo — 4 hours away — UNESCO World Heritage ruins
Plan Your Journey
Every trip we craft to Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia is private and built around you — your dates, your pace and the wildlife you most want to see. Our specialists have travelled this ground themselves and design each itinerary by hand. Contact our team to begin planning, or explore our Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe & Zambia destination guide for more detail.
