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Lake Kariba sunset Lake Kariba is a 280 km-long lake on the Zambezi River, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia and held back by the Kariba Dam. At full supply it stores about 185 billion cubic metres of water, which puts it among the largest man-made reservoirs in the world. Kariba town, at the dam on the lake’s eastern end, is about 365 km (4 to 5 hours) by road from Harare. People come for houseboat trips, tiger fishing, sunsets over the drowned trees, and safaris in Matusadona National Park on the southern shore. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against the Zambezi River Authority’s Kariba technical data and history, Kariba Ferries’ 2026 fares and voyage details, ZimParks’ Matusadona page and 2026 tariff, and the Zimbabwe Field Guide on Operation Noah. Fares, flights and lake levels change. Check before you travel.

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Lake Kariba at a glance

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Things to do

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Houseboats

Houseboats are the classic Kariba trip. You sleep on board and cruise to a new mooring each day, with a tender boat for fishing and game viewing along the shore. Boats range from simple self-catering craft to fully crewed boats with chefs. Most leave from the harbours in Kariba town, and many head west to the Matusadona shoreline. Prices vary widely by boat size, season and whether meals and fuel are included. Book directly with a houseboat operator or through a Kariba booking agent, and check what the price covers: crew, food, fuel, tender boats and park fees are often listed separately.

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Tiger fishing

Tigerfish, a fierce game fish native to the Zambezi, is the main target. Bream are caught year-round. The Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament (KITFT) is held in the second half of the year: the 63rd edition began on 2 October 2024. Dates are set each year, so check before you plan around it. You need a permit to fish, and inside Matusadona the Ume and Sanyati fishing areas carry a higher park fee (US$30 a day for international visitors in 2026). Fishing operators usually arrange permits.

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Game viewing from the water

The best wildlife is along the Matusadona shoreline, where elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile gather at the water’s edge in the dry season. See Matusadona National Park.

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The Kariba–Mlibizi car ferry

Kariba Ferries runs the only passenger and car ferry on the lake, between Kariba (Andora Harbour) and Mlibizi near Binga at the western end. The voyage takes about 22 hours, sailing at 10:30 and overnight, with three meals included. The operator says it saves more than 1,250 km of driving around the lake by road. Book ahead: the ferry carries only 15 vehicles, and tall vehicles may have to remove roof tents. Be at the embarkation point by 09:30.

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Getting there

  • By road from Harare: about 365 km, 4 to 5 hours, on the Harare–Chirundu road, turning off at Makuti and dropping down the escarpment to Kariba. See travel distances.
  • From Victoria Falls: there is no quick road. The tar route goes the long way round via Bulawayo and Harare. The Kariba Ferries car ferry from Mlibizi (see above) is the main alternative.
  • By air: Kariba has an airport. Scheduled flights from Harare have started and stopped several times over the years, so check current schedules with the airlines. Charter flights are always available.
  • To Matusadona: cross the lake by boat or charter flight. The road route is a long detour via Karoi.

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When to go

  • Dry season (May to October): the best time for game viewing along the shore. June and July have cool nights. October is very hot.
  • Tiger fishing: fishing operators and the annual tournament favour the hot months before the rains. Ask your operator about current conditions.
  • Rainy season (November to April): hot and humid, with storms that can make the lake rough. Wildlife spreads away from the shore.
Lake levels rise and fall with rainfall upstream. The Zambezi River Authority publishes regular lake level updates.

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History

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Building the dam

The Federal Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland called for tenders for the dam wall in 1955, and the contract went to the Italian consortium Impresit in July 1956. The dam was designed by the French engineer André Coyne. Excavation, building the wall and power station, and commissioning the first generator took place between 1956 and 1960 (Zambezi River Authority). The lake filled from 1959 to 1963.

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People who were moved

About 50,000 BaTonga people were moved from the Zambezi Valley and resettled on poorer land, according to the Zimbabwe Field Guide. In BaTonga tradition the Zambezi is home to the river spirit Nyaminyami, and you will see Nyaminyami carvings and pendants for sale around Kariba.

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Operation Noah

As the water rose, a team of rangers and volunteers led by Rupert Fothergill rescued animals stranded on shrinking islands. Between 1958 and 1964 the Zimbabwean team rescued more than 6,000 animals, including 43 rhino, and a Zambian team rescued about 2,000 more. There is a memorial to Operation Noah in Kariba.

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Safety

  • Don’t swim in the lake. Crocodiles and hippos are common.
  • Wear a life jacket in small boats, and watch the weather. Storms build quickly over the lake.
  • Malaria is present. Get advice from a travel health clinic. See health and safety.

Matusadona National Park

Mana Pools

Walking and canoe safaris

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026