Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, created by damming the Zambezi River in the 1950s, remains the world's largest man-made lake by volume. Stretching along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is a massive inland sea that provides a unique setting for recreation and wildlife viewing. The lake is iconic for the skeletal leadwood trees that rise from its depths, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. It is a premier destination for tigerfishing, attracting anglers from across the globe. The quintessential Kariba experience involves staying on a houseboat, allowing for slow-paced exploration of the lake's many islands and shorelines. From the deck, guests can watch elephants bathing and listen to the call of the African fish eagle. The town of Siavonga on the Zambian side serves as a primary hub for resorts and water-based activities. The Kariba Dam itself is a feat of engineering and a significant historical landmark in the region. Visiting is possible year-round, though the cooler months of May to August offer the most pleasant weather. It is easily accessible by a scenic drive from Lusaka. Locally, the cuisine revolves around fresh Kariba bream and the tiny 'kapenta' fish, often enjoyed with traditional maize porridge. Lake Kariba gives a serene escape, well-suited for those looking to unwind amidst vast waters and memorable orange-hued African sunsets.

Nearby cities

Livingstone

Livingstone is a historic colonial city and tourism center for the Victoria Falls.

Mazabuka

Mazabuka is known as the 'Sweetest Town' in Zambia due to its massive sugar cane plantations.

Choma

Choma serves as the provincial capital of the Southern Province and an agricultural center.

Monze

Monze is a significant agricultural town in the Southern Province, named after a local chief.

Kalomo

Kalomo was the first administrative center of Northern Rhodesia before the capital was moved to Livingstone.

Siavonga

Siavonga is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba, known as a popular tourist destination.

Maamba

Maamba is a coal-mining town in the Southern Province, home to Zambia's largest coal mine.

Sinazongwe

Sinazongwe is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba in the Southern Province, mainly focused on fishing.

Blue Lagoon National Park

A small, water-rich paradise in the Kafue Flats, famous for its incredible birdlife and swamp-dwelling antelopes.

History & landmarks

Kariba Dam Wall

A massive engineering structure between Zambia and Zimbabwe that controls the flow of the Zambezi River.

Lochinvar National Park

A birdwatcher's paradise on the Kafue Flats, famous for thousands of waterbirds and the unique Kafue lechwe antelope.

Royal Livingstone Hotel

A luxurious five-star hotel on the banks of the Zambezi, just steps away from the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Power Station

A historic hydroelectric power station at the falls that generates electricity for the region.

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport

The international airport in Livingstone that serves as a gateway to the famous Victoria Falls.

Nature

Ngonye Falls

Powerful falls on the Zambezi River in western Zambia, noted for their width and scenic beauty.

More places

Kariba North Bank Power Station

The hydroelectric power station on the Zambian side of the massive Kariba Dam.

Maamba Thermal Power Plant

Zambia's only coal-fired power plant, serving to diversify energy supply.

Mamba Coal Mine

The most important and largest coal mine in Zambia, located in the south of the country.

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Kaleya Smallholders Sugar Estates

A major agricultural project for sugarcane production for the nearby refinery.

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Nakambala Sugar Estate Factory

Zambia's largest sugar factory, surrounded by extensive sugarcane plantations.

Munali Nickel Mine

One of the few mines in Zambia specializing in the extraction of nickel.

Sebanzi Hill Iron Age Site

An archaeological site on the edge of the Kafue Flats that shows continuous occupation for centuries.

Kafue Escarpment

The edge that separates the Kafue Valley from the central plateau.