Plizio Visual Lab
Kariba North Bank Power Station
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Kariba North Bank Power Station is situated on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River at the Kariba Dam, which creates one of the world's largest man-made lakes. The station was originally commissioned in 1976 with an initial capacity of 600 megawatts to establish Zambia's energy independence from the Kariba South Bank in neighboring Zimbabwe. A major expansion project was completed in 2014, adding two 180-megawatt units and increasing the total installed capacity to 1,080 megawatts. Kariba North Bank is a fundamental pillar of Zambia's power infrastructure, leveraging the immense water storage of Lake Kariba. However, power generation is highly susceptible to annual rainfall patterns and lake water levels, presenting operational challenges during drought seasons. The plant is operated by the state utility ZESCO Limited and provides a significant portion of the electricity required by the industrial and mining sectors in the Copperbelt Province.
- Location: Zambia
- Nearby: Siavonga (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 209 | 154 | 100 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 67 | 182 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This hydroelectric power station on the Zambian side of the Kariba Dam is a crucial source of electricity for Zambia and neighbouring countries. Its massive turbines and dam wall represent a landmark of African engineering and contribute significantly to the region's energy grid.
Visiting
The power station is not open to the public, but its exterior and the massive dam wall are clearly visible from designated viewpoints. Visitors can admire the scale of the installation from the road that runs across the dam crest.
Where to view it
The best public vantage points include the Kariba Dam wall itself and the lookout areas along the lakeshore. From these spots, you can see the spillways and the dramatic water release when the dam is at full capacity.
Local products
While the station produces electricity, nearby markets offer local fish such as kapenta and tilapia caught in Lake Kariba. Handcrafted wooden carvings and woven baskets are also common souvenirs sold by local artisans.
Active season
The station operates continuously, but its peak activity coincides with the rainy season when water levels rise and electricity generation increases. This period, typically from December to March, features the most dramatic water flows over the dam.
Nearby
A visit to the power station pairs well with a boat cruise on Lake Kariba to view wildlife along the shoreline. The nearby town of Siavonga has accommodation and access to the lake's recreational activities.
Geography
Facts
- The first phase was commissioned in 1976.
- Total capacity reached 1,080 MW after the 2014 expansion.
- Operated by the state-owned utility ZESCO Limited.
- Located at the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River.
- Primary supplier of power to the Copperbelt mining region.
- Generation depends on the water levels of Lake Kariba.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kariba North Bank Power Station (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Kariba North Bank?
A significant hydroelectric power plant at the Kariba reservoir.
Can you visit the dam?
The dam area is strictly guarded, but there are viewpoints in the area.
Where is Kariba located?
On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
What can you do there?
Boat tours, fishing, and enjoying the view of the lake.
What is the weather like?
The climate is hot, especially in the Zambezi valley.
Kariba North Bank Power Station: where is it located?
Kariba North Bank Power Station is located in Zambia.
Kariba North Bank Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kariba North Bank Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Kariba North Bank Power Station is situated on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River at the Kariba Dam, which creates one of the world's largest man-made lakes.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Zambia →
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.
Lake Kariba
The world's largest man-made lake, a paradise for anglers, houseboat vacationers, and sunset lovers.
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
More places
🗺️
Nakambala Sugar Estate Factory
Zambia's largest sugar factory, surrounded by extensive sugarcane plantations.
🗺️
Kaleya Smallholders Sugar Estates
A major agricultural project for sugarcane production for the nearby refinery.
Munali Nickel Mine
One of the few mines in Zambia specializing in the extraction of nickel.
Kafue Flats
A vast, seasonally flooded alluvial plain.
Sebanzi Hill Iron Age Site
An archaeological site on the edge of the Kafue Flats that shows continuous occupation for centuries.
Kabwe Lowlands
Lower lying areas south of the plateau.
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.