Plizio Visual Lab

Kariba Dam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Kariba Dam is a massive double-curvature concrete arch dam situated in the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi River basin, positioned between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Constructed between 1955 and 1959 by the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the dam stands 128 meters tall and spans 579 meters in length across the gorge. Its primary purpose was to provide hydroelectric power to both nations, and it currently supports two power stations with a combined capacity of over 1,600 megawatts. The creation of the dam led to the formation of Lake Kariba, which covers an area of approximately 5,580 square kilometers, making it one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world by volume. During its construction, the project faced significant challenges, including record-breaking floods and the tragic loss of 86 workers, whose remains are entombed within the structure. The dam remains a vital piece of regional infrastructure, though its operation is increasingly influenced by fluctuating water levels and climate conditions. It is also culturally significant due to the local Tonga people's belief in the river god Nyaminyami, who was said to be angered by the damming of the Zambezi.

Location: Zimbabwe
Nearby: Kariba (4 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

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Visiting

Kariba Dam is a massive engineering structure that can be viewed from lookout points on the Zimbabwe side. Access to the dam crest is usually restricted, but panoramic views are available from the banks.

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Typical hours

The viewpoints are usually freely accessible during daytime with no fixed hours. Guided tours on the dam may only be offered by appointment; inquire at the relevant authority.

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Photography

Photography of the dam from the public viewpoints is allowed. Drone use is usually prohibited; obey local regulations.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the viewpoints and take photos. With an organized dam tour, it may take 1.5 hours.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a boat trip on Lake Kariba or a safari to Matusadona National Park. The town of Kariba also has accommodation and lake activities.

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Getting there

Kariba Dam is easily reachable by car from Kariba town. Parking is available at the viewpoints; the road to the dam crest is closed.

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Insider tip

Visit the viewpoints early morning for the best light and to avoid crowds. Watch out for crocodiles and hippos in the water below the dam.

Geography

Coordinates

-16.52220, 28.76190

Facts

The dam stands 128 meters high with a crest length of 579 meters.
Construction began in 1955 and was officially opened in May 1959.
Lake Kariba holds approximately 180 cubic kilometers of water.
At least 86 workers lost their lives during the dangerous construction process.
Operation Noah rescued over 6,000 animals from the rising floodwaters.
The Kariba South Power Station was expanded to 1,050 MW in 2018.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kariba Dam Wall<1 km · SExplore →

Kariba4 km · NExplore →

Kariba Fish Farms5 km · NEExplore →

Siavonga6 km · SExplore →

San Cristóbal de La Laguna37 km · SEExplore →

Puerto de la Cruz39 km · SExplore →

El Rosario40 km · SExplore →

Santa Cruz de Tenerife42 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kariba Dam (1)

Dam wall viewpoint & curios🌿 nature

This vantage point overlooks the colossal concrete structure of the Kariba Dam wall and features local craft stalls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Kariba Dam?

A huge dam between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Can you visit the dam?

Yes, it is well visible from certain viewpoints.

Are there boat trips on the lake?

Yes, many boat tours and safaris are offered.

Best time to travel?

The cooler months are best for outdoor activities.

Is it safe?

In tourist areas yes, but observe safety guidelines.

Kariba Dam: where is it located?

Kariba Dam is located in Zimbabwe.

Kariba Dam: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kariba Dam: why is it worth visiting?

The Kariba Dam is a massive double-curvature concrete arch dam situated in the Kariba Gorge of the Zambezi River basin, positioned between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →