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| Zimbabwe: What to see | |||
| Lake Kariba | |||
>see photographs Overview Located on the north-eastern border with Zambia, Lake Kariba is where the Zambezi River has been dammed up downstream from the Victoria Falls. Completed in the 1950's the Lake covers an area of 5,180 square kilometres and was originally the largest man made Lake in Africa. The Batonka people that were resident here for centuries were moved to higher ground to make way for the dam. Built to produce hydroelectric power the Lake is surrounded predominantly by wilderness areas with an abundance of wildlife and bird life. Attractions The sunsets at Kariba are second to none Ð as is the experience of being on a houseboat moored in a remote bay of the Matusadona National Park surrounded by wildlife and hearing the cry of a fish eagle. When the Lake filled trees partially submerged drowned and in time only their grey limbs remain. There are many islands on the Lake and several bays around the Lake where the various rivers enter. The Sanyati Gorge where the Sanyati River enters the Lake is reasonably narrow with steep almost mountainous sides that create a closed in effect creating echoes and the feeling of a separate ecosystem. Although the wildlife is literally everywhere (including in the townships and in hotel grounds) there are certain protected wildlife areas such as the Kuburi Wilderness Area, the Charara Safari Area, and the Matusadona National Park (on the southern shore of the Lake). The most commonly seen species are hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboon and monkey. The black rhino Intensive Protection Zone can be visited at Tshinga which currently holds 60 rhino. There are other antelopes although they are more rare Ð the predators include lions, leopard, hyena and hunting dog, as well as the smaller cat species such as the African civet and genet. On the birding side, the waders are ever-present including white egrets, open-bill storks and sacred ibis. Pairs of malachite kingfishers add a brilliant splash of colour. The most popular activity is game viewing from a boat allowing one to approach really close without disturbing the animals. The fishing is one of Kariba's greatest attractions with the annual International Tiger Fish Tournament attracting participants from all over. When to go The climate is generally tropical with three main seasons: hot rainy season from late November to March, a cool dry season from May to August, and a hot dry season from September to November. The temperatures will rarely drop much below 10 degrees Celsius and will be around 40 degrees Celsius in the hottest months. The best time to go is May to August. Accommodation There are two main areas – the Kariba Town side of the Lake (north east) and the southern side of the Lake near the Matusadona National Park. Caribbea Bay, Lake View Inn, the Cutty Sark Hotel are all on the town side. Katete Safari Lodge, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Fothergill Safari Lodge, Spurwing Island, Musango Safari Camp, Kiplings of Kariba, Matusadona Water Wilderness, Rhino Island and Gache Gache Lodge are all on the southern side of the Lake. Chete Island is located on the Zambian side of the Lake. Private self-catering lodges are also available at Charara. The private lodges on the southern shores of the Lake will arrange either air charters or boat transfers from Kariba. How to get there By road 363 km from Harare on a main tar road. By air Air Zimbabwe's regular flights have recently been stopped due to a downturn in tourism because of the socio-political situation. However a few air charter companies still run flights between Harare and Kariba airport and between Kariba and Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and other private lodges along the Lake itself. |
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