Brief History

When the dam was completed in 1960 it was the largest man-made dam ever built. Two hundred and twenty kilometres long and in places up to forty kilometres wide, it provides considerable electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry.
The lake’s vastness creates spectacular panoramas as the sun casts its glow across the shimmering waters catching the distinctive half-submerged trees and islands.

The Name

The name Kariba (Kariva - meaning trap) refers to a rock which thrust out of the swirling water at the entrance to the gorge close to the dam wall site, now buried more than a hundred feet below the water surface. In many legends, this rock was regarded as the home of the great River god Nyaminyami, who caused anyone who ventured near to be sucked down for ever into the depths of the river.

Places To See

Once on the lake you can travel by houseboat to Matusadona Game Park, where game can be viewed from the comfort of your houseboat, Gache Gache Communal Lands, Spurwing Island, Fothergill Island and Charara Bay area.
There are two crocodile farms in Kariba area that can be visited but one would need to make arrangements to travel by road from Kariba town to these destinations.

(<< click on top map image for larger view)

site updated 1st January 2009