Kariba and Matusadona

Introduction

Situated 1300km upstream of the Indian Ocean and along the border with Zambia, Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest manmade expanses of water. An engineering marvel in its time, the 128 meter high and 580 meter wide dam was constructed between 1954 and 1960. Covering 5,500km² and containing 175 billion tonnes of water, the site is vital for electricity generation for neighbouring countries, however is vulnerable to drought. 60,000 people of the Batonga tribe were displaced from their ancestral homeland, along with extensive wildlife which was relocated including 42 rhinos which were rescued during Operation Noah as the floodwaters rose.

From land and water, one can encounter the raw beauty of this great inland sea nestled by mountains. Regarded as one of the best places in Africa for first class sunsets, boat cruises offer a fantastic photographic opportunity to appreciate the great expanse, with the magnificent Matusadona Mountains in the background. Lake Kariba’s waters are studded with islands and fringed by mountains and forests which offer a range of habitats for the region’s diverse aquatic wildlife and 240 bird species. In contrast, the Matusadona Game Reserve offers exciting land-based wildlife encounters with all the Big 5 in its unique pristine wilderness. Being one of the Zambezi Valley’s wildlife and wilderness treasures, the reserve combines the beauty of the lake with acacia woodlands and a rising wall of majestic mountains as a backdrop. Bounded between the Umi River in the West and the Sanyati Gorge in the East, Matusadona offers the best of Lake Kariba’s water wildlife, coupled with superb inland viewing.

Lake Kariba is a brilliant location for wildlife viewing and birdwatching that can be conducted on land or from small boats, canoes or houseboats that allow you to approach bathing elephant and buffalo within meters. Home to a rich aquatic life and renowned for spectacular fishing opportunities, tiger fish, bream and kapenta are popular catches towards the end of the dry season. The Lake is also teeming with massive Nile crocodiles, on average there is one adult for every 200 meters of shoreline, which are often seen sunbathing on the banks. A unique attraction to Kariba is elephants swimming between the shore and islands. Large herds of 1,000 buffalo, hippo and waterbuck are frequent visitors to the lake shores as are conspicuous populations of water-loving birds. The drowned forests that line the shores are one of Kariba’s most striking and unforgettable features. The bare branches are excellent perches for fish eagles which periodically swoop down to snatch a tiger fish from the lake. White-breasted cormorants, egrets, various herons and saddlebill storks are among other species commonly spotted. Along the shoreline are some first-rate safari lodges which offer a range of activities including walking safaris, canoe and boat excursions to explore the lake’s inlets and creeks.

The diversity of wildlife on land is equally superb, as the Matusadona Game Reserve boasts populations of all the Big Five. The combination of flat plains, shrub land and rugged mountains ensure a rich diversity of species. The reserve is one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the endangered Black Rhino, which are most frequently seen at the foot of the escarpment. Numerous species of antelope are present, notably roan and sable antelope, along with the second highest concentration of lion in Africa after the Ngorongoro Crater. Leopard is more elusive as are cheetahs which were re-introduced to the area in 1995. Game drives, walking safaris, boat excursions and canoe trips are all offered, making the reserve an excellent all round safari destination.

For an exclusive experience, Lake Kariba is home to several islands which offer well-appointed lodgings overlooking the natural beauty of the Zambezi Valley. Alternatively, lakeshore lodges, luxurious houseboats and floating chalets provide a rare form of accommodation.

When To Visit

Lake Kariba is an all-year round destination which offers entertainment, sport, relaxation and adventure. However, the dry season is preferential (April to August).

November to March – The rainy summer season brings hot days of 30°C, nights of 22°C and high humidity. Heavy thunderstorms and showers regularly occur during the late afternoon and evening and high winds are not uncommon along the Zambezi. River crossings and dirt roads are often impassable during this time due to floods and the lush vegetation makes wildlife viewing challenging.

April and May – During Autumn there is limited rainfall with warm days of 28°C but cooler nights at 15°C. Long grasses can obscure the wildlife.

June to August – The cool, dry, sunny, clear days of winter bring daytime temperatures of 26°C but bitterly cold nights and early mornings of 8°C. Wildlife viewing is excellent as vegetation is sparse and animals congregate around water sources, including Lake Kariba.

September to October – The hot and dry spring months can be uncomfortable, with temperature around 35°C during the day and 25°C at night. The air is frequently hazy due to dust and smoke from bushfires. This is the peak time for game viewing and the best time for tiger fishing.

There are fewer mosquitoes from June to October (during the dry season)

Temperature & Rainfall

Climate Chart – Kariba