One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, regarded as an inland sea it is so vast, Lake Kariba lies in the Zambezi Valley on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba stretches back from the Kariba dam - something of an engineering feat built to produce hydroelectricity for both countries - for 290 kilometres and at its widest point measure 42 kilometres across.

Considered one of Africa’s best kept secrets, Lake Kariba attracts untold numbers of animals, including Nile crocodiles (houseboats normally include a swimming cage for dips!), hippos and even herds of elephant. At the time of creation of a dam here, “operation Noah” ensured that some 5000 animals were rescued and relocated at Matusadona National Park on the southern shores of the lake, meaning that wildlife viewing on safari here is excellent. Lake Kariba is surrounded by mountains; forests fringe the shoreline, and a series of islands are scattered across the water.

As a vacation destination Lake Kariba is virtually unsurpassable. Lying at the downstream side of the lake, the little village of Kariba caters for holiday makers with hotels, restaurants and casinos and various hotels, lodges and houseboats surround the lake. Despite the malaria precautions one must take when on safari, there is little to worry or interfere with the swing of perpetual game viewing, water tours and island hopping, minus the crowds.

The best time of year to vacation in Lake Kariba is the balmy winter months of June to August. October is known as “suicide month” for its heat and humidity, even though it is one of the better months for tiger fishing. Spectacular sunsets, bird life and shoreline relaxation make Lake Kariba an essential part of any safari.