Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe)

Lake Kariba is a man-made lake created following the completion of the Kariba Dam which was built between 1955 and 1959 to harness the waters of the Zambezi River and provide hydro-electric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Before the waters rose, some 51,000 people of the tonga tribe had to be resettled on higher ground. Almost 5,000 animals were also rescued in "Operation Noah" co-ordinated by the game ranger Rupert Fothergill. The Zambezi ...
...have caused the waters of Lake Kariba to rise much higher than was ever expected. Whilst the rain is generally good for wildlife around Zimbabwe, for the area of Matusadona and Lake Kariba this has meant that the fertile grass shores are now under water and a vital food supply for many animals has been cut off. The volume of wildlife grazing on the shoreline has thus reduced. This has also made life difficult for the predators who are accustomed ... more

Lake Kariba is a man-made lake created following the completion of the Kariba Dam which was built between 1955 and 1959 to harness the waters of the Zambezi River and provide hydro-electric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Before the waters rose, some 51,000 people of the tonga tribe had to be resettled on higher ground. Almost 5,000 animals were also rescued in "Operation Noah" co-ordinated by the game ranger Rupert Fothergill. The Zambezi Valey which incorporates Lake Kariba is today one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

In recent years, high levels of rain have caused the waters of Lake Kariba to rise much higher than was ever expected. Whilst the rain is generally good for wildlife around Zimbabwe, for the area of Matusadona and Lake Kariba this has meant that the fertile grass shores are now under water and a vital food supply for many animals has been cut off. The volume of wildlife grazing on the shoreline has thus reduced. This has also made life difficult for the predators who are accustomed to feeding on the grazing herds. Bufallo are frequently obliged to get right into the water to reach the feeding grasses.

The lake has a slightly eerie atmosphere which is perhaps due to the numerous dead trees which still protrude above the water from the spot where they once flourished. Both sunsets and sunrises give spectacular displays of light over the lake.

Two of the lakes most common inhabitants are the hippo and the crocodile. Both are quite difficult to observe. The hippo will stay submerged much of the time and only come up for an occasional breath of air giving a brief chance to spot the twitching ears and the peering eyes. Crocodiles are usually content to bask by the side of the lake looking very much like dead logs - until you approach and they slip into the water with a quiet splash.

The baby rhino sanctuary at Rob's Point in Matusadona National Park looks after newly born black rhino before releasing them back into the wild. In previous years, rhino have been donated from Matusadona to game parks around Zimbabwe. Now, in return, when these rhino breed, their calfs are returned to Matusadona and they are supported until ready to return to the wild. During their stay at the sanctuary, they are kept in pens at night but are allowed to roam free during the day. This is a really great place to see and touch the rhino - one surprise is to feel just how soft they are underneath (as opposed to the armour of their backs). They enjoy being stroked in all the usual places that babies like to be pampered ! The first rhino from the sanctuary has already been released and has since mated successfully in the wild.

Another fascinating sight on Lake Kariba is the small fishing village of Nyanzirawo near Bumi Hills in the mouth of the Ume River. This is a place where time seems to have stood still and the local people make a living from fishing to feed the rest of the people in the village. Everything here is basic and to our perceptions, the people seem to have nothing. And yet this is a surprisingly enchanting place to visit and you get a real sense of a community living together without the competative nature of western society. The people here never beg or expect any money from the visitors - they just love having their picture taken in the hope that perhaps one day they might receive a photograph of themselves which would immediately become a prize momento.

Lake Kariba is a tremendous wildlife experience which is much better than many African locations because of the variety of the secenery and the number of different ways in which to explore (e.g. drive, walk, cruise, canoe, fishing vessel, etc). A visit is highly recommended. The best places to stay are generally the lodges around the mouth of the Ume River on the Eastern lake shore. These include Musango, Gache Gache, Sanyati, Spurwing Island, Fothergill Island and mnay others. Drinking a gin & tonic as the sun goes down while watching the wildlife from your boat is a pretty good way to end the day !  

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