Zimbabwe is a curious animal. When it comes to traveling to Africa, you cannot miss a trip to the country of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe alone is one of the most visited places in Africa. There are many beautiful places located within its boundaries that are worth visiting. There is no doubt that Zimbabwe has many foreign tourist attractions that perfectly reflect the culture of the Zimbabwean people. Wherever you go in the country, you will definitely find something interesting. Plus, you can find plenty of activities to make your vacation even more fun. When talking about Zimbabwe we cannot forget to mention kariba dam, It is one of the top attractions in the country. We have outlined details of the dam below. You can also see pictures of Kariba Dam to get an idea about the place.
About Kariba Dam
When you are in Zimbabwe, one thing you definitely cannot miss is the Kariba Dam. Many of you may not know about this destination but it is one of the most spectacular destinations in Zimbabwe. International tourists from all corners of the world come to this place to see this majestic man-made dam. The dam has its own beauty that will definitely blow your mind. For the local people, the dam is considered very close to their hearts as it is their main source of food. This place is truly a paradise for vacationers.
kariba dam The dam is a double curvature dam constructed of concrete in the Kariba gorge of the Zambezi River basin between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This dam is 128 meters tall and 579 meters long. You can say that it is a huge man made dam which is known to serve the people of Zimbabwe for years.
The place is mainly known for its beautiful sunset and fishing activities. The beautiful view around the dam is a sight that is hard to resist. The vastness of the dam allows a multi-day excursion. You can travel from one end of the lake to the other by boarding Kariba houseboats and yachts. You can also find a lot of accommodation around the dam area. From safari camps to lodges, the region has all types of accommodation for visitors.
The main hype about this place is that Lake Kariba is known as the world’s largest man-made lake and dam wall. This artificial lake is considered very important for the people of Zimbabwe. No wonder they hold the dam so close to their hearts. Construction of the dam began in 1955 and was completed in 1958. The dam was constructed primarily to meet the hydroelectric energy needs of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The story of the dam’s construction is not complete without the mysteries and myths associated with the Zambezi River deity and his home. Even after the construction was completed, it took about 5 more years for the dam to attain its present size. Today, the dam is the largest source of hydroelectric supply for the people of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Place
Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe, the largest dam wall built by humans, is known to sit across the Zambezi River in the Kariba gorge which lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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things to do
There are many things you can do at Kariba Dam. Some of the main activities you can enjoy include.
1. Houseboat
You can stay on a houseboat for a few days and enjoy a nice relaxing ride. This is going to be a great experience for you, if you have not been on such a ride before.
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2. Fishing
If fishing is your hobby then this is the perfect place for you. Lake Kariba is mainly known for fishing and especially sport fishing. Tigerfish is the most popular fish in the lake. The water level of Kariba Dam is very high.
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3. Water sports
You can also enjoy various types of water sports here. If you are an adventurous type then this is the perfect place for you. Water sports like canoeing, speed boating and wakeboarding can be enjoyed here.
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4. Watching the game
You can see many animals around the dam. From large crocodiles to hippos, you can find everything here around the lake.
So these are some of the interesting activities that you can indulge in at Lake Kariba or Kariba Dam. Read about Kariba Dam facts to know more.
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Nearby places to visit
There are also many beautiful places near the dam that you can visit which include.
1. Matusadona National Park
The national park is located to the west of Kariba Dam. This game reserve is a beautiful place to visit. You can see different types of animals in the park. From buffalo to zebra, you can see it all in the park.
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2. Safari Zone Only
This place is located upstream of the Matusadona National Park. The only problem is that this place is difficult to reach by game or car vehicle. This is actually a hunting area.
how to get there?
If you’re wondering how to reach this beautiful spot, we’ve got you covered.
1. By road
There is a road that runs from Binga to Kariba town along the southern coast of Kariba. To travel on the road you will need to rent a rugged vehicle with high clearance. The journey can be difficult so you have to be prepared for it. Passengers should be informed that this is going to be a long journey. 400 km You will travel through the Charar Basin and straight to Kariba. It will take you approximately 8 hours to reach your destination.
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2. By flight
You can also reach your destination by air. However, you will have to opt for private charter as there are no commercial flights scheduled for this route. Several charter companies are known to serve the area. Kariba Airport is the only airport located there.
3. By boat
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You can also reach your destination via Kariba Ferry which is known to travel from Malibuzi to Kariba Town. Kariba Ferries is known to provide you overnight service. This is indeed the most convenient and comfortable way to reach your location. You can also take an expensive houseboat that you can rent from one side to the other. From the above points it is clear that you can visit Lake Kariba through all three routes. Now it depends on you and your convenience which path you will take.
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Now that you know about Kariba Dam, it will be easy for you to visit the place. This is one of the most beautiful places in Zimbabwe. The dam and its surrounding areas are worth seeing. You cannot miss visiting the areas around the dam. So, plan an international trip and have a heart-touching experience!
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