There’s a renewal of interest on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba as a tourism drawcard. One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, it lies on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, two countries that recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a joint tourism facilitation committee to look at unlocking tourism potential for the benefit of both states.

Zimbabwe’s inland ocean

Lake Kariba is known as Zimbabwe’s inland ocean, offering not only spectacular views, but fishing, boating, water sports, and other leisure activities.

Houseboat holidays are popular, giving guests the opportunity to explore some of the lesser-travelled areas around the lake and hop into Matusadona National Park on its southern shores, then cruise further along the Zambezi River. Safaris, canoeing, wake boarding, speed-boating and fishing are some of the water activities that guests can participate in.

Drifters Adventours, a division of Tourvest, offers a 16-day Zimbabwe tour, which includes a night at Lake Kariba where touring groups can enjoy a boat cruise.

“It seems there is a very positive change in Zimbabwe that could lead to creating things for the destination. The lake has a lot more to offer and is really a must for any visitor to the area,” states Marketing Manager of Drifters Adventours, Christiaan Steyn.

Various houseboats are available on the lake, for both large and small groups, and make good bases for fishing. Tiger fish – which is considered a fighting fish and involves high-energy fishing – and bream, are popular and abundant species in the lake, and May sees an annual tiger fishing competition.

Face to face with crocs

Crocodiles do inhabit the lake, as do hippos, which are considered one of the world’s most dangerous animals. As a result, swimming in the lake is prohibited. However, close to the lake, in the town of Siavonga, Zambia, is one of the world’s largest crocodile farms, where guests can get closer (safely) to these dangerous creatures.