The lake and its many islands were formed by the flooding of the Kariba Gorge when a dam was built in the late 1950s. Many animals were relocated to Matusadona National Park, located just south of the lake, while kapenta fish were introduced from Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika, providing a food source for tiger fish, fish eagles, herons, storks and cormorants. Today the lake is also home to Nile crocodile and hippopotamus. Boat cruises and fishing trips are the main attraction, though game drives around the lake are also an option.
South of Lake Kariba, a game drive or walking safari in Matusadona National Park offers the prospect of seeing some of the larger plains game that enjoy a year-round water source and plentiful grasslands. Buffalo, waterbuck, impala and zebra can all be sighted in the park, along with their ever-attendant predators, the lion and hyena. Large herds of elephant are often found at the water’s edge, and all of the ‘Big 5’ are present in the reserve, though rhino numbers are sadly very limited nowadays.
In and around Lake Kariba and Matusadona, Zimbabwe
Lake Kariba has a number of lovely lodges, some positioned on the lakeshore and others on islands within the lake. Fishing is a big attraction, but for those just inclined to relax and enjoy a boat safari on the lake, a short stay here is still well worthwhile.
While Matusadona offers good game-viewing it doesn’t compare to Zimbabwe’s most famous safari parks - Hwange and Mana Pools. What it does offer is excellent birdwatching, lake fishing, lovely scenery, and wonderful sunsets. Rhino tracking - with both black and white rhino present within Matusadona - is also a possibility. For a complete overview of Zimbabwe, a night or two spent here in combination with time on the lake can make an excellent addition to any itinerary.
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