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Experiences

What to do in Lake Kariba

The largest artificial lake in the world, most lodges in this area are built along the shores or escarpments of Lake Kariba. The vast expanse of water is home to huge populations of hippo and crocodile, and draws super-herds of buffalo and elephant, antelope and even big cats looking for a drink. Boating safaris are very popular, especially on a luxury cruiser, which offers the best view in the house. And don’t skip an evening of stargazing... Even if you choose to spend the night on dry land, wildlife watching followed by sundowners on the water is sublime. If you’re an avid angler or fancy trying your hand, Lake Kariba is famous for its tiger fish, which are drawn by the warmer water between September and December. In the wider Matusadona area, game drives and walking safaris reveal an incredible array of wildlife including members of the Big Five.

Enjoy a sundowner boat cruise on Lake Kariba

Matusadona has plenty to boast about, from its wildlife to its picture-perfect landscapes, but Lake Kariba is the true star. The largest man-made lake in the world, it spans over 140 miles of the Zambezi Valley and, seated on a houseboat, it can even feel like you're gazing out to sea. As the wildlife begins to settle down for the night you'll cruise onto the water with a G&T in hand. Watch the scene become enveloped by shades of scarlet and gold as the sun dips behind the Matusadona Mountains, followed by an evening of star gazing.
Enjoy a sundowner boat cruise on Lake Kariba

Gaze at wildlife from a boat safari on Lake Kariba

Zimbabwe may be landlocked but that hasn't stopped it from creating Lake Kariba, a sprawling inland sea fed by the brimming waters of the Zambezi River. When it comes to boating safaris in Zimbabwe, there's little competition with spectacular wildlife on its shores, luxury houseboats to recline on (some even have a jacuzzi) and fantastic fishing. Enjoy a cruise across the water, navigating the bleached leadwood trees and pods of hippo, and finding secluded inlets to explore. The summers get notoriously hot but the best time for dry, calm and cooler weather is between May and July. Make the most out of your Lake Kariba experience and book a houseboat for a couple of nights!
Gaze at wildlife from a boat safari on Lake Kariba

Go on a guided walking safari in Lake Kariba

When it comes to walking safaris, Matusadona is the perfect combination of endless grassy plains and thickets of mopane trees and jesse bush. As the sun rises, you'll set out with your guide leading the way to watch the landscape come to life. Learn to distinguish one pawprint from another, to tell your hornbill from your hoopoe and follow the trail of cracked twigs and crushed earth to find a herd of elephant. You'll trace the landscape and enjoy learning all about what goes on behind-the-scenes, stopping for the refreshments of your choice before returning to camp.
Go on a guided walking safari in Lake Kariba

Track wildlife on a game drive in Lake Kariba

Jump into an open 4x4 with your expert guide early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Explore the grassy plains where elephant wander in droves on their way to drink at the lake or head inland to the thickets in search of other members of the Big Five. Down by the water's edge, you'll see huge numbers of antelope and hopefully some of the big cats. Stop for a scenic picnic and a chance to soak it all in. The best part is, you'll rarely see another safari-goer for miles.
Track wildlife on a game drive in Lake Kariba

Try your luck catching a Tiger Fish in Lake Kariba

In the waters of Lake Kariba, the tiger fish is king and keen anglers flock here every year to try and tame the beast. Set out onto the water, with an expert fisherman, to cast your line - be inspired by the African fish eagle who soar overhead before diving for their catch. There are over 40 species of fish, but from September to December, the water's warm enough to coax tiger fish to Lake Kariba. Most lodges on the shoreline include a fishing expedition in their itinerary.
Try your luck catching a Tiger Fish in Lake Kariba
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