Best hotels in Lake Kariba

This back-to-basics camp relies on skilled and passionate guides and warm Zimbabwean hospitality, rather than hotel luxuries and chic decor. Rhino Safari Camp offers an intimate, rustic experience on the edge of Lake Kariba, within Matusadona National Park. It is defined by unique geography - when water levels are low, the island links to the mainland via a narrow bridge of land which enables the free-flow of game to and fro; when levels are high it’s cut off by a narrow channel. This camp rewards the adventurous with a more personalized, truly authentic safari experience - something of an endangered species these days.

Named after the leader of Operation Noah, the bold rescue mission that relocated over 6,000 animals after the construction of Kariba Dam, Fothergill is instilled with a passion for protecting Zimbabwe's wild spaces and its inhabitants. Set amongst lush trees on the shores of Lake Kariba, the camp is well-positioned for fantastic water and land safaris led by world-class guides. Fothergill is 95% solar-powered and their entire team is trained in-house, which ensures superb service. During certain months, Fothergill becomes an island, but its private concession welcomes huge herds of elephant and buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife all year round.

Changa sits in its own private concession with 4kms of frontage onto Lake Kariba, just east of Matusadona National Park. This area is wild and remote, well known for its big game (especially elephants, buffalo and hippos) and is perhaps the best tiger fishing destination in Africa. The lodge opened in 2012 and is amongst the most luxurious in this region - from the top level of service and exceptional food, to the intimacy that an eight-roomed camp affords. Here the staff make a special effort to enhance every moment of your stay.

The Zambezi Trader houseboat, 160ft long, 48ft wide and weighing 220 tons, is the largest luxury cruise boat on Lake Kariba. This ship is big enough to take large parties of up to 200 PAX on day trips for an unforgettable magic holiday cruise. Explore the entire 270 km length of this magnificent inland sea onboard this iconic ship offering bespoke Lake Kariba cruises.

The “Trader” as she is affectionately known, has 29 air-conditioned cabins on 3 decks. The top deck also comes with a large, covered area and a privatecocktail bar; a spectacular venue for hosting immersive functions such as weddings, parties and conferences. All rooms on the upper deck have private verandas with lake vistas and unparalleled comfort.