Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe)

Enjoy the ultimate in barefoot luxury on a family holiday aboard your private safari cruiser on Zimbabwe’s iconic Lake Kariba. Cruising the shores of one of Africa’s last remaining true wilderness areas, MV Matusadona is perfectly combined with a visit to the Victoria Falls and offers the ideal extension to a land based African safari.

The Umbozha Houseboat on Kariba offers  9 cabins; each with an en-suite shower and WC. Sleeping areas all have beautiful wooden furnishings coupled with stylish interiors as well as stunning lake views. Every cabin on the boat is also fully air-conditioned and boasts a unique contemporary feel. This cruise boat has an expansive lounge and dining area offering panoramic views of the landscape beyond. A staircase leads from the lounge to the top deck. On the Umbozha’s top deck, you can relax on a daybed as you enjoy the passing landscape.

Escape the heat of the midday sun with a dip in the pool. Or kick back and relax on the sun loungers, surrounded by endless views of magical Africa.

Set on a range of remote hills in one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness locations, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is utterly captivating. With the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, this haven of serenity overlooks the eternal shimmering waters of Lake Kariba below. Not only is Kariba’s shoreline wildlife-rich, but the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows for the wildlife to freely move between the national park and Bumi Hill’s private concession, creating endless game-viewing opportunities, led by our passionate team of guides.

Our ten spacious suites are thoughtfully appointed with all the comforts you expect of our luxurious Lake Kariba lodge. Each is replete with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, battery charging points, mini-bar and a private viewing deck extending spectacular views of the lake and its surrounds. Our Baobab Villa, Bumi Hills’  2-bedroomed private villa, complete with its own living room bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks is ideal for families. Offering a personalised experience, the villa comes with the services of a private butler, safari guide and a dedicated safari vehicle.

The stresses of modern life melt away at our blissful spa where our sparkling infinity pool offers cool respite and endless views of shimmering Lake Kariba below. For the active guest, our well-equipped gym is an invigorating prospect. Not only is Kariba’s shoreline rich in wildlife but the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows for the animals roam freely between the national park and Bumi Hills’ private concession. Our alluring Lake Kariba lodge offers the lake as your playground. Spend your days cruising on the water or meandering the surrounds on a walking safari; discover the ancient secrets within the fossilised dinosaur footprints unique to this area. Activities include guided walking safaris, stargazing, boating, birding, catch-and-release fishing, day and night game drives searching for lions in particular, as well as engaging cultural visits to our nearby local community. 

Rhino Safari Camp (RSC) established in 1999, is an intimate bush camp, nestled along the shoreline of Lake Kariba and within the Matusadona N.P. It is owner operated, small (14 beds only) and highly acclaimed for its friendly, personalised hosting and excellent guiding – providing a perfect balance of comfort and informality in the wild.

RSC is totally unfenced and as such, the wildlife frequents the camp by day and night; elephant, lion and leopard are regular visitors; as a result, we tend not to accept bookings for families with children under the age of twelve. For these same reasons, the camp is ideal for those who are looking for a real African camp experience, with all the comforts. Thanks to its unique features, it can easily be combined with a more traditional African lodge or a tented camp.

A double story central boma area for enjoying meals; sunsets; sunrises; lake views and frequent visits from elephants. The shady communal area faces the shoreline and is a perfect spot to watch the elephant families moving around the concession; at dusk the fire pit welcomes guests until the drums call for dinner.

The recently refurbished boma area to welcome guests and to relax therein after a walk in the bush, a boat or game drive; it is also an ideal area to organise a private dinner upon request.

Seven, elevated; wooden thatched; twin bedded; open-fronted; en-suite bedroom chalets follow the shoreline. The chalets have been built like the BaTonga palafitta, (traditional stilted huts on mopane poles), for natural ventilation during the summer days and as a protection from animals, Zambezi floods and humidity.

The rooms are open fronted and the fact that the breeze blows from the lake inland, results in ‘natural ventilation’ making air-conditioning unnecessary. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy viewing wild life from theur elevated bedrooms

At Rhino Safari Camp we offer game drives; walks; photographic safaris; birding; boat cruises; and fishing excursions on Lake Kariba. For safari enthusiasts, RSC offers the option of the unique experience of walking and tracking wildlife under the guidance of a Professional Guide and a Tracker. Breakfast, brunch or sundowners, all memorable experiences in the bush. 

RSC is a rustic camp which offers a genuine safari experience.

With the exquisite backdrop of Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park, Fothergill Island is a magnificent haven where travellers to this part of the Zimbabwe landscape will experience an African safari with a difference. The stunning vistas are an open invitation to embark on a journey of discovery of the continent’s second-largest lake and the amazing conservation success story of Matusadona. Take to the water on a boating safari for encounters with elephants, buffalos, hippos and ensuing predators, or dip a line in the water for exhilarating tiger fishing. Add the ultra-luxurious suites, that also make provision for families, and travel dreams do indeed come true on Fothergill Island.

With panoramic views of Lake Kariba, the Sovereign Houseboat offers a spacious and unique safari experience. Sweeping vistas of uncharted waters, with a backdrop of silhouetted trees and breathtaking sunsets bestow the ambience of freedom – the lake and the wilderness solely yours. Exploring the lake’s waterways either aboard the Sovereign or upon the tender boats, you are able to access and encounter areas untouched, pioneers of your adventure in untamed Africa.

A safari upon water is truly an incomparable experience. Cruising parallel to islands inhabited by wildlife, coasting beside national park shores and floating beneath the African sky in its array of characters gifts a sense of being enveloped by the wild. 

The Sovereign Houseboat was designed with space and style in mind, ensuring options for relaxation throughout your stay, fringed in luxury. The lounge and 10 bedrooms are air conditioned, allowing for a moment of cool and quiet from the African heat. Panoramic views lure guests to the lounge area, as well as up a staircase leading to a daybed which boasts a bird’s eye view of the lake and its surrounds. A swimming pool calls for relaxation and reprieve, as well as offering the perfect spot for a gin and tonic, paired best with sunset

When onboard the Sovereign, you are surrounded by wilderness. With only the horizon as your limit, you embark on an adventure exclusively your own, sharing the sights and sounds of nature with those cruising beside you. Whether lazing by the pool or exploring the waterways and islands by tender boat, trying your hand at fishing or sipping on a cocktail, Lake Kariba captures your soul, painting it into the gold and orange sky at sunset.

Embarking from Masumu River Lodge in Binga to sail on Lake Kariba, the Sovereign Houseboat offers a unique safari experience. Designed with space and style in mind, the experience ensures options for relaxation throughout your stay, fringed in luxury. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake, located along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Situated on a mountain side with panoramic views over the vast waters of Lake Kariba, this safari lodge encompases a very special and unique Zimbabwean experience. Set amidst 33 acres of forest hillside with a beach area below, Kariba Safari Lodge offers encounters with uncharted wild waters, fringed in luxury. 

Each of the 9 open-fronted lodges and 8 suites boast a private and sweeping view of the lake. To be greeted simultaneously by sunrise and Lake Kariba is a start to the day like none-other; a gift of untamed Africa waiting to be discovered.

Kariba Safari Lodge is a beautiful lakeside resort situated on a mountainside with sweeping views over both the blue water and the islands in the Eastern basin of the lake.

The Lodges and Suites are distributed over 33 acres of forested hillside, sloping down to the lakeshore and beach area. The lodge may be accessed by air or road transfers. With private light air charters from Harare, Mana Pools or Hwange, one may fly in with convenience to Kariba Airport, gifted with a bird’s eye view of the area. The transfer from the airport is between 20 - 30 minutes. Alternatively, embark on a 5-hour drive from Harare, 370 km away.

Lake Kariba is an invitation for exploration. Set in the largely unknown eastern basin of the lake, Kariba Safari Lodge offers excursions and experiences distinctive to the area. From exploring its waterways on speed boats, accessing remote islands and areas unfathomed, to fishing, to simply sipping the sun down at the end of the day – the lake caters for a variety of travel desires.

Relax on the shoreline, upon the wild sandy beach, or perhaps just lie by the pool at the lodge, surrendering to relaxation.

To satiate your cultural and historical curiosity, one may take a day trip into town. Excursions to the dam wall, learning of the construction of this feat of engineering, a visit to the chapel as well as time with local residents in the township, a day out provides understanding and perspective of the area and its people.

Answer to the call of exploration and embark upon an experience of wild Zimbabwe. Kariba Safari Lodge is adventure cushioned in comfort, fulfilling your appetite for Africa from dawn until dusk.

Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel offers striking and expansive views from where it is situated on Camps Hill at the northern end of Lake Kariba, making it a must-stay when planning a safari to Zimbabwe. This elegant property also boasts magnificent views of the Matusadona Mountains beyond, visible from all 13 en-suite rooms. Great care went into combining old-world charm with touches of modern sophistication, as is evident in the decor and wildlife paintings scattered throughout the hotel. Relaxing in the tropical gardens, alive with the sights and sounds of countless birds, and taking in one breathtaking Kariba sunrise and sunset after another, is part of the experience when staying at Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel. 

Masumu River Lodge boasts spectacular views over Lake Kariba – encapsulating the western waters and characteristic islands of this area. Built into the slope of a hill in the Binga province of Zimbabwe, the lodge offers stunning panoramic vistas from various levels. Nine en suite lodges as well as two family lodges all welcome daydreaming from private verandahs and balconies. 

A stay at Masumu River Lodge will not only fulfill your appetite for an African adventure, but satiate your cultural curiosity as well. Binga is an area rich in Tongan culture, and we encourage guests to immerse in and learn about both the past and present ways of the local people.

On Lake Kariba, just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park, you’ll find Musango Safari Camp—an exclusive 16-bed, owner-run camp.  Accessible by a short flight from Victoria Falls or Harare to Bumi Hills, Musango a family run exclusive camp for those who seek the remote beauty of a traditional camp with all the comfort, experiences and relaxation that only Lake Kariba can offer.

From walking safaris and ‘Big Five’ game drives, bird watching with over 400 species available to tiger fishing on Lake Kariba; our guests can encounter the abundant wildlife in a multitude of ways. Activities are fun, informal and operated by trained and experienced guides.

Musango Safari Camp’s Steve Edwards, voted one of Africa’s top guides, is the resident owner/guide and is available throughout the year.

Whether you choose to fill your day exploring the area, or simply relaxing and soaking up the ambiance of wild Africa, our staff are only too happy to accommodate your every wish.

Changa. A world removed from life’s cares. A place where bush, lake, and mountain meet. Where friends and family feel warmly welcomed, happy to relax and excited to explore.

Just because Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the middle of Southern Africa doesn’t mean it lacks a coastline.

Caribbea Bay Resort is located on the shore of the lake Kariba, a sight more in keeping with the blue waters of the Mediterranean than the heart of Southern Africa. Caribbea Bay Resort, with its unashamedly Sardinian-style architecture and feel, great climate all year round and a host of water sports on hand, is a favorite playground for Zimbabweans, as well as visitors to the country.

Deliberately fashioned with a Mediterranean coast ambience, Caribbea Bay Resort is an ideal base from which to explore this unique part of Zimbabwe and enjoy a sun-filled holiday in relaxed comfort. This well-appointed resort with its 83 rooms, seven of which are suites, has so much to offer. Tours to the nearby Kariba Dam are a big attraction with guests who wish to get to know the history and traditions of the local Tonga people and the mysteries of the Nyaminyami, the Zambezi River god, and his ‘influence’ over the locals.

Sunsets on Lake Kariba are legendary, with the famous, but very brief, green flash before the sun finally disappears, a sight always to be remembered. The resort is easily accessible by road, some three and a half hours’ drive from Harare, or by air with the airport only 13kms from the resort.