On a recent Zambezi Cruise Safaris trip we took a side excursion to Kings Camp Fishing Village in Binga. The village was named after a European fisherman called King. King relocated to Binga when Matusadona was declared a National Park. King’s village is now home to a thriving Co-operative Fishing Community. Top among the benefits of such a group is access to exclusive fishing areas granted under the terms of their operating license.

King’s Fishing Village in Binga: Social Activities

In addition to the fishing activities, the villagers have thrown open the village to tourists who wish to visit. And, the villagers offer the warmest of welcomes. Visitors can have a guided tour or walk about on their own and meet the residents. Many of the villagers are happy to invite you in if you wish. Their children are even friendlier if that is possible,

When arranging our visit the villagers had asked if we could source a football for them. On our arrival, there was a wonderfully informal greetings ceremony to receive the ball.

Before we left, the ball was already in use, bringing the village ladies’ netball team up to scratch in their training. It seems there is a shortage of football shops along the shores of Lake Kariba!

A community of Fishermen

Depending on water levels the landing beach is some 2/300 yards from the village. As you approach on foot there is evidence all around of the basic function of the community. Boats and nets are being repaired and, everywhere, buckets of fish are lined up waiting to be cleaned on their way to the drying racks.

What struck me very noticeably was the natural feel of the place. This was no tourist trap with tacky trimmings and artificial settings but a genuine community going about its day-to-day business. A community prepared to grant outsiders a chance to “look in”.

The idea that necessity is the mother of invention, is very apparent here. Some of the ingenuity on display is truly amazing. What caught my eye were some of the buildings which appeared to have been made from cylindrical bricks.

The sight of a heap of plastic paint pots answered my question as to where on earth you could obtain cylindrical bricks. Pots had been adapted as brick moulds to enable the use of the local mud for solid house construction.

Village tour with the children of Binga

The children were an absolute delight. There was none of the pestering to which tourists are often subjected and which can ruin an otherwise pleasant day out. The children are happy to hold hands with our group and show us around their village.

This perambulation ended with an impromptu charade/home-produced play put on by the villagers for our benefit. Whilst I felt that brought a perfect end to the day, I didn’t realise I had one more revelation to come.

I had long felt that, at my age, surprises were few and far between. However, I must confess that an absolute incongruity raised even my well-worn eyebrows. As we walked through the centre of the village, we saw a well-used pool table under the shade of a tree. How it got there is a mystery but it was the centerpiece of many a sporting night out!

When you get the chance to pay a visit to the fishing village please do so, you will not be disappointed.