Lake Kariba Holidays are a fast-rising trend in the African safari industry. Kariba is becoming the place of choice for anyone who desires an exciting safari experience in an idyllic destination.
Imagine cruising on a beautiful inland water body surrounded by African wildlife while in the company of the very hospitable Zimbabwean people.
This guide is mainly for internationals travelling from the United States of America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Locals and regional tourists have a better grasp of some core issues discussed in this post.
Just to be clear, we are not going to discuss travel insurance, bringing sunscreen and binoculars or packing comfortable clothing. These issues have been explored extensively several times in various places.
Travel health: What you need to know when travelling to Zimbabwe
Rather, we shall delve into managing your expectations and shaping your travel behaviour so that you have the best safari experience Kariba has to offer.
Seeds for great Lake Kariba Holidays
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris strives to meet expectations of luxury regardless of operating in a somewhat difficult environment. Zimbabwe is a third world country and Africa remains unpredictable.
Anyone who has been on an African safari understands that travel is the greatest luxury! That being said, this guide will help you have the best possible experience.
Essentials to pack before you embark on Kariba Safari
- Sense of Adventure. Kariba is something of an all-rounder when it comes to appeal. From fighting for the best spot of fishing to exploring the town of Kariba. Or, just relaxing on sun loungers enjoying the iconic Lake Kariba sunset with a cocktail drink in hand.
- Patience. Africa is not in a rush, so why should you be. Things move at a more relaxed pace; therefore, it is wise to go with the flow. Remember, Africa is the third world so there will be transport delays (also normal in first world countries), internet and mobile cellphone services drop regularly and power outages. The good thing is that the experienced guides travelling with guest will make it all bearable, if not fun.
- Respect. Of course, you will have to respect people, that is normal and kind of expected. Guests to Africa, whether first time travelers or people returning to their favourite vacation spots, have to respect the African wilderness. Essentially, we are advising that tourists respect the animals (they might be cute, but they are wild), respect the guide and follow his instructions, they could mean the difference between life and death.
- Open mind. Kariba holidays are known to blow people’s minds! So, it is important that come to this destination with childlike eagerness to explore and learn. This is a sure way to have a memorable holiday.
- As much common sense as you have space leftover for. This might sound stupid and redundant; however, it is quintessential that travelers do not act in ways that will get them injured or spoil the safari for other guests.
Holiday in Kariba Zimbabwe
Firstly, there are many compelling reasons to visit Lake Kariba.
This sleepy holiday destination, yes, it is not as crowded as other vacation spots on the Zambezi like the Chobe River, offers spectacular wildlife encounters, exciting fishing excursions as well as great bird viewing opportunities. Kariba has a lot to offer making it one of those destinations that demand more than just one night.
Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe is a destination to build your African Safari Itinerary around. For those who would like to venture further, Lake Kariba is within easy reach of Mana Pools National Park, Binga and the majestic Victoria Falls. Kariba is accessible from these top tourist spots by air, boat transfer or road. While a road trip around Zimbabwe is challenging, roads are currently being rehabilitated, the stunning landscapes make the experience both exciting and immersive.
The region is a haven for wildlife including aquatic and birdlife. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, some lions and on occasion the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl. Against the exciting backdrop of wild Africa, guests on the top Kariba houseboats are also spoilt with luxury and fine dining, and tender boat-based activities of game viewing and fishing.
Kariba continues to capture the world’s attention by delivering some the best African wilderness experiences and redefining the term cruise safari.
Extra Information on Lake Kariba Holidays
Types of safaris available in Kariba
Kariba offers three types of safaris for holiday makers. Travellers can enjoy a land safari, a lake safari and a hybrid of the two which is a land and lake safari. Read on as we go in to detail on the different types of holidays available in Kariba.
Lake Safari in Kariba
Kariba Houseboat holidays are regarded as the top lake safaris in Africa. During a cruise on Kariba, guests are treated to intimate wildlife encounters. This is a result of being able to safely view the game from the water, on tender boats, as they come to quench their thirst.
While the thrill of being so close to wildlife is amazing, houseboats are also famous for relaxing safari experiences. Kariba houseboat holidays are slow-paced excursions into the heart of wild Africa. Zambezi Cruise and Safaris’ cruise boats are luxurious vessels that carry guests along the entire length of Kariba. All our boats are furnished to a similar standard, coming with fully air-conditioned cabins and public spaces, a pool or jacuzzi as well as wide windows and sun loungers offering awesome views of the lake and the landscape beyond.
During Lake Kariba excursions, real wild animals get so close that some guests are tempted to pat them. Its is that “common sense & respect” plus the fact that you are approaching these majestic beasts from the water that ensure your safety.
The adrenaline rush from the wildlife encounter is soon taken over by a surreal feeling of calm. Gently drifting back to the houseboat, on tender boats, taking in the breathtaking Kariba scenery, drink in hand, is ranked among the most relaxing safari experiences by people who have enjoyed this activity.
Land Safari at Kariba's top holiday resorts
Kariba Safari Lodge Holidays
Very few, if any, location offers the wholesome Kariba experience like the perfectly perched Kariba Safari Lodge. Due to the lodge’s excellent position, guests enjoy magnificent views
Kariba Safari Lodge, commonly known as KSL, voted the best New Establishment for 2019, remains one of the top resorts in the town. KSL, like most decent properties in the resort town, offers amazing panoramic vistas of the lake. However, the views from hill on which this lodge is located are notably superior! And of course, the lodges proximity to the lake is a big plus. Guest will enjoy beach activities including walks, fishing and for thrill seekers, swimming in the crocodile infested waters of the Kariba, in a 15 meter diameter swimming cage.
Kariba Hotel Holiday
Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel, is a recent addition to Zambezi Cruise and Safaris’ portfolio of properties in Kariba. The hotel, with colonial-style architecture, offers one of the best views of the magnificent Matusadonha mountain range regardless of whether you are relaxing on your private verandah, enjoying fine cuisine in the dining area or in the swimming pool escaping the African heat.
Land and Lake Safaris: Kariba Houseboat and Resort holidays
Land and Lake safaris are a hybrid of the traditional African safari. Zambezi Cruise and Safaris land and lake packages offer guest the unique opportunity to experience the African wilderness from the water as well as during land based safari activities
New and refurbished cruise boats like the Zambezi Trader along with stunning boutique hotels and lodges combine to create unforgettable land and lake safari experiences. Land and lake safaris provide the ultimate Kariba holiday experiences. These safaris achieve the difficult task of tying together exhilaration and relaxation.
Land and lake safaris in Kariba involve a stay at land based properties. The stay can either be before or after a cruise on the lake. However, it is important to note that Kariba has a lot to offer for tourists. Top tourists attractions in Kariba include a tour of the culturally and historically rich town of Kariba, game drives and game walks.
During houseboat holidays with Zambezi Cruise and Safaris guests are treated to a variety of Kariba safari activities courtesy of the tender boats on tow. The tender boats allow guests to have the most unbelievable lake experiences from fishing, birding to game viewing from the water. Other activities available include island beach barbecues and sun downer drinks!
How to get to Kariba in Zimbabwe
New and improved travel infrastructure continues to make this beautiful yet-to-be-discovered destination more accessible. Even though there are few direct flights from Europe to Zimbabwe, connections to the country are available from other neighbouring safari countries like South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.
Flight connections to Kariba from Victoria Falls International Airport and Robert Mugabe International Airport are rapidly improving. Several airlines now fly the route. Also, charter planes are available for domestic travel from other top Zimbabwean safari destinations.
Kariba Holidays: Packages
Kariba Holidays can be filled with enviable safari experiences when you travel with good company. Zambezi Cruise and Safari’s houseboats, lodges and boutique hotels in Kariba offer unbeatable land and lake safari packages .
Grab a spot for your next Kariba Adventure
