Zimbabwe

Kariba

The world’s largest artificial lake, by volume, is 226km long and, in places, up to 40 km wide. Forming a border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it can often feel more like a sea than a lake. On the shore, small herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo graze on the jewel-bright grass. They are best viewed from the cruising comfort of a houseboat, which Kariba is famous for.

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Exploring the upper Zambezi River on a cruise is an absolute ‘must’ and there is all manner of boats and cruises to choose from…some sleek and elegant, and some offering old world charm…for breakfast, lunch, sundowners or dinner, it’s your pick! We’ve discovered them all and have a round-up of the best, depending on your preferred mode of transport. A dreamy dinner cruise on board the Malachite is one of our favourites. Sparkling wine and canapes are served on the upper deck, and once the sun has dipped below the horizon, a delicious set dinner is prepared onboard by two chefs using a variety of locally sourced produce and served on the lower deck. Malachite is the perfect choice for couples wanting a unique romantic setting as well as for parties of four or more guests.

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Reasons to travel to Lake Kariba

  • The magical combination of water and wildlife
  • One of the best sunset spots in Africa
  • A great place to battle a tiger fish
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Experiences in Kariba

Lake Kariba offers an impressive range of unbelievable things to do.

Matusadona Luxury Safari Cruiser
Matusadona Luxury Safari Cruiser
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Where to stay in Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba has some world-class accommodation options. 

Fothergill Island
Fothergill Island
Bumi Hills
Bumi Hills
Matusadona
Matusadona

Other destinations in Zimbabwe

It’s the people, as much as the sights, that make Zimbabwe such a special spot to visit. These places are our best of the best.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park

Mana Pools

Mana Pools

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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