Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, filled between 1958 and 1963 behind the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi and shared with Zimbabwe, is the largest artificial lake in the world by volume, a vast inland sea stretching to the horizon along Zambia's southern border. This tranquil expanse of blue water, studded with islands and the eerie, skeletal remains of drowned trees, has become a beloved leisure and wildlife destination. Visitors drift on houseboats, fish for tiger fish, watch elephants and hippos along the shores, and above all savour the lake's spectacular, flaming African sunsets.

What you'll find

• The houseboat cruises - the relaxed floating trips on the lake.
• The sunsets - the legendary fiery sunsets over the water.
• The drowned forests - the skeletal trees rising from the lake.
• The shoreline wildlife - the elephants, hippos and birdlife.

When to go

May to October, the dry season, for warm, sunny weather and the best wildlife along the shores; the lake is a popular escape and houseboat destination, especially over holidays. The hot months before the rains are ideal for relaxing on the water and watching the famous sunsets.

Things to know

It is a relaxed, scenic destination for cruising, fishing and sunsets rather than an intense wildlife or activity hub, so it suits those seeking to unwind on the water. For a tranquil houseboat escape, superb fishing, gentle wildlife watching and some of Africa's most beautiful sunsets, though, Lake Kariba is a peaceful delight.

Nearby

The Lower Zambezi park and the towns of Siavonga and Kariba are close.

Key facts