Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba, formed in the 1950s by the damming of the Zambezi and shared with Zimbabwe, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, 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 actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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; the lakeside towns are workaday, and swimming is unwise given crocodiles and hippos. 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.