Lake Kariba is a vast reservoir on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is the largest man-made lake in the world and the fourth largest lake by volume. Its size is so enormous that it can be seen from space! Lake Kariba is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and abundance of activities.
History of Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba was created in 1959 as a result of the Kariba Dam project. It was built to provide hydroelectric power to the region, and to control flooding of the Zambezi River. The dam is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the lake is shared by both countries.
The lake is named after the nearby Kariba Gorge, which was named by the local Tonga people. The name Kariba means “trap”, referring to the way the gorge traps the Zambezi River.
Amazing Facts about Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake. It is 225 km long, 32 km wide, and has a surface area of 5,580 km2.
The lake has a maximum depth of 140 m. It is estimated to contain about 180 cubic kilometers of fresh water.
Lake Kariba is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of species of birds.
The lake is also home to the largest population of tigerfish in the world.
Things to Do at Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery and abundance of activities. Here are some of the best things to do at Lake Kariba:
Fishing: Lake Kariba is a great spot for fishing. It is home to a large population of tigerfish, as well as other species of fish such as bream, barbel, and catfish.
Boating: Boating is a popular activity on Lake Kariba. There are a variety of boats available for hire, including houseboats, speedboats, and fishing boats.
Game viewing: The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. There are several game parks in the area where you can go on game drives and spot the animals.
Bird watching: Lake Kariba is home to hundreds of species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, the Great White Pelican, and the African Jacana.
Hiking: The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery, and there are several hiking trails in the area.
Camping: There are several campsites around the lake, where you can camp and enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Lake Kariba is an amazing destination in Zimbabwe. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and variety of activities, it is the perfect place for a holiday.