Kariba Dam was built in 1958 and the resulting lake is 5200 sq.km and up to 130m deep – the second largest man made lake in the world.
The story of the creation of the lake and the building of Kariba Dam is an exciting account of modern engineering. However, it is also the tale of the tragic but necessary removal of the Ba Tonga people, who held that the river god Nyaminyami would destroy the dam and allow the Zambezi to run free again.
As well, it is the story of one of the most impressive wildlife rescue operations ever carried out in Africa, called Operation Noah. Over 5,000 animals were rescued, including 35 different mammal species and 44 black rhino.
Frightened creatures ranging from elephant to snakes were captured for release into other areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Before Lake Kariba was filled, most of the existing vegetation was burned, creating a thick layer of fertile soil on land that would become the lake bed.
As a result the ecology of Lake Kariba became vibrant and a number of fish species have been introduced to the lake, notably the sardine-like kapenta (transported from Lake Tanganyika), which now supports a thriving commercial fishing industry. Other inhabitants of Lake Kariba include Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
Its waters support more than 40 different species of fish – in a rare example of a successful introduction of a non-native species to a lake, the kapenta – taken from Lake Tanganyika – has apparently had a minimal biological impact.
Gamefish, particularly Tigerfish, which was among the indigenous species of the Zambezi river system, now thrives on the kapenta, which in turn encourages tourism.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are now attempting to develop the tourism industry along their respective coasts of Lake Kariba. There are several different barble (catfish) species, one of which, the “vundu”, grows to a few hundred pounds which is great for the fishermen.
Bream fish, or Tilapia are a very popular eating fish and are also plentiful on the Lake.
OPERATORS
Eagles Rest Resort – Eagles Rest Resort is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, near the sleepy little town of Siavonga, only two and a half hours drive from Lusaka and only 8km from the spectacular Kariba Dam Wall.
Set in 4 hectares of some of Africa’s most beautiful countryside, the resort is nestled in a secluded wooded area on the shores of the Lake with beach frontage and magnificent views across the Lake to the Matusodona Mountains.
Kariba Bush Club – Kariba Bush Club offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.