Kariba is located in the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe - southern Africa - on the north eastern border with Zambia - 365 km from the Zimbabwean capital Harare.

Size
When the dam was completed in 1960 it was the largest man-made dam ever built. Two hundred and twenty kilometres long and in places up to forty kilometres wide, it provides considerable electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry.

Climate
The climate is generally tropical with three reasonably distinguishable seasons. A hot rainy season from late November to March, a cool dry season from May to August and a very hot dry season from September to November. Annual rainfall ranges from 400mm (16 inches) in the Valley to about 700mm (28 inches) on the plateau. Winter temperatures rarely go below 13 degrees C (55 degrees Fahrenheit), day time temperatures hover at about 40 degrees C (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the hot months.

Wild life and Fishing
Elephant, hippo's, crocodiles, antelope, occasionally - lion, cheetah, monkeys, warthogs and an abundance of birdlife are all visible from the deck of your houseboat.
The tiger fish, considered by many to be one of the finest game fish around have flourished in the rich waters of the lake. The largest average weight caught in competition is just under eight pounds, but the speed, courage and strength of the tigerfish make it a worthy opponent for the skillful angler.

History
The Zambezi River itself has been known outside of Africa for thousands of years. Legends suggest that the kingdoms of Hiram, Solomon and Sheba were enriched by the gold and ivory of Ophir - supposedly part of present day Zimbabwe - and the mighty Zambezi was one of the gateways to the ancient treasure trove. Evidence of early man's occupation has been found along most of the river but much of its history has been shrouded in mystery. The confluence's of the Zambezi, Sanyati, Ume and Sengwa rivers met in the Gwembe Valley - an uncomfortable, hot and disease ridden region - sparsely populated by the Tonga tribesmen and until about 40 years ago known only to a few explorers, geologists, District Commissioners, hunters and surveyors.
In 1955 a point on the Zambezi River known as "kariwa" (a trap) became a hive of activity with the construction of the Kariba dam wall. The wall was sealed at the end of 1958 despite a 1000-year flood and repeated warnings by the local tribe that the River God, Nyaminyami had an unsettled score.
World media attention focussed on the new township at Kariba in the early 1960's during Operation Noah when Rupert Fothergill and his team undertook the biggest animal rescue ever. An epic drama unfolded as wildlife was saved from the rising waters of the new Lake and largely relocated in Matusadona. The surrounds of Lake Kariba became a fascinating turmoil of ecological change - parts of which now teem with an abundance of flora and fauna in a striking and diverse terrain.

Language
English is widely spoken by all. The predominant local language is Shona.

Currency and exchange rates
Zimbabwe's unit of currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar. Visitors to Zimbabwe must pay for some items, such as airport taxes, air fights, ship tickets and hotels, in foreign currency, usually US dollars. Airport taxes by law must be paid in US Dollars on leaving. At the moment (Feb 2002) the rate is USD25.00 and you must pay in cash at the airport!
1US dollar = 80 Zim dollars approx