In this series of blogs we feature Wild Zambezi’s network partners offering travel opportunities along the Zambezi River within Zimbabwe. Check out our location maps, images and the links provided below to these beautiful places – all reliant on the wonderful wilderness surrounds of this magnificent river.
KARIBA town is the focus of this Blog.
The little lakeside town of Kariba sprawls for some distance among the hills and along the shoreline of Lake Kariba flanking the steep-sided “Kariwa” gorge from which the place took its name originally.
Many people visit Kariba briefly as a stopping-off point prior to boarding a houseboat from one of its four main harbours or setting off across the lake on a speedboat transfer to a safari lodge or fishing camp. Some visit to attend a conference or a wedding at one of the small hotel venues; others take time out to enjoy a few tranquil days fishing, game-viewing, birding, or simply relaxing in the little town which has an attractive, laid-back, tropical, Mediterranean-type atmosphere. Access is via a main road from Harare or Lusaka (via Chirundu), or by air into Kariba airport from Harare or Victoria Falls.
KARIBA TOWN: HOTELS, LODGES & SELF-CATERING OPTIONS
Among the many privately-owned homes, there a number of small hotels, lodges, holiday cottages, self-catering facilities and campsites dotted among the hills, bays and shorelines of the town from where views of the lake are stunning.
Hornbill Lodge – is an intimate, personalised, owner-managed lodge set atop a hill in Kariba town with stunning views over the lake. Catering on a full-board basis for up to 10 guests in A-frame thatched chalet en-suite bedrooms, with a central living area/dining room/bar/TV lounge and splash pool set in lush tropical gardens, this place is a little treasure for small groups.
Caribbea Bay Resort – is Kariba’s largest hotel and a popular venue for conferences and large weddings. Situated on the shores of the lake, with lovely views, the resort is designed Sardinian-style with 83 bedrooms and can cater for up to 150 conference delegates or wedding guests. Activities include boat cruises, sunset cruises, game drives, game walks, village tours, Kariba dam tours, canoe safaris, fishing and day trips to the Matusadona and Mana Pools National Parks.
Cutty Sark Hotel – has recently changed management. The hotel is set in extensive, lush, tropical gardens with beautiful views over Lake Kariba. Accommodation consists of honeymoon suites, family rooms, deluxe and standard Rooms which are en-suite, air conditioned and lake facing. The hotel has an extensive and attractive terrace, with a dining room and separate bar area, a swimming pool, tennis court, pool table, darts and children's playground, and is large enough to host conferences or weddings.
Dzimbabwe Lodge – offers fully-catered and/or self-catering accommodation for up to 32 guests, on a private property in Kariba town, overlooking the lake. The Main Lodge consists of 6 double or twin rooms with comfortable beds, 2 generally equipped kitchens, 4 dining areas and 2 spacious TV lounges. The adjacent Cottage has 4 double or twin rooms with comfortable beds, a kitchen, lounge and a dining area. These can be hired on an “exclusive” basis to families or small groups. There are also 6 new de-luxe en-suite bedroom suites in an adjacent block behind the main lodge. Wi-fi, laundry service, secure parking, room service and air-conditioning are also available.
Kariba Self-catering options – there are a number of private cottages, chalets and houses in Kariba town and in nearby Charara (Wild Heritage/Nzou Lodges) which are available for short-term holiday lets, usually on a self-catering basis. Many of them have staff available to assist with cooking and household chores.
For more information about what’s available, contact the following agents who are specialists for Kariba self-catering options:-
Baobab Bookings
Experience Africa Safaris
Safaris 4 Africa
Pesha Safaris
Premier Holidays
Vayeni
Wild Dog Tours
RELATED BLOGS:-
Lake Kariba & Matusadona - Safari Lodges & Camps in the Eastern Basin
Chirundu area - River Lodges & Camps along the Zambezi
Mana Pools area: River Lodges & Camps along the Zambezi
Middle-Lower Zambezi Area: River Lodges & Camps along the Zambezi River
Victoria Falls area: River Lodges & Camps along the Zambezi