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Kariba
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Menu Welcome to the Zambezi Valley Victoria Falls Lake Kariba Matusadona National Park Mana Pools National Park The Zambezi River Safari options Where to stay General information Houseboats Kariba Ferry Take the Quick Tour Take the Scenic Route Go to the Infodirectory Make an enquiry
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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 confluences 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. Kariba was officially declared a town in 1977. Today Kariba remains a small and isolated enclave bounded by the lake, the Zambezi River, Kaburi Wilderness and Urungwe Safari Area. Kariba is the ideal launching point into Chizarira, Matusadona, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools and the remote wilderness areas in the north and west of Zimbabwe. The middle and lower Zambezi Valley is rich in wildlife, and with its harsh terrain and climate promises first class adventures and safaris. Many of the best attractions are remote and uncommercialised - whether you have a healthy spirit of adventure or a desire for intense "relax-mode" - you ought to look at the Zambezi Valley for:
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. |
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