Kariba Bush Club is a unique self-catering lodge and camping destination along the idyllic shores of Lake Kariba (Zambia). Situated on Zambia's Largest Nile Crocodile Conservancy. Lounge by the sparkling pool; spot some of Zambia’s amazing wildlife on a sunset cruise, or get scared out of your wits on a tour of Africa's largest Nile crocodile farm! Whatever you chose to do, we promise an experience that will be unforgettable!
Kariba Bush Club was established in 2003 originally as a backpacker's lodge and guesthouse able to accommodate 32 guests. As word of our secret location spread, we have grown extensively ,now being able to accommodate a maximum of 22 guests excluding the campsite. Our mainland campsite is situated under a large grassy canopy and our new island campsite provides an opportunity for a real bush experience - fire side meals, island walks and fantastic game viewing!
Guests can enjoy a fully stocked Grocery/liquor store and swimming pool, self-catering kitchen and braai facilities .The view from our pool and Deck is spectacular and there is always a refreshing cool breeze coming from the lake.
All the Chalets, the bar, swimming pool, hot water ablution blocks have been built with local materials by Kariba Bush Club staff, utilizing local stones, clay, thatching grass, hand made bricks, wooden poles and timber, all sourced locally and built to perfectly blend with the surroundings and vegetation. Most of the major work, such as cutting and combing of thatching grass, brick moulding and collection of stones, are organized with the local people from the surrounding villages. The wooden poles that we use are bought from the local community when areas are cleared for traditional farming. Poles are never cut just for the purpose of building.
At Kariba Bush Club we also offer
Laundry service
Daily cleaning of your room
Luggage Storage
24-Hour Reception
Free Parking
At Kariba Bush Club we sell frozen meat (pork chops and bacon from our neighbouring farm, bream and crocodile fillets) as well as fresh eggs and bread. you will be able to buy most of your groceries from our little shop/ liquor store on the premises
WHAT TO DO!
CROC FARM TOUR
A visit to Siansowa is incomplete without our hour guided tour of one of the largest commercial Nile crocodile farms in the world. Seen it all before? Don't find much interesting about crocodiles? WRONG!!!
This is a crocodile experience with a difference. Why? For the simple reason that it is not a tourist attraction, but a working commercial farm, the concept of which is to conserve the wild population. The first hour comprises of a look into the complex and forever changing world of crocodile husbandry. From the careful and painstaking process of incubating the eggs, the science of feed formula, disease control and quality processing, right through to the legal and economic aspects of trade in what used to be one of the world's most endangered species, and how that trade has been the key instrument in crocodile conservation policy.
The second half is where it really gets exciting as we move down to the breeding dams and literally step back 200 million years to the time when giant reptiles ruled the Earth! 7 hectares of earth dams, with more than 1,500 massive adult crocs, which are kept purely for breeding purposes. The dams are divided into six sections, so everyday is a feed day and the action can be spectacular. Don't forget your binoculars either as the dams are a birders' paradise too!
Some of the comments we have received speak for themselves
"You have never seen a crocodile farm if you haven't been here!"- Zambian crocodile farmer.
"This is an experience comparable to the gorillas in Uganda." – New Zealand overland operator. (This may be far fetched, but he did actually say this!)
SUNSET CRUISE
Experience Kariba's "world famous" sunset from the deck of "Langaula", our big cruise boat . The less strenuous way to see the game and bird life around the islands and in the water!
BIRD WATCHING & BUSH WALK IN THE MAINLAND NATURE RESERVE
Spot some elusive species on a guided bird watching walk around the mainland nature reserve. Siansowa is home to numerous bird species that are rare in the area - such as the Bat Hawk, the White-backed Night Heron, the Grey Parrot, the Eastern Nicator, the Palm-nut Vulture, the African Rail, the Cardinal Quelea, and the Western Banded Snake Eagle. The African Fish Eagle is a permanent and common resident here; we hope that its famous and suggestive calls will not "disturb" you too much!!! During your "bird watching walk" you can also enjoy the sight of the game on the mainland.
Spend a bit of time in the LOCAL MARKET to see how things work in the real rural Africa
Watch the crews of the commercial "KAPENTA" (=fresh water sardine) fishing boats in action at night
Visit a traditional FISHING VILLAGE
Relax at the poolside overlooking the lake, enjoying an ice cold drink