This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kariba.
Kariba, Zimbabwe, is located in the northwest of Zimbabwe on the shores of Lake Kariba, close to the border with Zambia. Although the town is nothing to speak of, it is the gateway to the lake shore, which is a beautiful, peaceful place to stay. The lake is the largest manmade lake in the world, with an area of five thousand square kilometers and a depth of nearly one hundred meters in places. Although many people live in this area, there is wildlife, and zebras -- as well as elephants, hippos, baboons and monkeys -- are common; if you are lucky, you might have elephants wandering through your campground. It is also a good bird-watching area; African fish eagles and cormorants are very common.
Accommodation is housed at lakeside lodges, and at least one of these offers cheap, hostel-style dorm beds. There are also camping options. A lot of these lodges cater to fishing enthusiasts fishing for kapenta and tigerfish and boat trips around the lake and to the many small islands easily arranged via the various lodges and hostels in Kariba, Zimbabwe,. The town itself does have some basic accommodation, but this really isn't the place to stay here -- instead, get to the lake shore. There are banks in the town and a supermarket for self-caterers, though.
Kariba is easily accessed from Harare by public bus and there is a road and border crossing at Siavonga in Zambia, making it accessible from there, too. There are also accommodation options on the Zambian side of the lake, including hostel-style dorm beds and camping options.
Kariba is a place to sit back and relax. It is a holiday destination for Zimbabweans and Zambians alike and is peaceful at all times of year, but it doesn't see too many foreign travelers, which is a pity as it's a beautiful area.
Written by local enthusiast for Kariba hostels
LondonroadMa
