The Big 5 Matusadona National Park, managed by African Parks, is named after the rolling Matusadona hills. This remote and rugged park is flanked by the Lake Kariba in the north and two perennial rivers. The Park was once a conservation stronghold for elephant and black rhino and is slowly returning to its former glory under the management of African Park and Zimparks. The population of woodland birds, raptors and waterfowl to be found in the Matusadona National Park is staggering as there are more than 240 species. Today, it is an Intensive Protection Zone for the endangered black rhinoceros and one of the few places in Southern Africa where visitors may be lucky enough to see this magnificent animal in the wild. This park is a treat for visitors wanting to see Africa’s other big mammals including elephant, buffalo, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra and various antelope species. The Matusadona shoreline on Lake Kariba invites water-based activities, usually from game viewing boats or pontoons and is one of several protected wildlife areas with shorelines on Lake Kariba. The best way to experience Matusadona is on a game drive or walking safari. Other options include overnighting on the shoreline with a cruiser or houseboat or staying at one of the lodges/camps in or on western edge of the park.
Lake Kariba: A Man-Made Paradise
The world’s largest man-made lake is Zimbabwe’s best kept secret – a undiscovered riviera in the Zambezi River Valley.
A Wildlife & Water Safari Paradise
Lake Kariba is situated along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. In terms of volume, it is the largest man-made lake in the world and was completed in 1959. The lake is 280 kilometers long with a maximum width of 32 kilometers. Kariba’s fertile shores and a perennial supply of freshwater also attract large concentrations of wildlife. The lake is a haven for birdlife, most of which is found along the lake shores and on its islands. Birding, game-viewing, boating and fishing, especially tiger-fishing are popular activities on Lake Kariba. The most rewarding area for safari trips is the nearby Big 5 Matusadona National Park, located on the Zimbabwe side to the west of Kariba town. Lake Kariba is a favorite stop-over before or after a Mana Pools National Park safari and combines well with this and other regional safari destinations. The best time to visit the Lake area is between April and September, when the temperatures are pleasant.
Lake Kariba
Kariba Town
Matusadona National Park
Your Gateway to The Big 5 Matusadona National Park
An All-in-One Family Safari Destination
Lake Kariba is an all-in-one family safari destination, easily reached by a light aircraft transfer, ferry or boat transfer or self-drive from Victoria Falls. The lake, combined with the bordering Matusadona National Park, offers an all-round safari experience. Bring your family to Lake Kariba for a renowned houseboat safari, boat cruises, canoeing safaris, walking safaris, birding safaris or a fishing safari. There’s a couple of good-quality family-friendly luxury lodges set on the water’s edge, offering a wide range of safari activities.
The Tiger Fishing Mecca of Zimbabwe
Lake Kariba is the fishing and tiger-fishing mecca of Zimbabwe. The most popular fish caught in Lake Kariba is the bream of which there are many types. These fish are a table delight, sought after by all hotels and safari camps for their high-quality white flesh and delicious taste. The tiger fish is pound for pound, one of the world’s finest fighting fish, attracting fishermen from every corner of the globe and offering the angler a never-to-be-forgotten and exhilarating experience. If it’s a large fish you desire then Lake Kariba offers the largest fish found in Zimbabwe, the huge vundu to challenge your angling skills. The best season to catch fish is just before the onset of winter and during the warmer spring and summer months. August through to April is the best period when the climate is more conducive to fishing, however Lake Kariba boasts a fantastic climate and one can catch fish all year round.
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