Lake Kariba is over 220 km long and up to 40 km wide, and it is located along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir in terms of volume. Situated 1,300 km upstream from the Indian Ocean, it is situated on the Zambezi River, roughly midway between the river’s source and mouth. Many islands can be found in the lake, including Bed Island, Chikanka, Maaze Island, Mashape Island, Chete Island, Sekula, Sampa Karuma, Fothergill, Spurwing, Snake Island, and Antelope Island. After the Kariba Dam was completed at its northeastern end, Lake Kariba was filled, flooding the Zambezi River’s Kariba Gorge.
Many fish species have been brought to the lake, most famously the kapenta, which resembles sardines and was brought from Lake Tanganyika. The fishery is currently very successful commercially. Hippo and Nile crocodiles are among the other residents of Lake Kariba. Nowadays, gamefish – especially tigerfish – do well on the kapenta, which boosts tourism.
Presently, Zambia and Zimbabwe are making an effort to grow the tourism sector along their respective Lake Kariba coastlines. Elephant herds occasionally patrol the shorelines, along with fish eagles, cormorants, and other water birds.
