ZIMBABWE | KARIBA TOWN
KARIBA TOWN What ’s On Offer [ WRITER: Sally Wynn ]
[ PHOTOS: Wild Zambezi, Zimparks, African Sun Hotels, Executive Air, Zambezi River Authority,
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Baobab Bookings.
Most people who visit the little lakeside town of Kariba - sprawled across a line of steep hills flanking the “Kariwa” gorge from where it gets its name - are stopping only briefly to board a boat and set off onto the vast inland sea of Lake Kariba for a few days of fishing or fun relaxation. The lake has long been popular with local and regional holidaymakers who hire a fully staffed, self-catering houseboat for a few days and set off from one of the town’s four main harbours. Increasingly, international visitors, too, can enjoy a luxury cruise or set off across the lake on a speedboat transfer to a safari lodge in the vicinity of the Matusadona National Park. The people who stay longer in Kariba Town itself are usually attending a conference or a wedding at a resort venue, or taking time out to enjoy a tranquil weekend of fishing, gameviewing, birding, or simply relaxing in the little wildlife town which has an attractive, laidback, tropical, Mediterranean-type atmosphere. So what’s on offer in Kariba town itself?
KARIBA TOWN: WHERE TO STAY? Kariba offers holidaymakers a variety of choices to suit different pockets, including a large hotel/resort, several lodges, various holiday homes, cottages, self-catering facilities and campsites dotted among the hills, bays and shorelines of the town from where the views of the lake are stunning. Caribbea Bay Resort (run by African Sun Hotels) – is Kariba’s largest hotel and a popular
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TRAVEL & LEISURE | May - Aug 2021
venue for conferences and large weddings. Situated on the shores of the lake, with lovely views, the resort is designed Sardinian-style with 83 bedrooms and can cater for up to 150 conference delegates or wedding guests. Facilities are child-friendly, with baby-sitting facilities, a childrens’ playground and pool and the nearby Supa-Tube adventure water slide. Kariba Safari Lodge (run by Zambezi Cruise & Safaris) - is set into 33 acres of woodland hillside above Kariba Town, with nine luxury Lodges and eight Suites distributed on various levels down the steep slope to the lake shore and beach area. The main openplan lounge, restaurant, outdoor patio and bar area is built on an elevated deck with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Lake Kariba.
There is a swimming pool and casual bar with a communal boma area, free Wi-Fi and a separate conference and wedding venue. Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel (run by Zambezi Cruise & Safaris) - is a 13-room colonial-style facility situated on the hilltop of Mica Point. It shares amenities with the nearby Kariba Safari Lodge. Its open-plan lounge /dining /bar/ pool area is set in tropical gardens with stunning views over Lake Kariba. It will be opening soon. Hornbill Lodge – is an intimate, personalised, owner-managed lodge set atop a hill in Kariba town with stunning views over the lake. Catering on a full-board basis for up to 12 guests in A-frame thatched chalet en-suite
