1958 saw the completion of the Kariba Dam, 290 km long and 32 km at its widest point, which not only provides Zimbabwe with hydroelectric power.

Lake Kariba is a source of countless pleasures ; fishing, water skiing, and sailing among them. Of the forests that infringe the shores, the most intriguing is found at Matusadona National Park. Once fully above water, thousands of teak trees became half submerged in water as the lake slowly expanded to its present dimensions.
Today, the almost-skeletal branches of the trees jut into the sky, as if emerging from another world. Plenty of wildlife can be seen swimming or on the banks of the lake, including elephant, buffalo, rhino.

The water itself supports 40 different species of fish, as well as crocodile and hippo.
The bony, razor-toothed tiger fish, give fishermen an especially good fight, but other sport fish such as the delicious bream, carp and black bass should not be forgotten.

A preferred way, and some say the best, of exploring the Iake is to take a houseboat to the most remote corner of the Iake for a couple of days.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land the Iakeshore offers many secluded and beautiful lodges. Both allow the visitor to experience the magical sunsets, for which Kariba is famed, with a chilled drink in ones hand.

In Kariba town are the casinos and larger hotels with marina facilities. The impressive dam wall and the Church of Santa Barbara, built in honour of those who lost their lives constructing the dam, are further features of interest.

Leaving Lake Kariba the mighty Zambezi ambles its way towards Mozambique, along the shore of probably the wildest and loveliest National Park in Zimbabwe - Mana Pools.

Mana Pools is the only national park where one is allowed to walk freely, despite the presence of elephant buffalo and lion. Over time, the river here has changed course, and the remains of the old channels form small seasonal pools scattered across 2000 km² .
For bird and wildlife enthusiasts September is a good month to explore the Park, as that is when the migratory birds arrive and the wildlife concentrates at the river and waterholes ; the end of winter is approaching which means that many other water supplies have dried up.

The Acacia Albida, which dominates both banks of the river, clearly show the browse line of the large elephant population. And when these trees bear fruit, it is even possible to catch an elephant standing on its hind legs, reaching with its trunk high into the branches, in search of this favoured foodstuff.

This magical place can be experienced from a luxury lodge, complete with game drives and walks and delicious cuisine, or by sleeping in a tent on the river bank and enjoying the close-up thrill of four-legged visitors, such as elephants and hyenas, during the day and night !
And watch out for the monkeys ...