Kariba - The Legend of the Nyaminyami

Originally only a river running through the land populated by the Tonga people, Kariba is now the second largest and most beautiful man-made Lake in the world.

Contrary to popular belief, the dam was not constructed for its substantial aesthetic appeal, but in order to provide hydro-electricity for Zimbabwe and surrounding countries.

Legend has it that when construction of the dam began in 1955, the Tonga warned the engineers that their god, Nyaminyami, lived in the Kariba Gorge and that the dam wall would anger him.

Their petition was disregarded – the engineers dismissed it as superstition – and construction continued. In the years it took to build the dam wall, from 1955-1959, the area experienced floods and heat waves, the likes of which have never been seen before.

Today, the lake plays host to a wide variety of animal and bird life and Kariba is world renowned not only for its fishing but also game viewing.

Whether you decide to take to the water in a canoe, a fishing boat, speedboat or houseboat, cruising on the lake is an unforgettable experience and is a must for visitors to the area.