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City guide

Kariba

Kariba is a resort town in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe, located close to the Kariba Dam at the north-eastern end of Lake Kariba, near the Zambian border. According to the 2022 Population Census, the town had a population of 27,600.

Type CityPopulation 27,600

Why go

  • Place in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe.
  • Served by Kariba Airport (KAB).

History

Kariba is a resort town in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe, located close to the Kariba Dam at the north-eastern end of Lake Kariba, near the Zambian border. According to the 2022 Population Census, the town had a population of 27,600.

Airports

Kariba Airport (KAB) 12 km to the centre
Kariba, MW, ZW — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Bumi Hills Airport (BZH) 56 km to the centre
Bumi, MW, ZW — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Fothergill Airport 23 km to the centre
Fothergill Island, MW, ZW
Outdoor
Rifa Airstrip 27 km to the centre
Hurungwe, MW, ZW
Outdoor
Gachegache Airport 30 km to the centre
Gache Gache, MW, ZW
Outdoor
Tashinga Airport 48 km to the centre
Tashinga, MW, ZW
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Lake Kariba Ferries
Ferry terminal · 0.6 km from the centre · Kariba Ferries
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Kariba Dam — Kariba
Kariba Dam — Kariba
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
October – March

The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.

Shoulder season
April – May, September

Milder and quieter, with better value.

Worth avoiding
June – August

The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Kariba Airport (KAB); 19 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 20 km (nearest: Lake Kariba Ferries, 0.6 km).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Kariba. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

Pumbo Safari
Adventure
Addie Junior Tours and Cruises
Boat Tour
Madiba Safari Lodges
Adventure