Kariba town can be accessed by both road and air, while boat transfers offer access to lodges spread across the lake.
Road
Getting to Kariba by road is a simple pleasant journey with no off road driving required, the roads are tarred all the way. If you don’t have your own vehicle you can contact Hersov Tours for your road transfer requirements.
On a side note a great place to break up your journey is at Lions Den, Saucey Sue’s is a one stop shop for biltong as well as takeaway boerewors and steak rolls … and for the ladies a nice clean restroom! The Makuti Travel Lodge is also a great place to stop with reasonably priced food and a well stocked bar with ice cold drinks, you can also buy ice here (please pre-order during peak seasons).
- Harare to Kariba is 370km – approx. 5 hours.
- Lusaka, Zambia to Kariba is 186km – approx. 3 hours
- Victoria Falls (through Zambia) to Kariba is 554km – appox. 8 hours
Directions from Harare:
Head out of Harare on the Kariba/Chirundu road. You will pass through small towns along the way, just keep going straight. Turn left at Makuti, this is approximately 295km from Harare. Travel down the escarpment towards Kariba for approximately 1 hour.
Directions from Zambia:
Kariba town has a functioning border post with Zambia allowing people to cross the border over the dam wall, light vehicles are able to cross over the wall. This is a small and relatively hassle free border provided all your paperwork is in order. If you need to be collected from the dam wall you can contact Hersov Tours for all your road transfer requirements.
Air
Domestic flight routes will be starting from 27th March 2023 with FastJet connecting Kariba with both Victoria Falls (daily) and Harare (4 times a week).
Small private air charters can be arranged into Kariba Airport or onto one of the smaller airstrips dotted around the lake in closest proximity to your lodge from anywhere in Zimbabwe. Contact your accommodation to find out which airstrip is the most convenient. Charter companies currently offering flights to the area:
Executive Air - bookings@execair.co.zw
Alt Air Charters – altair@tarazedcharters.com
Safari Logistics - https://safari-logistics.com
Grand Air - www.grandaircharters.com
FastJet - www.fastject.com
Boat Transfers
Boat transfers are used to get to lodges and hotels across the lake such as Changa Safari Camp, Rhino Safar Camp and Spurwing Island. Boat transfers can be booked with Avoca Transfers or directly with your accommodation provider.
Kariba Ferry
The Kariba Ferry has been running for decades allowing vehicles and passengers to travel the length of Lake Kariba taking 22hours from Kariba town to Mlibizi. Clients park their vehicles on the base of the boat and travel on the top deck, meals and drinks are provide on board the ferry.
Departs – 10:30am (loading starts 1 hour prior to departure)
Arrives – approximately 07:00am the following day.
Contact the Kariba Ferry directly http://www.karibaferries.com/
