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Lake kariba

• Kariba is located in the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe - southern Africa - on the north eastern border with Zambia - 365 km from the Zimbabwean capital Harare.
• The town is spread along approximately 20km of the Lake Kariba shoreline with its western boundary on the Zambezi River.
• The town has a population of approximately 30000 inhabitants concentrated in the Nyamhunga and Mahombekombe townships, with smaller communities on The Heights, Chawara, Charara and Camphill.
• Lonely Planet has described Kariba as an "unconsolidated two level jumble" - topographically it's very hilly similar to parts of Matusadona and Kaburi and it doesn't have a distinguishable centre

The Zambezi River itself has been known outside of Africa for thousands of years. Legends suggest that the kingdoms of Hiram, Solomon and Sheba were enriched by the gold and ivory of Ophir - supposedly part of present day Zimbabwe - and the mighty Zambezi was one of the gateways to the ancient treasure trove. Evidence of early man's occupation has been found along most of the river but much of its history has been shrouded in mystery. The confluences of the Zambezi, Sanyati, Ume and Sengwa rivers met in the Gwembe Valley - an uncomfortable, hot and disease ridden region - sparsely populated by the Tonga tribesmen and until about 40 years ago known only to a few explorers, geologists, District Commissioners, hunters and surveyors.

Today Kariba remains a small and isolated enclave bounded by the lake, the Zambezi River, Kaburi Wilderness and Urungwe Safari Area. Kariba is the ideal launching point into Chizarira, Matusadona, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools and the remote wilderness areas in the north and west of Zimbabwe. The middle and lower Zambezi Valley is rich in wildlife, and with its harsh terrain and climate promises first class adventures and safaris. Many of the best attractions are remote and uncommercialised - whether you have a healthy spirit of adventure or a desire for intense "relax-mode" - you ought to look at the Zambezi Valley.