Kariba

Arriving in the vibrant town of Kariba, we crossed the awe-inspiring dam wall, a colossal structure currently undergoing maintenance. Pausing at the viewpoints, an absolute must, we marveled at the engineering feat. Swiftly clearing the border and customs, we journeyed to Warthogs Camp, a haven nestled by the Kariba Dam. 

Our adventure began with an ice-cold Zambezi at the pub restaurant, a welcome respite before setting up camp. Surrounded by adequate facilities, complete with power and hot water, we decided to forgo the pricey Pub restaurant and opted for a campfire feast under the starlit Kariba sky. 

As night fell, we eagerly awaited the arrival of our daughter and the rest of the family who were set to join us on a houseboat expedition. The anticipation hung in the air, intensified by the tranquil ambiance of the dam's banks. 

Exploring the lively town of Kariba the next day, we discovered the Elli Delhi, a one-stop-shop for camping essentials. Stocking up on supplies, we stumbled upon a fish shop, securing a couple of kilos of fresh Bream. The family reunion was celebrated with cold drinks, laughter, and a delicious Bream barbecue. 

Next morning  we boarded the Rendezvous, a “luxurious houseboat equipped with four bedrooms. Assigned to the top deck, I enjoyed panoramic views. With provisions from Crispy Fresh, our journey commenced, and the boat staff ensured our drinks were on ice as we set sail for three unforgettable nights on the dam. 

Our first campsite, after a three-hour voyage, became our home for two nights. Cold beverages in hand, we embarked on a dawn fishing adventure, reeling in squeaker bream and even a majestic Tiger. As the sun set, stories of crocodiles, elephants, and plains game surrounded us, adding a touch of wild magic to the experience. 

Days melded into nights, filled with chillaxing, fishing, games, and of course, a continuous flow of cold ones. The chef transformed our catch into a mouthwatering feast, amplifying the culinary delight of our journey. 

Venturing to a new destination along the shores of Matusadona, we encountered abundant plains game and were treated to yet another breathtaking sunset. As our houseboat journey ended, we headed back to Kariba with a treasure trove of memories, marking another exhilarating tick on our bucket list. Kariba, with its dam, wildlife, and vibrant atmosphere, had become more than a destination—it was an unforgettable chapter in our epic journey.