Kariba Bush Club

Fishing in Zambia does not get much better than this! Kariba Bush Club provides the ultimate fishing opportunity, on the shores of Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made dams in the world. Your catch could include the infamous tiger fish.

Boat cruises and fishing safaris on Lake Kariba in Zambia are exciting events at Kariba Bush Club. On these wonderful trips you'll be able to move around the lake islands to appreciate the magnificent scenery and the abundance of Zambia wildlife. And boy can you fish! Half and full day fishing trips are available with rods tackle and a packed meal supplied. Apart from the tiger fish, you stand a chance of catching various species of tilapia (bream), catfish (barbel, and vundu – a fish that can reach a weight of over 50 kilograms), Cornish jack, Chesser and more. For those who want a less 'serious' fishing experience, pond fishing for various species of bream is available. This activity is well suited to children and first timers as catching is guaranteed! A catch-and-release policy operates on all fishing trips although if you fish from the pond you can keep enough for a meal.

Canoeing safaris on the expansive waters of Lake Kariba also give the adventurer an awesome experience. There is a slip-way to cater for those with their own boat. A camping area is available for those with their own tents. For those staying at Kariba Bush Club, facilities include a volleyball court (with floodlights), a large swimming pool, a children's play area, and a well stocked bar (it is known for its ice cold beers). If you enjoy self-catering, there is a self-contained kitchen with storage space. And, internet is available to keep you connected whilst in this idyllic remote area.

The club has facilities which include a volleyball court, a swimming pool, a children's play area, a well stocked bar, a self-contained kitchen for self-catering and internet.

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Bird watching excursions are a favourite activity on and around the crocodile breeding dams. There are over 200 species documented so far , including 12 African fish eagles in one tree alone. The dams are also home to thousands of ibis as well as a variety of herons, egrets, vultures, kingfishers, plovers, weavers and much more.

Guided Zambian walking safaris take place on one of the private islands on Lake Kariba, with plentiful wildlife and natural birdlife. They usually take place in the early morning and you can learn about the flora and fauna (including some interesting traditional healing and herbal properties of certain species) and how you can identify different species of wildlife by looking at their spoor (foot prints) and dung.

A sunset cruise safari around the islands provides a relaxing way of viewing the local Zambian wildlife. Typically hippos, crocodile, puku, impla, fish eagle, kudu and eland are seen whilst occasionally elephants can be viewed swimming between the islands. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Book an Island excursion with dinner cruises with sundowners. Dinner is cooked on an open fire on a private island. Or opt for an island picnic with friends. Kariba Bush Club staff will prepare a tasty picnic basket especially for you filled with a delicious variety of snacks and refreshments.

Keep yourself busy with a tour of Zambia's largest commercial crocodile farm. Crocodile farm tours are approximately 2 hours long – starting at the incubator and hatchery, moving all the way up to the breeding dams. The dams, which are completely natural, are home to over 1,500 adult Nile crocodiles! Watch them fight for their share of food. You'll be amazed by the power and strength of these magnificent creatures. Take a boat cruise or a fishing trip, a visit to the crocodile farm or a Zambia walking safari on and around the islands – lots of opportunity to appreciate the abundance of Zambian wildlife here.

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At Kariba Bush club you can put your fishing skills to the test by catching an infamous tiger fish, lounge in a pool side hammock whilst fish eagles swoop in the sky above, sweat on the volleyball court before taking a dip in the pool, spot Zambia's amazing wildlife on a canoe safari, or get scared out of your wits on a tour of Zambia's largest Nile crocodile farm! Whatever you decide to do, the Kariba bush club team are confident it will be unforgettable.

At Kariba Bush Club it's worth sitting back and drinking in the scenery. At the end of each relaxing day, enjoy the renowned sunsets over the water. There's also a fully stocked bar, self-catering kitchen and braai facilities, as well as delicious home made meals. Grab a bite to eat from the restaurant's selective menu; homemade burgers, freshly picked garden salads, Kariba bream, prime Zambian steak, exotic crocodile curry and tasty home-grown pork chops are just a few of the dishes on offer.

Accommodation choices include self-contained houses,lake-view chalets, economy rooms, houseboats and camping – giving everyone a chance to appreciate this small slice of African paradise.

Lake view chalets

Canvas-and-thatch style chalets are built on wooden decks overlooking Lake Kariba. Each chalet is en-suite with a dressing room, toilet and a shower. Each chalet also has its own private verandah where you can enjoy spectacular views and early sunrises while watching the animals feeding around and below.

Baobab and Marula Guest houses

Both guest houses are spacious, private and comfortable, ideal for families and friends. Both are self catering, fully furnished, self-contained and equipped with satellite TV, private parking and spectacular views of Lake Kariba. Marula House comfortably accommodates 10 people – six in the main house and four in the side cottage. It is set amongst two acres of lush gardens, with a massive front lawn stretching down to the lake shore. It comes with its own private swimming pool. Baobab House is a double storey, thatched cottage that comfortably accommodates six people. Perched on top of a hill alongside a rather large baobab tree, the views of Kariba are nothing short of spectacular. Witness the breathtaking sunsets over the water without having to move further than your veranda. Walk over to the main lodge pool. Or simply enjoy your day lying in a hammock reading a book.

Private rooms and dormitory

These are set back from the water amongst gardens and natural vegetation. They are simple but wonderfully cozy. A communal ablution block is located close to the rooms, making them ideal for travelers on a lower budget. These rooms are also ideally located close to all the lodge's main facilities including the swimming pool, volleyball court and restaurant.

Eva and Kholisa houseboat

While out on the water the boats can be moored along and around Kariba Bush Club's private islands with an abundance of wildlife in view. This makes trips out on the boat a spectacular game-viewing experience in itself.

The beautiful Eva houseboat comfortably accommodates six adults and is fully furnished and self-contained. The boat is made up of two private bedrooms (one double and one twin), a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge and living area, an upper deck dining area and a toilet and shower. Guests are welcome to take both single or multi-day trips on Lake Kariba. You can opt for self-catering or full board rates. Both options come with bed and breakfast. Kariba Bush Club also have a tender-boat to give guests the opportunity to venture further than the houseboat for afternoon cruises and fishing excursions.

Kholisa Houseboat is a larger boat great for groups. It comes complete with an MP3 compatible CD player with surround sound and plenty of fridge and freezer space. At 19 metres long and three storeys high with 13 cabins it is able to accommodate up to 30 people. It also has a large kitchen, spacious dining and entertainment area as well as a bar, splash pool and an upper sun deck with loungers. The boat is self contained for groups who wish to self-cater and there are BBQ facilities on board. This boat is great for families, groups of friends and corporate meetings and workshops.

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Island bush camp

Situated on a private and secluded island, the Kariba Bush Camp offers game walks, canoeing trips and fishing excursions. The camp itself which rustically blends perfectly into its surroundings is made up of six tents, each with their own shower and toilet. Here, guests will be able to soak up the jaw dropping views out into the bay.

The island camp has a kitchen set up for self catering, but full board can be organised on request for those who wish to take it a little easier. For the romantic at heart, full moon cruises combined with dinner on one of the sandy beaches will be available during the dry season (April-October, weather dependent).

Main lodge campsite

If you just want to be close to nature and do things your own way then there's the Kariba Bush Club campsites. It is set back from the water's edge, but within easy walking distance of the main lodge and it's various facilities.

The beautifully located campsite at Kariba Bush Club has braai (BBQ) areas scattered around the site for those who enjoy food cooked on the open fire. There are two ablution blocks (one for ladies, one for gents) with hot and cold running water. A self-catering kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove, crockery and cutlery caters for those who wish to prepare their own meals and store their foodstuffs. But Kariba Bush Club campsite offers both self-catering and full board options.

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