Customize one of our recommended trips or design your own from scratch
Built amongst the trees on the 33-acre hillside of Mica Point, the indigo waters of Lake Kariba are laid out before the lodge, leading your eye to the towering Matuzviadonha Mountains. Warmth and hospitality permeate and you'll quickly feel at home in one of the stylish villas. The opportunity for adventure is clear, as super herds of elephant and buffalo line the lakeshore and sleek boats cruise its waters. You'll have the chance to explore the greater Matusadona on game drives, explore tiny islands via speedboat, and try a Lake Kariba staple - angling for tiger fish (in season).
From $190 person/night
Taking a dip in the lodge's swimming cage, which sits in the lake, making it a daring (yet totally safe) dip to remember.
While the scenery and wildlife tend to steal the show, make a little time to visit the Dam Wall and learn about the eventful history of how this man-made sea came to be.
Should you like to avoid walking up too many hills, aim to book a room close to the reception.
Without a doubt, the views are paramount at Kariba Safari Lodge, whether it's over a la carte dinners on the deck (try the grilled bream) or accompanied by a cocktail from the open-sided bar. In fact, the entire lounge and dining area is wall-less to make the most of the stunning position. Inside, you'll find plenty of locally-inspired decor, with beaded 'chandeliers', whittle roofs and rugged, wooden doors. In the garden, there's a large pool for refreshing dips and a firepit for those classic safari nights.
A collection of lodges and suites is dotted across the hillside, sloping towards the lake-side 'beach.' The rooms are decorated in a warm, earthy style with leaf motifs and local art, and a King-sized, net-draped bed enjoys a private nook and views of the lake through large windows. There are nine open-fronted lodges and eight suites (that sleep two extra on Indian day beds), and all have a private patio. The bathrooms are rugged with wooden towel rails, stone walls and well-appointed amenities.
Spend your days exploring the lake and its surrounds, trying your hand at finding the impressive wildlife on game drives (say hello to the rest of the Big Five) and bush walks. Then, take to the water on a fishing, birdwatching or scenery-focused boat trip - look out for crocs and hippos as you go. And, at sunset, be ready with a drink, a camera and a sigh as those breath-taking colours dance over the water. You'll also have the chance to visit the Santa Barbara Chapel, which was dedicated to the people who lost their lives during a flood as the dam was being built.