ZIMBABWE may be a landlocked country- far from the sea front- but its resort towns like Victoria Falls and Kariba have so much to offer in water sports and activities for those who just love playing with water.
Report by Mellisa Mpofu
When the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority launched the Zimbabwe a World of Wonders campaign in 2011, I thought it was one of their public relations moves, but that was before I visited their last wonder — wonder number seven — which is the mythical town Kariba and the mighty Zambezi River.
I feel little attention has been paid to this wonder, home to Lake Kariba, Kariba Dam and Power Station and with one of the country’s best hotels — the Caribbea Bay.
I travelled to Kariba over the weekend for the first time to sample what the place had to offer.
I must admit, the journey was not so pleasant considering the hot temperatures along the way and curvy roads which are mainly used by haulage trucks ferrying goods to Zambia and Tanzania.
By road, it takes about five hours to get to Kariba from Harare.
What I found a bit disappointing was the fact that there were no luxury coaches plying the Harare-Kariba route and that Air Zimbabwe no longer flies to the tourist destination. This has made it hard to connect to the resort town as one has to rely on public transport to get there.
When you arrive in Kariba, you are welcomed by a scenic view of Lake Kariba.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
On my way to Caribbea Bay Hotel, I saw elephants along the way, state-of-the-art houseboats and speed boats docked on the shores of the lake.
Kariba was quite hot with a temperature of 38 degrees and I could not wait to take a bath.
Upon arrival at the hotel, I was welcomed at the gate with a special 30-second dance from the security personnel.
I then proceeded to check in at the hotel.The Sardinian architecture of Caribbea Bay Hotel, coupled with the lapping shores of Lake Kariba, makes you feel as if you are visiting a fishing village on the Mediterranean coastline — not a resort on the largest man-made water body in Southern Africa!
I was then taken to my room, a marvel with great air conditioners.
I took a shower and relaxed before grabbing something to eat. You will never go hungry at Caribbea Bay.
There is a poolside venue which offers light meals and snacks during the day, catering for the culinary needs of guests.
I decided to have my meal by the pool side watching young guests swimming and others playing by the swings.
What I adored about the Caribbea Bay Hotel is the fact that they have families, especially children at heart. At the hotel, younger guests are kept occupied with two swimming pools, an outdoor play area, Supa Tube Waterslide, and monkey bars.
I ordered the hotel’s famous Kariba Bream and a cocktail to quench my thirst. After having late lunch, I decided to wind down by joining the fun at the hotel’s Supa Tube waterslide which is for all ages.
It was packed at the waterslide because of the unbearable heat in the town. Fortunately, there was no need to search far for drinks as ice creams, drinks and snacks were sold at the Supa Tube tuckshop which is by the side of the pool.
The hotel offers a host of water sports including water skiing, canoeing and even water polo. You can also do fishing. Tennis courts are within close range and if game viewing interests you, the staff at Caribbea Bay will arrange guided game drives into the nearby Kariba Matusadona National Park.
After swimming, I then relaxed by the pool deck before participating in one of the must-do activities, the sunset cruise on Lake Kariba.
I went to the shore and for a moment I thought I was in Seychelles, but the only difference was that the Kariba “beach” did not have coarse sand like the one at the Seychelles beach.
At the lake, I saw colourful stands run by the Kariba community where they sell colourful beach wear.
But before going on the cruise, I decided to go for a ride on the hotel’s speedboat. It was quite an experience considering that the boat moves at quite a fast speed and you barely think much, but pay attention on the happenings of the ride.
A few minutes later, I went for the two hour boat cruise. For others, it was their first time and you could see the excitement especially from the younger passengers who were thrilled by seeing animals like elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
On the cruise, people were served with drinks and snacks. I enjoyed some matemba served on the boat and actually requested another plate.
I was on the cruise specifically hoping to see the famous mythical Nyami Nyami snake also known as the Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) or Zambezi Snake spirit, but unfortunately, I did not see it.
The snake is said to be one of the most important gods of Tonga people as it protects and gives them sustenance in difficult times.
What I found impressive about Kariba was that activities there were quite affordable as compared to Victoria Falls.
A sunset cruise in Kariba costs an average of $5 while the same cruise in Victoria Falls costs about $60 per person.
Caribbea Bay accommodates guests in 83 rooms of varying sizes. There are spacious suites ideal for larger families, smaller Casita rooms (with a bunk bed for the children and a double bed or two twin beds for the adults), as well as executive rooms.
Most of the rooms at Caribbea Bay have balconies.
The rooms are painted in warm Mediterranean colours, while the interior decorating reflects the Caribbean.
All rooms are air-conditioned, en suite and equipped with overhead fan, desk, hairdryer, telephone, digital satellite TV, safety deposit box, as well as tea/coffee-making facilities.
Other facilities at Caribbea Bay include a curio shop, car hire, babysitting services, 24-hour room service, same-day laundry service, packed lunches for excursions, as well as information about tourist attractions in the area.
The Kariba Village, just a short drive from Caribbea Bay, gives visitors the opportunity of learning more about the culture of the Tonga people.
There is also a crocodile farm where guests can take a good (safe) look at these ancient creatures.
The wall of the Kariba Dam is another worthwhile attraction.
When you stand on the viewing platform, you get a feel of the sheer magnitude of the dam near Caribbea Bay in Zimbabwe.
Caribbea Bay also provides conference facilities, comprising one larger venue and two smaller rooms. All conferencing facilities at the hotel are fully air-conditioned.
So, why not spend your holiday at Zimbabwe’s own “world wonder seven” this Christmas?
