Kariba Dam Wall
Kariba Dam
A 128-metre-high double-curved arch dam spanning the Zambezi River gorge. Its crest marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and it is where Lake Kariba was born.
Kariba Dam was built between 1955 and 1959. It stands about 128 metres high and 579 metres long. By damming the Zambezi River, it created Lake Kariba, which supplies power to both countries. On the Zimbabwe side, a viewing terrace on the hillside above the dam offers a view of the vast lake on one side and the Zambezi River in its deep gorge on the other. Beside the terrace, craft stalls sell wood carvings of Nyaminyami, the river spirit. To walk onto the dam crest, you must register at the border checkpoint and carry your passport. The middle of the crest is the international border, so you should not photograph the installations freely. It is about a 10-minute drive from Kariba town.
Opening hours
Border crossing about 6:00–18:00