Lake Kariba

Vast Lake Kariba is a drowned river valley created by the huge hydroelectric dam to offer great fishing, wildlife viewing and great scenery. A flotilla of options is available from the local hub at Kariba Town although crocodiles and bilharzia make swimming inadvisable. A popular itinerary connects with Victoria Falls and Hwange national park.

Sunsets cruises and longer trips by houseboat or catamaran feature the rich wildlife of Matusadona as it comes to drink and graze on the grassy shores. On a grander scale, a few days aboard the Southern Belle paddle steamer bring a touch of the Mississipi with silver service dining, splash pool and games deck to complement game viewing and fishing.

Tiger fish are at their best in September and October - known for their power and aggressive resistance. Rich angling stocks include bream, barbel and mudsuckers. Kapenta, introduced from Tanzania, are fished commercially and salt-dried as an important local food.

Canoe expeditions pass through Kariba Gorge and on to Mana Pools, navigating the course of the river ... and its hippo population. The sights of drinking elephant, splashing buffalo and grazing antelope are punctuated by camping on sandbanks to the sounds of the African night.