By Violet Mashonga
Kariba – Once a glittering gem on Zimbabwe’s tourism map, Kariba is now at a crossroads. With its sweeping lake views, unforgettable sunsets, and wildlife-rich surroundings, Kariba should be a magnet for tourists.
But years of neglect, poor infrastructure, and limited accommodation options are threatening to dim its once-bright allure.
At the recent Mashonaland West Provincial Investment Conference, industry players and officials sounded the alarm—and ignited a renewed call to action to revive Kariba as a leading destination.
The Harare–Chirundu highway, the lifeline to Kariba, remains in disrepair. For a town where 70% of visitors rely on road travel, poor connectivity is more than an inconvenience—it’s a roadblock to tourism growth.
“Connectivity is an issue that must be tackled head-on,” said Cephas Shonhiwa of the Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba (KTBI). “Most of our tourists are domestic travelers. When roads are bad, they stay away.”
While Bitumen Construction has been contracted to improve the highways, progress is slow. Tourism stakeholders believe fixing the roads is only the beginning.
Accommodation Dilemma
Visitors who do make it to Kariba face another hurdle: a shortage of lodges and affordable accommodation. According to Kariba hospitality entrepreneur Tichaona “T Box” Matiki, the cost of land is pricing out local investors.
“Developers want to build, but land prices are unrealistic. We need government and local authorities to create tourism-friendly policies that attract investment.”
Despite the challenges, hope remains. Hon. Marian Chombo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, called for a bold reimagining of Kariba’s tourism offering.
“We should be looking at adventure tourism—parasailing, quad biking, lake cruises—and exploring the potential of a domestic airport to ease access,” she said.
Elyson Chigerwe, acting Provincial Director in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, echoed the need for infrastructure investment—especially road reconstruction—and emphasized the role of cultural tourism.
“A cultural center in Kariba would celebrate local heritage and become a new attraction. It’s not just about safaris and sunsets—our culture is a powerful tourism asset.”
Senator James Gumbo painted a stark picture of Kariba’s two-decade decline.
“Most revival plans have gathered dust. But the potential is still here—untouched landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural depth. What’s missing is execution.”
The two-day investment indaba, backed by sponsors such as CAG Travellers, Padenga, and the Mutapa Investment Fund, brought together stakeholders from government, tourism, and business. Their shared message: Kariba can be saved—but only through collaboration and urgency.
Kariba remains one of the few destinations in southern Africa where visitors can go from a sunrise boat cruise to a game drive by sundown. Its majestic lake, houseboat experiences, and proximity to Mana Pools and Zambezi National Park make it a natural tourism gateway.
What it needs now is infrastructure investment, visionary planning, and support for local entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a traveler dreaming of lakefront serenity or an investor seeking opportunity, Kariba still holds promise. But that promise must be backed by action.
About Author
