Sports

African safari destination: Chete Island, Lake Kariba, Zambia

Lake Kariba in Zambia is the largest man-made lake in the world. Completed in 1959, it was designed to provide hydroelectric power to Zambia and Zimbabwe. 280 km of river became a huge 5200 km2 lake! Chete Island appears from Lake Kariba. Historically, the construction of Lake Kariba was surrounded by much debate: thousands of BaTonga villagers were immediately displaced and much of the wildlife drowned despite the initiative of ‘Operation Noah’ to save and relocate the animals to as the waters rose. However, that was fifty years ago and today the lake is home to rich aquatic and fish life, and its shores are rich in wildlife and beauty. This is a place to fish, a place to quietly relax in amazing natural surroundings, and a place to come on safari, a kind of three-for-one experience!

Chete Island is a private wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary and is the largest island in the lake (27 km2). It is a remote southern island, very isolated except for the glimpse of kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon) fishing gear in the distance.

Known as a “wild water wilderness”, this is a place where game and birds thrive, fully protected and unadulterated. Despite the small size of the island, his game is not tame. Although populations are not as dense here as in other Zambian national parks (Luangwa and some areas of Kafue), animal sightings are still exciting here.

There are

  • a resident herd of elephants of around 80-100,
  • a pride of lions
  • possibly half a dozen leopards
  • a herd of eland
  • lots of impala, waterbuck and bushbuck
  • some kudu
  • a wide variety of birds: 378 species recorded to date
  • and of course lots of crocodiles and hippos!

The island has a feeling of solitude, charm and nature that only a wild island can give. Away from the adrenaline-junkie motor boats of the shores of Lake Kariba, this remote island is largely unknown and virtually unvisited by the tourist world.

Some would define solitude as paradise, but for those who want a little action, activities are another optional ingredient.

  • Rides with an island guide are an obvious and must-see experience
  • Bird watching will happen by accident, but an organized session can be arranged.
  • Since it’s surrounded by water, bird watching and canoeing takes another twist.
  • Many have said that lake water fishing is worth a trip here on its own.
  • And sunset and boat cruises will relax your mind and body, like it or not!

Chete Island offers a luxurious tent camp with only 8 Meru style tents. A place where elephants choose to roam idly, where the unforgettable sound of the bellowing of hippos travels across the bay and where the magnificent African sunset amazes the few visitors who are lucky enough to ever step here.

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