Isdore Guvamombe Features Editor
STRETCHING for more than 500km along the base of the rusty-gold Zambezi Escarpment is Lake Kariba, a scenic gem in its own right. Where the land meets the water, in swash and backwash, silky

white coves hem in the azure waters, overshadowed by a chain of wild jungle-draped peaks towering above. Where the water meets the thick vegetation, wild animals gather for their meals.
It is from the peaks that wild animals streak to the dam to quench their thirst and feed on the lush green vegetation. From the shaggy water buck to the nimble-footed duiker, the spindle-legged impala to the boisterous jumbo and sluggish hippo, the lake is a source of life, if not life itself. On approaching Kariba, one is struck by the relationship between humans and wildlife. Baboons sit comfortably in the middle of the tarred road, preening each other’s glossy coats and on the approach of a vehicle, they hobble boastfully into the bush, not before shouting their traditional obscenity — “bo-hoom!.”

Lions silently scramble outside mopane tree shades and swiftly melt into the bush so fast that only a few motorists are able to catch a glimpse of their frosty-brown faces or blurs of tail.

A spitting distance away in Nyamhunga Township, a herd of zebras, confident of their human camouflage, pose like ball dancers, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing motion.

Within the vicinity, elephants form a protective huddle around their young, beneath a bulbous baobab tree while the hippo moo and wander along the lush green lakeshore vegetation, often straying into the suburbs in the stealth of the night.
In the hotels, tourists enjoy the ambience of comfort and an assortment of food delicacies.

Behind this touristee face is the real life of the people of Kariba and companies whose boats, rigs and fishing rods trawling for fish from every corner, for, fishing is the mainstay of Kariba, obviously watched over by in the spiritual realm by Nyaminyami, the Tonga river god.
Lake Kariba on the great Zambezi River is dubbed aquatic jewel of Africa and is a fishing holiday paradise.

Every night, fishing rigs frolic every allowed corner of the dam, casting various sizes of nets in search of fish, but mainly kapenta. One glance into the lake at night treats your eyes to a multifarious array of twinkling lights, winking and deeming as they juxtapose themselves against the dark night waters  — all in search of fish.
Lake Kariba is an outstanding location filled with plentiful fish. The lake is about 300km long and fish like the tiger, bream, tilapia, catfish, barbel, labeo and jack is included in the species that you will find in this vast expanse of fresh water.

The tiger fish have flourishes in the rich waters of the lake and it is considered by many to be one of the finest game fish around. The tiger fish is a worthy opponent for the skillful angler because of its speed, courage and strength. Fishing safaris are offered on Lake Kariba and these are usually done on a houseboat.

This also offers the eager angler the opportunity not only of tiger fishing but bream as well or just game viewing from the deck of the houseboat.
Tiger fish is known throughout the world for its ferocity and fighting spirit, traits that makes it one of the most sought-after game fish in the world.
On catching it, the fish’s initial run is fast and strong and is usually followed by spectacular leaps of one or two metres into the air to shake off the hook, and then a series of deep, determined runs, which chew every ounce of strength from this magnificent game fish.

Finally, after about 10 minutes of fighting, the tiger fish is pulled, belly-up, to the side of the boat, where it tries to make one or two last breaks to freedom — like a man trying to break from chains — but is gaffed and brought onto the boat.

The very tackle many fishermen use for tiger is in itself a telling tribute to the fighting qualities of Africa’s most elusive, ferocious and speedy game fish.
The tiger is just in a class of its own. The sporting quality of tiger fish can only be truly appreciated if fairly light tackle — with 1-4kg line — is used. Tiger fish is Africa’s most elusive, finest and flamboyant game fish.

It possesses a ferocious set of razor-sharp teeth enclosed in a bony head.
Its blue or blackish lateral stripes — like a land tiger — and bright red to yellow caudal fin completes the picture.
Tiger fish is known for its sheer speed and aggression, pound for pound and is ranked as the world’s most powerful fresh water species.

For any discerning fisherman, catching the tiger is the greatest experience as the fish bravely darts from one place to another, leaping upwards, downwards and sideways for several minutes before eventually succumbing to the angler.

Every year October, there is the world renowned “Kariba Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament” that is held on the lake. The tiger fish is responsible for this and fishermen from all over the world come down to Lake Kariba.

Kariba is amazing African wilderness on an extra large scale and therefore it is not just the fishing that’s great but also the many islands that all harbour big game.
The best time to go is September, when the water is at its cleanest and the lake hosts an international fishing competition.

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