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Just about every kind of holiday in Zambia is intrinsically relaxing – there’s something especially rejuvenating about spending time in such wild, pristine wilderness.
That said, there’s perhaps nothing more quintessentially relaxing than a fishing holiday, and a fishing holiday on a fully-catered houseboat is hard to beat.
Whether to fish or not is entirely up to you, of course. You could just as easily sip cocktails on the deck, watching the fish eagles fish instead, in between more drinks and naps.
Lake Kariba is a beautiful place to unwind like this, and the sleepy town of Siavonga is where most of Zambia’s houseboat fleet is based.
What to do in Zambia
Many of Lake Kariba’s houseboats operate from the Zimbabwean side – Kariba town is the focal point for houseboat adventures. The lake is enormous enough to accommodate hundreds of vessels without feeling crowded, but the Zambian side is the least busy, with even less chance of seeing other boats as you cruise.
On multi-day voyages, you’ll explore the lake’s many inlets, then drift out towards the centre to take in the vast scale. Hippos and crocodiles are common along the lake shore, but they rarely venture out to disturb the deeper waters.
Smaller launches can be towed behind the main houseboat allowing anglers to search out fishing spots more easily. There’s good fishing on Lake Kariba throughout the year, but locals say that months containing the letter ‘r’ are best for tigerfish.
September and October are perfect for tigers, and the season continues throughout the summer months when fishing on Zambia’s rivers is banned. Most operators will provide fishing gear and bait, but you’ll need to check carefully when booking and placing any orders in advance.
Houseboat holidays are ideal for larger groups, with most offering cabin berths for between 10 and 30 people. They always come fully crewed, and fishing guides can be arranged. Whether you’d like to self-cater or hire a chef is up to you.
Several excellent, laid-back fishing lodges are also dotted around the lake – another very tranquil option if you’re not in a group. Again, fishing is not compulsory; you can always relax by the pool or take a sunset cruise. But do try to get out on the water at some point during your stay and let some of Kariba’s magic soothe your tensions.
