Lake Kariba holds the record as the largest man-made lake in the world by volume. Stretching along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this massive body of water was created in the late 1950s following the construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River.
The project was an ambitious engineering feat designed to provide hydroelectric power to both nations. Once the dam was completed in 1959, the rising waters of the Zambezi submerged thousands of square kilometers of land, creating a lake that today covers an area of about 5,580 square kilometers (2,150 square miles) and holds more than 180 cubic kilometers of water. At its widest, Lake Kariba measures over 40 kilometers, and it stretches for nearly 223 kilometers in length.
Beyond its size, Lake Kariba is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. The lake teems with fish, particularly the famous tiger fish, which draws anglers from across the globe. Its shores support wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a significant ecological habitat.
The creation of Lake Kariba also gave rise to Kariba Town in Zimbabwe and Siavonga in Zambia—both of which serve as hubs for tourism, fishing, and energy supply. The reservoir plays a vital role in electricity generation through the Kariba Hydropower Station, which remains one of Africa’s most important power sources.
However, the lake’s history also carries a human cost. The flooding displaced thousands of people, particularly the Tonga communities, who had to be resettled in new areas. Today, Lake Kariba stands as both a symbol of human ingenuity and a reminder of the environmental and social trade-offs that come with such monumental projects.
With its sheer scale, economic significance, and natural beauty, Lake Kariba remains one of Africa’s most remarkable landmarks—and the largest artificial lake in the world by volume.
