Kariba Dam
Kariba Dam is an arch dam and hydroelectric power station situated in Kariba, Zimbabwe. Construction began in 1955, and the facility stands 128 meters tall with a length of 579 meters.
Planning a visit
The dry season, running from May through September, is the most suitable time for a visit. During these months, rainfall is minimal, and daily high temperatures range between 25 °C and 31 °C. In contrast, the period from December to February sees significant rainfall, with up to 218 mm in January. October and November are the hottest months, with daily highs reaching 33 °C.
Kariba Airport is the nearest arrival point, located 13 km away. For international connections, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, is 136 km from the dam. Travelers coming from Harare, Zimbabwe, will need to cover a distance of 283 km. Kariba Dam is one of the most looked-up sights in Zimbabwe.
Weather by month
The warmest month is October, with an average high of 33 °C. The wettest is January, with about 218 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 30 |
| Average low, °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
| Rainfall, mm | 218 | 172 | 93 | 25 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 71 | 164 |
| Rainy days | 23 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 16 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
