| Lake Kariba in Zambia is the largest manmade lake in | | | | - lots of impala, waterbuck and bushbuck |
| the world. Completed in 1959, it was designed to | | | | - some kudu |
| provide hydro-electric power for Zambia and | | | | - a wide variety of birds - 378 species recorded to |
| Zimbabwe. 280km of river was turned into an | | | | date |
| enormous 5,200km2 of lake! Chete Island peeps out | | | | - and of course plenty crocodile and hippo! |
| of Lake Kariba. Historically the construction of Lake | | | | The island has a sense of solitude, charm and |
| Kariba was surrounded by much debate - thousands | | | | wilderness that only a wild island can possibly give. Far |
| of BaTonga villagers were immediately displaced and | | | | from the adrenaline junkie power boats of the |
| much wildlife drowned despite the 'Operation Noah' | | | | shores of Lake Kariba, this remote island lies largely |
| initiative to save and relocate animals as the flood | | | | unknown and virtually unvisited by the tourist world. |
| waters rose. However, that was fifty years ago and | | | | Some would define the solitude as heaven, but for |
| today the lake is home to a rich fish and aquatic life, | | | | those who want a little action, activities are another |
| and its shores are rich in wildlife and beauty. This is a | | | | optional ingredient. |
| place for fishing, a place for quiet relaxation in a | | | | - Game walks with an island guide are an obvious and |
| striking natural environment and a place to come on | | | | must do experience |
| safari - a kind of three for one experience! | | | | - Bird watching will happen by accident but an |
| Chete Island is a private wildlife reserve and bird | | | | organised session can be arranged |
| sanctuary and is the largest island on the lake | | | | - As you are surrounded by water, game and bird |
| (27km2). It is a remote southern island, very much | | | | viewing by canoe gives another twist |
| isolated except for the glimpse of kapenta | | | | - Many have said that fishing the lakes water is |
| (Limnothrissa miodon) fishing rigs in the distance. | | | | worth a trip here on its own |
| Known as a "wild water wilderness", this is a place | | | | - And, sunset and sailing cruises will relax your mind |
| where game and birds flourish, completely protected | | | | and body weather you intend it or not! |
| and unadulterated. Despite the small size of the island, | | | | Chete Island offers a luxurious tented camp with just |
| its game is not tame. Though populations are not as | | | | 8 Meru style tents. A place where elephants choose |
| dense here as they are in other Zambian national | | | | to idly wander past, where the unforgettable sound |
| parks (Luangwa and some areas of Kafue) animal | | | | of the bellow of hippos travels down the bay and |
| sightings are still thrilling here. | | | | where the magnificent African sunset awes the few |
| There is | | | | visitors that are lucky enough to ever step foot here. |
| - a resident herd of elephant of around 80-100, | | | | Note: If you wish to publish this article on your |
| - a pride of lions | | | | website, blog, etc. you can as long as the article |
| - possibly half a dozen leopard | | | | remains in its full entirety; including the links and the |
| - a herd of eland | | | | author resource box. |