Lake Kariba Inns is a resort on 33 hectares of mountainous slope above Siavonga Harbour, about nine kilometres from the Kariba dam wall. It is unusually well equipped for the Zambian lake shore — tennis, squash, a spa, a deli and bakery — and it operates its own houseboat, the Takamaka, from its own harbour.
Best for
Families and groups who want a lake resort with enough on site to fill several days without driving anywhere, and travellers who want to combine a room with a houseboat night on Kariba. Not for anyone after a small, quiet lodge, and not for late arrivals — after-hours check-in is not available.
Location
Siavonga, on the Zambian shore of Lake Kariba, on slopes overlooking the harbour and about nine kilometres from the dam wall. Kariba straddles the Zambia–Zimbabwe border, and some aggregators misfile Siavonga businesses on the Zimbabwean side; this is the Zambian shore.
Rooms and style at Lake Kariba Inns
Four room grades: Standard, Luxury Standard, Executive and Luxury Executive. The operator does not publish a room count, and two secondary sources disagree, so no figure is given here. Rooms have a refrigerator with complimentary water, air conditioning and a fan, tea and coffee facilities, an en-suite bathroom, a framed mosquito net and DStv. The standard bed is a super king that converts to twin three-quarter beds, and executive rooms have private patios. The operator states the rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Facilities at Lake Kariba Inns
Restaurant and bar, deli and bakery, conference centres, swimming pools, fitness centre, spa and masseuse, tennis court, squash court, a games room with pool, foosball and table tennis, a playground with trampoline and jungle gym, a gift shop, wildlife and nature walks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is a slipway and mooring, with speed boats, ferry boats and pedal boats. The Takamaka houseboat sleeps up to twelve in five suites, with a crew of three, a heated onboard pool and swim cage, a hot tub and solar power.
Trade-offs and what to know
No published room count. The operator gives none and secondary sources conflict.
Payment terms conflict. One platform says cash is not accepted, another lists it alongside cards. Confirm directly.
Early check-out, at 10:00 or 10:30 depending on the source.
No after-hours check-in, and the minimum check-in age is 18.
No pets.
Getting there and getting around
Siavonga is about two and a half to three hours by road from Lusaka on the Kafue and Chirundu route, and most guests self-drive or take a transfer. The resort is spread over a hillside, so expect slopes between the rooms and the water.
Explore the area
For Lake Kariba and the Zambezi valley below the dam, see our Lower Zambezi & Lake Kariba regional guide.
Before you book
Check-in is from 14:00 with no after-hours arrival, and check-out is at 10:00 or 10:30 depending on the source. Children are welcome. Pets are not allowed. Card payment is accepted; whether cash is taken is contradicted between platforms, so confirm.
Current rates and availability
We do not publish fixed rates for Lake Kariba Inns, because pricing and availability change with dates and demand. Use the Check Availability button on this page to see the current options offered by the independent booking provider. Zambia Travel Guide does not set prices, hold inventory or take payment.