Lake Kariba/Siavonga In the late 1950s, Lake Kariba (one of the largest man-made lakes in the world) came into existence after the damming of the Zambezi River to provide hydro-electric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe. The dam itself is a major attraction, especially when the gates are opened after heavy rains, but there is also excellent fishing, game viewing and cruising along the lake. The legend of Nyaminami, the serpent-like river God of the Tonga tribe is rumoured to have caused much havoc during the construction of the dam. Small carvings of Nyaminyami are still worn by tourists and locals that raft the Zambezi in the hopes that this will appease the river god and bring them home safely. There are numerous lodges and camping spots along the lake in towns such as Siavonga and Sinazongwe.