The Kariba Bream Farm, which is located near Chawara Harbour, was originally opened not as tourist venue, but as a provider of packaged bream fish for supply to market chains for resale. During the 1990’s there was an influx of cheap mackerel into Zimbabwe, which threatened to put the bream farm out of business. During this time a relative was visiting from Australia, and asked if he could fish in the ponds as sport for the day. He enjoyed himself so thoroughly that he suggested the owners consider opening it up to the public as an option, as many farms in Australia do and the rest they say is history!
The Kariba Bream Farm is open 7 days a week (EVEN Christmas day) from 8a.m to 4:30p.m.
Entrance is $5 per adult and $3 per child under 12 years old. The charge applies if you are going to fish or not and if you would like to purchase the fish you have caught the cost is $3 per kg on top.
You are welcome to bring your own rods and tackle, but there are traditional bamboo stick rods available for hire for the day at $1 each. Fishing dough and worms are available from Madala Solomon who works there.
There are fizzy drinks available at the entrance, but guests are permitted and encouraged to bring their own drinks and food. There are 2 braai areas for those wanting to cook, you will need to bring your own charcoal, but firewood is available. Otherwise, a picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the atmosphere and take in the view of Lake Kariba in the distance.
There is a very popular kids fishing competition held on the same weekend as the Kariba Half Marathon, over the long public holiday weekend in August. Each participant needs to be under the age of 14, and receives a free t-shirt and cap with their entrance fee of $10 for the competition. The proceeds of this go to The Sunshine Project, a very worthy cause.
A visit to the bream farm really is a fantastic way to spend a relaxing and entertaining day in Kariba. If you have children, I would even go as far as saying that a holiday in Kariba is not complete without at least a morning or afternoon at the bream farm.
