House boating is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days on Lake Kariba, though a storm can turn it into an adventure second to none. You can hire a luxury cruiser with cabins and crew to serve you in style, or bring your own provisions and a group of friends and keep it simple. The Zambian side of the lake sees fewer visitors than the Zimbabwean side.

The dry season runs from about May to October, with August and September generally the driest and their balmy nights well suited to appreciating the stars from the deck. There are many islands to explore and long stretches where you have the water to yourself. One caution: it is not safe to swim near the shoreline because of hippos, crocodiles and the possibility of contracting bilharzia — cooling off means anchoring in really deep water for a very quick dip, as splashing and shouting attract crocodiles.