LAKE KARIBA - 50 YEARS ANNIVERSARY
On the 16th of May 1960, the Kariba Dam was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, with the switching on of the first electricity generators the official opening brought to life one of Africa’s most ambitious projects.
The Kariba Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1960, creating at that time the largest manmade Lake in the world - Lake Kariba. At the time of its construction, the Kariba Dam was known as “one of the engineering wonders of the world”, a double curvature concrete arch dam wall standing at a height of 128 metres above the river bed and spanning 617 metres across the Kariba gorge blocking the path of Africa’s second largest river – the mighty Zambezi. The building of the Dam wall created an “inland sea” stretching 280 kilometres in length, covering an area of over 5,500 square kilometres and holding back more than 180 billion tonnes of water. The Dam Wall is host to two of Southern Africa’s most important electricity generating stations, Kariba North Bank Power Station on the Zambian side and Kariba South Bank Power Station on the Zimbabwe side, between them generating a total of 1,320 Mega Watts of electricity.
The Kariba Dam has undoubtedly contributed to the economic and social development of Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Southern African Region. Lake Kariba today is not only the home of one of Southern Africa’s most important sources of energy, the formation of the Lake gave birth to the town of Siavonga, and created a vibrant commercial fishing industry and a continuously developing tourism industry offering some of Africa’s most breathtaking scenery with a diversity of fauna and flora, hotel accommodation, sports fishing, water sports, house boating and a variety of other tourist activities.
The 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Kariba Dam
16th MAY 2010
The month of May 2010 is dedicated as the Anniversary Month for 50 years of Lake Kariba's existence.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS IN SIAVONGA
For accommodation during these events please contact the various hotels, lodges and guesthouses direct - see list provided below:
WEEK-END 1 - 1st/2nd May 2010
LABOUR DAY WEEK-END - (Zambia Public Holiday)
All hotels, lodges and guesthouses in Siavonga will put on their traditional fare during this Public Holiday. Check with the various hotels for information. Public Holidays in Siavonga are normally very popular and visitors should book early to avoid disappointment.
REMEMBER: The Dam Wall flood gates are open and this is a spectacle not to be missed.
WEEK-END 2 - 8th/9th May 2010
CULTURAL WEEK-END
Saturday 8th May 2010 : CRAFT MARKET: MANCHINCHI BAY HOTEL: K20,000 Entrance Fee.
A Craft Market, commencing mid-morning will be held at the Manchinchi Bay Hotel. Both Local and other traditional crafts will be on display and for sale. Come and support your local craftsmen and women and see what they have to offer. An entrance fee of K20,000 per person will be charged to cover costs. Lunch will also be available at an extra cost.
Saturday 8th May 2010: BAREFEET THEATRE COMPANY: LAKE SAFARI LODGE: K50,000 Entrance Fee.
A traditional play depicting the story of Nyami Nyami (the Zambezi River God) will be performed by the the Barefeet Theatre Company. Nyami Nyami is the traditional River God respected and revered by the local Tonga people. This play has been performed in Lusaka and elsewhere by this particular theatre company and has had very favourable reviews.
The performance will commence at 19.00hrs - tickets available at the gate or in advance.
In addition to the theatre group, the performance will be complimented by both local and national Cultural Dance Groups.
For those locals (particularly the young children) who cannot afford to purchase a ticket for the performance, the Barefeet Theatre Company has agreed to do a second abridged performance at the Siavonga soccer ground on the morning of Sunday 9th May. All are welcome to attend this performance.
This week-end promises to be a fantastic week-end for all to enjoy. Come and bring the family and enjoy a great entertaining week-end. Contact all the hotels listed below for accommodation availability.
WEEK-END 3 - 15th/16th May 2010
OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY WEEK-END
Saturday 15th May 2010 : FORMAL CELEBRATION AT THE DAM WALL:
A formal celebration organised by the District Commissioner's Office and the Siavonga District Council will take place at the Dam Wall. A number of prominent dignitaries will be invited to attend the celebrations which will be accompanied by marching bands and cultural dancing. The Dam Wall flood gates are open which should create a spectacular venue for this important event.
Watch this space for further details:
Saturday 15th May 2010 : DINNER DANCE: LAKE KARIBA INNS: K 100,000 Entrance Fee
A formal Dinner Dance will also be held at Lake Kariba Inns on the evening of Saturday 15th commencing at 19.00hrs. To celebrate the 50 years anniversary, a spectacular night time fire-works display will take place over the Lake in full view of the guests, dignitaries and party goers at Lake Kariba Inns. Advance booking and ticket purchase is required for the Dinner Dance. Tickets are available at ALL the major hotels in Siavonga.
WEEK-END 4 - 22nd/23rd May 2010
MTN SIAVONGA CANOE CHALLENGE
Saturday 22nd May 2010 : THE MTN SIAVONGA CANOE CHALLENGE: EAGLES REST RESORT:
This year sees the fourth Siavonga Canoe Challenge to be held on the Lake. This event, which has grown in popularity over the years will as usual, commence and end at Eagles Rest Resort.
This year the event has been adopted by the Cell Phone Service Provider MTN and the event will be called the MTN Siavonga Canoe Challenge. Due to high Lake levels the Canoe Challenge will again start and finish on the beach at Eagles Rest. All canoes will be inflatables and carry a team of three competitors. As usual, the sponsors will be allowed to nominate two of their own competitors and the third will provided from local volunteers. The teams will begin the event with a le mans start and race non-stop to Lake Kariba Inns approximately 3km upstream. Teams will then have various challenges to meet on their return journey, calling at each Lakeside hotel en route. Judging will be on a points basis with points scored for the quickest time and the most successful challenges completed. The fastest team home does not necessarily mean they are the winners.
Registration of team members will commence on Friday evening 21st May starting at 18.00hrs.
The sponsorship for each team will be K3.0 million which will include the following for each competitor only: branded T-shirts and cap, welcome braai on Friday evening, beach braai on Saturday lunch time, and dinner on Saturday prize giving. Sponsor may bring or send their own advertising banners to be displayed on the beach and during the event.
Entries will be limited to twenty (20) teams given on "first come first served" basis. All sponsorship money MUST be paid in full by 12th May. Sponsors who do not comply with this request may lose their entry and the team place offered to the next sponsor on the waiting list.
The Canoe Challenge will commence at 09.00hrs but all competitors and spectators should be on the beach at Eagles Rest by 08.00hrs on Saturday 22nd May. Spectators will be able to view the event and follow the race from the water on a variety of boats. The Houseboat Bateleur will be available for spectators to follow the race and the boat will leave the beach at Eagles Rest at the start of the race at 09.00hrs. A nominal charge of K20,000 per person will be charged - all money generated from spectators will go the the nominated charities.
All charity funds generated from this year's event will go to the following charities:
Namumu Orphanage Center, a local children's orphanage in Siavonga and
APTERS (Appropriate Paper Technologies) - making mobility aids for handicapped children from paper and cardboard etc
Potential sponsors should contact Karen on 0955 755291 or E-Mail: eagles@siavonga-zambia.com
Click on this link SIAVONGA CANOE CHALLENGE to see the report on last year's event.
Sunday 23rd May 2010 : KAPENTA RIG CARNIVAL AND COOK A CHICKEN COMPETITION
This event will take place on the beach at Eagles Rest Resort
KAPENTA RIG CARNIVAL
All owners of Kapenta Rigs are invited to participate in this event. Rigs will be decorated (like a carnival float) and the theme will be anything from the 1960's era. Rigs will be sailed around Eagles bay and the winner judged by an impartial team of judges from outside Siavonga.
Entrance fee for the Rig Carnival will be K100,000 per rig. The winning rig will TAKE ALL entrance fees.
The event will take place at around 10.00hrs and be the "backdrop" event for the cook a chicken competition.
Come on all you Kapenta fishermen - get into the spirit of celebrating 50 years of Lake Kariba.
Decorate your rigs and lets have some fun.
COOK A CHICKEN COMPETITION
Entrance fee K50,000 per chicken
The general rules will be as follows (specific rules to be announced on the day)
- ALL chickens MUST be raw at the start of the competition - no precooked or marinated chickens will be allowed.
- Competitors will have a maximum of 4 hours to cook their chicken. Cooking will commence at 08.00hrs and all food must be ready for the judges to taste at 12.00hrs.
- Spices and flavourings may only be applied after the official start time.
- Competitors must provide ALL their cooking utensils and equipment. The chickens MUST be cooked ON THE BEACH "any which way" the competitors choose. Charcoal will be available.
A panel of Judges will choose the winners and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
CONTACT DETAILS OF HOTELS AND LODGES IN SIAVONGA
Eagles Rest Resort: Tel: +260 211 511168 / +260 955 755291 or E-Mail: eagles@siavonga-zambia.com
Lake Kariba Inns : Tel: +260 211 253768 or E-Mail: info@karibainns.com
Lake Safari Lodge: Tel +260 211 511148 / 511024 or E-Mail: info@lake-safari.com
Manchinchi Bay Lodge: Tel: +260 211 220220 / 511283 or E-Mail: info@manchinbaylodge.com
Sandy Beach Safari Lodge:Tel: +260 955 824444 or E-Mail: sandybeachzm@gmail.com
Leisure Bay Hotel: Tel: +260 211 511136 / +260 966 765259 or E-Mail: gardengroup@zamtel.zm
Zefa Lodges: Tel:+260 211 511480
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SIAVONGA ROTARY CLUB
The Royal Establishment of Chief Simamba named the “BAGANDE” after a species of frog, considered locally to be a delicious delicacy, is believed to have been in existence since the 15th century. The Bagande Clan had its traditional tribal areas along the banks of the Zambezi River in an area which is now known as Siavonga/Gwena. The tribal lands and its ancient shrines were swamped by the rising waters of the Zambezi when the Kariba Dam was built in the late 1950’s. Today, the practicing of traditional ceremonies is in decline due to the pressures of the “modern world” and perhaps one could say “the enlightenment of the younger generations”. However as the saying goes, “a Nation without culture is a dead Nation” and it is important to keep our cultures alive. The Lwiindi is an important part of Tonga tradition and Chief Simamba and his Royal Establishment intend to keep the tradition alive through cultural education of both his clansmen and the public at large. It is intended to make the Bagande Lwiindi a popular annual event and His Royal Highness Chief Simamba extended a warm welcome to everyone who came to experience the cultural traditions of his people.
The ceremony began with the playing of the traditional drums and dancing at the Chief’s Palace.
After a brief meeting with his Situtongas to discuss the issues affecting the Chiefdom, the Chief then leads his entourage to the ancient shrine to honour the spirits of the ancestors and the departed former Chiefs. After appeasing the great spirits the entourage returns to the palace where the celebrations continue with the introduction of guests and the paying of tributes, the giving of gifts and dancing, singing and feasting.
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On the 6th March 2009, the President of the Republic of Zambia His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda visited Siavonga to launch the start of the Kariba North Bank Power Station Extension Project. The Lake Kariba Dam was constructed in the late 1950’s to provide electricity generation to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The full history of the building of the Dam can be seen on the web-site page 
The day began with the arrival of His Excellency by helicopter at the Siavonga High School sports field. A large crowd of enthusiastic party supporters and local people were there to greet the President together with an impressive array of Government Ministers, Local Government and Party officials. A number of local and traditional dance groups were also present to entertain the waiting crowd and greet the President on his arrival.
After meeting and greeting the welcoming delegation, the President gave a short political speech to rally his supporters before departing for the Kariba North Bank Guest House to be briefed on the project and the programme for the remainder of the day.
The second Annual Siavonga Canoe Challenge to raise funds for the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia took place on the 8th November 2008. 
The event began on Friday evening at Eagles Rest Resort with a fish barbeque (food sponsored by Capital Fisheries of Lusaka) and registration of all the participants. The teams were required to register and sign indemnity forms and the rules of the competition were explained in detail. Then after a sumptuous meal and a few drinks it was early to bed for the canoeists in preparation for the gruelling day ahead.
Eighteen teams participated in the race and after breakfast on Saturday, the teams and spectators boarded two boats for the start line – the Chipembere courtesy of Lake Kariba Inns and the Bateleur Houseboat courtesy of Eagles Rest. On arrival at the Nyaminyami Adventure Centre, the teams disembarked and were allocated their canoes. After a careful inspection that everything was in order they donned their life jackets and lined up ready for the “Le Mans” style start. As the houseboat hooter bellowed for the start of the race, the teams ran down the rocky beach to the water edge where their canoes were waiting. As expected, pandemonium broke out, as it was every team for themselves, scrambling and scrabbling to be the first on the water.
Not everyone was an experienced paddler and chaos reigned as boat crashed into boat as the teams fought each other to get out onto the Lake. A casualty at the start was team Africast with a “man overboard”. As the Africast team member struggled to get back aboard another team crashed into them and the canoe capsized. A disappointing start for Africast and as the rest of the field sorted themselves out and set off for the race, they were left behind bailing out water and re-floating their canoe. This wasn’t the end of Africast’s bad luck. They eventually got under way but 20 minutes later they capsized again and unfortunately this time they had to “call it a day” and withdrew from the competition.
At last the teams were on their way paddling into the “blue yonder” on a beautiful if hot November day. Following close behind them were the spectators and press on the Houseboat Bateleur. The spectators kept a close eye on the teams, giving them encouragement and cheering them on. There was also a flotilla of small boats following the race including a TV crew, casual spectators and an emergency patrol boat fully equipped to cope with any emergency.
En-route the teams had to paddle a figure of eight around two small islands (designed to slow them down) and then on to each Siavonga hotel to collect points by finding hidden treasure from clues given to them before the start of the race. A time limit of three and half hours was given to complete the race after which late arrivals would have points deducted from their score. Amazingly everyone completed the race well within the given time, despite the weather turning a bit choppy as the race progressed.
The winning team, Lake Kariba Inns arrived victorious at the finish line on the beach at Eagles Rest at 11.40 hours just one and three quarter hours after the start of the race. In second place came team Eagles Rest just ten minutes behind. By Lake Kariba standards it was a close race with lots for spectators to see and enjoy. By 12.00 hours two thirds of the teams had finished the race and the last team came in at 12.30 hours. After the event, the teams and spectators were treated to a barbeque lunch on the beach (food sponsored by Fringilla Farms of Chisamba)
On the 30th December 2007, the Lusitu River experienced what can only be described as a 100 year flood cutting the Lusitu Bridge in two places and cutting off the town of Siavonga for 4 days. 
