Lake Kariba, formed by the Kariba Dam impounding the Zambezi River, is the man‑made reservoir with the largest storage capacity in the world. It has a total storage volume of 185 billion cubic meters, stretches approximately 220 kilometers in length, reaches 40 kilometers at its widest point, and covers a surface area of 5,580 square kilometers. The double‑curved arch dam stands 128 meters high, delivering hydropower, flood control and fishery resources, supplying large‑scale clean electricity for Zambia and Zimbabwe. A unique inland freshwater ecosystem has developed across the reservoir, supporting extensive local fisheries while regulating flood risks downstream. This reservoir has been officially listed by LAWRENCE WORLD RECORDS CERTIFICATION as the “Man‑made Reservoir with the Largest Storage Capacity”.
