Lake Kariba Inns — Hotel in Southern Province

I had a horrible experience at this place.

On a Wednesday I went there with my family for some lunch. At the gate, we were approached by the guard who started trying to sell us a coupon for K200. We honestly couldn't understand the logic or purpose behind the coupon, and were concerned that it was some sort of scam. So we politely declined and explained that we would be having lunch at the restaurant and would be spending more than K200 anyway. The guard said that in that case it was fine, and let us proceed. We ended up having a good lunch, got lots of drinks at the bar and even signed up for a boat tour at the little shop that they have opposite the reception. At the end of the day, we spent closer to K2,000 instead of the K200 initially requested.

The next day, we decided to head back there to buy some food from the restaurant as takeaway. Once again, we were stopped at the gate by a guard trying to convince us to buy a coupon for K200. Once again we explained that we intended to buy food from the restaurant, and that in fact the previous day we didn't need to buy the coupon. The guard however kept insisting that it was company policy, but yet again was unable to explain what the coupon really is for. Is it an entry fee? Is it to be used like a prepaid card? In the end I said we could go to the restaurant together, which we did. At the restaurant, I ordered the food and asked the staff if I could pay for it directly at the restaurant and was told that I could. I was about to make payment when this same guard pretty much threatened (for there was no other word for it) the restaurant staff saying something along the lines of "you're not allowed to do anything unless I say it's okay". At that point I was honestly getting tired of it, all I wanted to do was get some food and go. We went to the reception from there, and again I'm given the same speech about how it's company policy but yet nobody can truly explain what it's for or how the coupon is to be used. The reception also could not explain why we were allowed access the day prior without purchasing this special coupon.

I've now seen in previous reviews of clients complaining of this same issue. The response from management is that it's for "crowd control". I could understand that if the establishment was truly busy, but the funny thing is that it was a Thursday at dinner time, and the restaurant was completely empty. So I'm sorry but that makes no sense to me.

So this is just my two cents for management, make it clear what the coupon is for. If you're willing to turn people away at the gate then perhaps have a sign at the entrance stating this company policy clearly. Train your staff better with regard to customer management. Based on our experience from Wednesday we would definitely have returned to experience the rooms and would have praised the establishment to anyone who would listen. However this latest experience has left a bad taste in our mouth, and unfortunately we would never return and suggest anyone coming to siavonga to give it a...

Okey, we are staying at another amazing lodge with my husband (yes its our honeymoon) and i convinced hubby we go and eat here.... everything was absolutely great the ambiance, the romantic lighting, and a wonderful table for two that overlooked the lake.... but this was before we ordered food. Firstly, our food took long to come almost an hour for our orders. Note this hour wait time was when the restaurant was empty! I ordered pork ribs 600g and hubby got prime steak or something like a tbone 600g too. We started with the chips and they were soggy/gummy like have been kept in the fridge or were stale, my husband did not like them at all but after waiting an hour he was ready to eat a dead horse. So, i took a bite of my ribs and they were a mix of frozen and fresh-ish rib chops. Like horrible! My husbands steak tasted like salted and spiced card board box it was bland and tasteless. It ruined our honeymoon dinner. When the waiter finally we were honest with her especially when she saw dumping the horible ribs on my husbands plate coz he was super super duper hungry. Anyways we told her we know she felt bad she cleared my plate and never came back to clear the other plates. We waited forty minutes hoping she would come and attend to us, but noooh! we saw no one! so we started thinking we want the bill so we can pay and leave but we have no one to call and pay to. So, we placed the money under the menu and tried to hide it as best as we could so that no one could pick it ( not like we are saying someone would, but cant be too careful) And we walked out and left, no one seemed to mind us. I just hope that by noticing we were gone from the table our waiter went into a panic just that i hope would be a simple lesson because this was horrible service overall. My husband and I even started jocking that with how our waiter disapeared we could have even done a dine and dash very easily.

However, I will say ita the most beautiful spot we have been in Siavonga, but just go for the drinks. The view the decor the ambiance is amazing despite our bad experince. Just my...

A serene environment located along the man made lake Kariba, the world's largest man made reservoir by volume along the mighty Zambezi River. It is located in Siavonga District of Zambia.

It has beautiful scenery of the lake with lots of natural vegetation on site and around. The place is hilly therefore gives that unique landscape that exposes natural features of the area.

Siavonga is naturally hot and humid in October when I visited however, Lake Kariba Inns has air conditioning and fans in its rooms with most relevant utilities on request or within the rooms.

It has communal and private pools for families and friends to cool off the heat of the district. Not forgetting slides in one of the pools for your fun splashing 💦

Trips to view the lake and the dam can be arranged using boats within premises. I enjoyed a sunset cruise which revealed the splendor of a sunset on the lake. What a marvel it was! ☀

Their meals are sumptuous especially the locally fished fresh Bream fish, Crayfish (which I enjoyed at firts taste) and of course famous fresh Kapenta (local sardines) which are moved from the lake, to the stove and straight to your plate.

Staff were helpful and friendly, they made our vacation extra special!

This was our second time visiting this place, 15 years apart and we were not disappointed but impressed with all new developments in infrastructure and gardening. Do find time to visit this lovely place, you will never be...