Then, as now, the Zambezi Valley which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe (then Northern/Southern Rhodesia) was one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. In the late 1950s, North and South Rhodesia (present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe) constructed the Kariba Dam hydroelectric power station across the Zambezi River, at the Kariba Gorge, about 400 km from Victoria Falls. It was the world’s largest man-made lake built at a colossal cost of US$135,000,000 over a four year period of time. It measured a staggering 223 kms (140 miles) long, up to 40 kms (20 miles) wide and covered an area of 5,580 sq kms (2,150 sq miles).
In 1957, heavy rains flooded the Kariba Gorge as a result of the constructed Kariba Dam downstream – home to thousands of native animals and the local Tonga people. The construction of the Kariba Dam was halted by flood damage. The people might have been safe but it was fast becoming clear that many thousands of animals in the surrounding area were about to perish. They sought refuge on islands that were shrinking and sinking under the rising waters. And so Operation Noah was born!
Rescue “Operation Noah“
Operation Noah was a wildlife rescue operation on the Zambezi River, (then in Rhodesia, now the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe) lasting from 1958 to 1964. They embarked on an extensive exercise to evacuate the stranded animals, using various methods which included tying them up and transporting them by boats. The methods evolved over time. At some stage, they famously resorted to using women’s nylon stockings as these were friendlier to the animal hides than rope.
The loaded boats set off for the mainland and, on arrival, stood off about 50 feet from the shore. Each animal was then swung over the side, the ties holding their legs immobile pulled loose, and the animal dropped into the water. As they’d seen the shore they usually swam strongly into the shallows and raced off into the surrounding bush. Where necessary, they also used darting and tranquilizing. Unfortunately, some animals did drown during the historic rescue exercise.
Notable amongst the ‘beneficiaries’ of this heroics wildlife rescue operation were elephants, black rhinos, kudu, hare, zebra, monkeys, snakes and even porcupines! As much as possible, the rescue team saved every type of animal, irrespective of size or any other consideration.
In a wildlife rescue operation lasting 5 years, over 6000 were rescued and relocated to the mainland.
The Hero of Operation Noah – Rupert Fothergill
Noah operation was led by Rupert Fothergill. He mobilized a team of 60 wildlife wardens and game rangers for a rescue mission that moved wildlife from the rising waters. Wildlife was largely relocated to Matusadona National Park and around Lake Kariba. Until 1964, he (plus his team and volunteers) worked under the most rigorous conditions. They lived in basic bush camps, often travelling in rowing boats. They used equipment no more sophisticated than ropes, sacks, nets, boxes and dart guns.
Fitting Tribute of Rupert Fothergill
Fothergill also found time to document the rescue on 16mm. Some of it was cut together by the Rhodesian government. But most of it never saw the light of day.
In recognition of his exploits, a plaque was erected in Rupert Fothergill’s honour by ex-Park warden and veteran professional guide, John Stevens. Located in the Matusadona Mountains, it overlooks the lake and valley floor, towards Changa Safari Camp – a fitting tribute to his conservationist cause.
The BaTonga People: The Zambezi River God and legend of Nyaminyami
Nyaminyami is the ancestral spirit or Mudzimu of the Tonga people in the middle Zambezi Valley. The Tonga inhabited both banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and Zambia for centuries. Life changed for everybody downstream of Devil’s Gorge with the construction of the Kariba dam wall at the entrance to Kariba Gorge in the 1950s. Much of the local Batonga population was then displaced and the legend of Nyaminyami was given fresh life.
According to the local baTonga people, the Zambezi river god (Nyaminyami) had withdrawn from the world of men in anger and despair. The dam across the Kariba Gorge had separated him from his wife. He showed his wrath during the building, visiting floods and death on the workers. But nothing had stopped the machines. And so he waited for the moment when he could destroy the dam and be reunited with his love.
As for the baTonga, 57,000 people were being forcibly resettled as the waters of the mighty Zambezi river slowly backed up against the wall.
Nyaminyami has apparently been seen on several occasions by local Tonga. He’s been described by some as looking “like a whirlwind”, others say that he had a “body like a snake with a head like a fish” but it was difficult to say how big he was as he’d never fully shown himself to anybody. There’re no reports that his wife has ever been seen.
The legend of Nyaminyami itself has several twists to its tale however.
- Nyaminyami and his wife are believed to have lived safely around the mouth of Kariba Gorge. A local account says that whilst the new lake’s water were rising many thousands of animals were being rescued through “Operation Noah”. The Tonga however were being relocated, in many cases against their will and in a spirit of resistance they invoked their spiritual protector, Nyaminyami.
A separate account says that at the time that the wall was being sealed Nyaminyami’s wife was below Kariba Gorge “visiting other people of the Valley, to answer their prayers and bless her people”. Another says that Nyaminyami himself “was philandering downstream towards Mana Pools“. Either way the two became separated.
- Whether it was his spirit being invoked by locals or his frustration and anger at being separated from his wife 1957 and 1958 were difficult years for the construction people at Kariba.
Now in the 21st century, great tremors are still felt in and around the mountains of the Zambezi valley with the mass of Lake Kariba pressing down on the earth. Apparently Nyaminyami still wants to be reunited with his wife. Will local intervention continue to prevent the destruction of the Kariba dam wall or will Nyaminyami and his wife one day be reunited. Tonga elders claimed that the dam wall still stands today only through their intervention.
Conclusion
This Noah operation mission served to set the foundation of the present day Matusadona Game Reserve, now a National Park and home to a wide and rich variety of African wildlife which can be enjoyed by many guests wanting to visit this area.
The best way to explore Kariba and this sensational part of the the Zambezi Valley is to take a canoe safari from Kariba Gorge down to Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.
For a specialized social-distancing tour to this sensational part of the Zambezi Valley, for inquiry, kindly contact us:
Email: lochinvarsafarilodge@gmail.com
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