Sailing on Lake Kariba offers a serene and immersive way to experience the vast expanse of this magnificent man-made lake. While motorized houseboats and cruisers are a common sight, there are also purpose-built sailing catamarans that provide a quieter, more eco-friendly alternative for exploring the shoreline. These vessels, often used for day trips or multi-night sail safaris, allow you to glide silently past wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and a diverse array of birdlife, without the noise of an engine. The wind-powered journey provides a tranquil perspective of the rugged landscape and iconic partially submerged trees, culminating in a breathtaking view of a classic African sunset, often with a drink in hand.

Water skiing is a popular and exhilarating water sport on Lake Kariba, providing a thrilling contrast to the tranquil scenery. With its vast, open waters and hot, sunny climate, the lake provides an ideal location for both beginners and experienced skiers. Operators and lodges on the lake often have the necessary equipment and boats, making it easy for visitors to give it a try. As you speed across the surface, you get a unique perspective of the lake's iconic partially submerged trees and the rugged, game-filled shoreline. However, due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos, it is crucial to only ski in designated, safe areas and to always follow the guidance of a professional operator.

Parasailing on Lake Kariba offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the vast beauty of this man-made lake in Zimbabwe. Unlike traditional parasailing where you land in the water, operators on Lake Kariba often use a hydraulic winch system that allows you to be launched and retrieved from a deck on the back of the boat. This provides a safe and dry experience. Soaring as high as 80 meters (262 feet) above the water, you get a bird's-eye view of the lake's spectacular scenery, including its islands, partially submerged trees, and the surrounding bush. The activity is generally available year-round, weather permitting, and can be done solo or in a tandem flight for a shared experience. It's a popular option for tourists looking for an adrenaline-filled water sport that also provides a breathtaking perspective of the "sea of Zimbabwe" and its stunning sunsets.

A Kariba Dam tour offers a fascinating blend of engineering marvel, stunning natural beauty, and a glimpse into a significant piece of Zimbabwean and Zambian history. The tour typically focuses on the Kariba Dam Wall itself, a colossal concrete arch dam that spans the Zambezi River, creating the immense Lake Kariba – one of the world's largest man-made lakes by volume.

A Matusadona shoreline game cruise offers a truly unique perspective on the wildlife of this remarkable national park, blending the serenity of Lake Kariba with exciting wildlife encounters. Unlike land-based safaris, the boat allows access to areas inaccessible by vehicle and provides a different vantage point for observing animals.

Fishing on Lake Kariba is a world-renowned experience, attracting anglers from across the globe to its vast, freshwater expanse. The lake's unique ecosystem, formed by the Zambezi River, supports a diverse array of fish species, offering challenges for both novice and experienced fishermen. Fishing on Lake Kariba is a world-renowned experience, attracting anglers from across the globe to its vast, freshwater expanse. The lake's unique ecosystem, formed by the Zambezi River, supports a diverse array of fish species, offering challenges for both novice and experienced fishermen. Fishing on Lake Kariba is typically done from small, nimble boats, allowing guides to navigate to prime fishing spots, including the numerous inlets, submerged tree lines (remnants of the flooded forest), and open waters. Beyond the thrill of the catch, anglers also get to enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Kariba, with its iconic drowned trees, and often spot abundant wildlife along the shoreline, including elephants, buffalo, and a rich array of birdlife, adding to the overall safari experience.

A boat cruise on Lake Kariba, whether at sunrise or sunset, offers a truly mesmerizing experience, showcasing the vast beauty of this man-made inland sea and its unique ecosystem. It's a serene and picturesque way to experience the wild beauty of Zimbabwe. A morning cruise on Lake Kariba begins as the first light of dawn paints the eastern sky. Departing from a lodge or harbor, your boat glides out onto the vast, calm waters. The sunset cruise is arguably the most popular and iconic Kariba experience, famous for its breathtaking visual spectacle. Departing in the late afternoon, the boat heads out onto the lake as the day begins to wind down.

While Kariba is most famous for its lake activities, game drives are definitely possible just outside of Kariba town, primarily in areas managed by National Parks and private concessions. These drives offer a different flavor of safari, often characterized by more rugged terrain and a greater sense of remote wilderness compared to some of Zimbabwe's more well-known parks.