The Zambezi River thunders over the Victoria Falls, zigzags through the Batoka Gorge, flows into Lake Kariba and then continues more sedately eastwards through the Lower Zambezi Valley. Flanked by national parks, this remote section of the river is one of exceptional beauty. The floodplains, broadleaf woodland and dense riverine forest support a wide variety of antelope, hippo, crocodiles and large elephant herds. On this tranquil part of the river, boat or canoe safaris take you close to wildlife wandering in and out of the channels. Flocks of carmine bee- eaters nesting in the high banks, and African fish eagle are among the 350 bird species recorded here. For sports fishermen, the Zambezi is renowned for ‘striped river dog’ or tiger fish.