Below Victoria Falls the Zambezi runs through the Batoka Gorge, considered one of the best stretches of commercially run river in the world. Large rubber rafts, piloted by experienced guides, run a course of 23 rapids between sheer black cliffs.

Water levels decide how much of the river is open. When the river is high, generally from March to July, only the last 13 rapids can be attempted. As the water subsides, from about June to February, all 23 are usually navigable. Trips run as half-day, full-day or two-day outings, and longer expeditions camp overnight on sandy beaches at the river’s edge, deep within the gorge itself.