River Fishing Safaris

The rivers of north-east Namibia, in the Zambezi region (once called the Caprivi Strip) and Kavango, are some of the best places in southern Africa to fish for tigerfish. Our fishing safaris stay at riverside lodges with guided boat trips each day, and there is plenty for non-anglers too.

Where you stay

Zambezi River at Mubala

Lodge and camp near Katima Mulilo, on a wide stretch of the Zambezi with islands and channels.

Kwando River at Namushasha

A lodge on the Kwando near Bwabwata National Park, with good birding and game viewing from the river.

Kavango River at Hakusembe

A quiet lodge on the Kavango near Rundu, on the border with Angola.

What you can catch

• Tigerfish. Fast, hard-fighting fish with sharp teeth. The main target on all three rivers.
• Bream. Several species of bream, including the prized nembwe, caught on lures or bait.
• Catfish. Large sharptooth catfish, especially in quieter backwaters.

Catch and release is encouraged, especially for tigerfish.

A typical day

Fish from a boat with a guide in the morning, return for lunch and a rest, then head out again in the late afternoon. Finish with a sunset on the river.

For non-anglers

• Sunset and birding cruises, with African fish eagles and, from about August to November, carmine bee-eater colonies.
• Game drives in nearby parks such as Bwabwata.
• Village and craft visits.

Best time to go

Tigerfish fishing is usually best from about August to December, as the water warms and drops, with September to November often the peak. Bream can be good earlier in the year. October and November are very hot, and the rains fall from about December to March.

Getting there

Fly to Katima Mulilo or Rundu, or drive a few hours from Victoria Falls or Kasane. Fishing trips combine well with Victoria Falls, Chobe and the Okavango Delta.

Good to know

• Licence. A Namibian angling licence is required. The lodge arranges it.
• Gear. Lodges have tackle, but bring your own if you prefer. Use wire traces for tigerfish.
• Pack. Polarised sunglasses, a wide hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Health. This is a malaria area. Ask a travel clinic for advice.