Zambezi River Fishing
About the Adventure
The Zambezi is legendary among anglers for the tigerfish — pound for pound one of the greatest fighting freshwater fish in the world, all teeth and acrobatics. More than 75 species live in these waters, including the prized yellow-belly bream (nembwe), averaging 2–3 kg. You fish from a small boat with a guide on the calm upper river, where the scenery and birdlife are as much a part of the day as the catch. As the operators say, the success of a fishing trip depends almost entirely on your guide — so book a reputable one.
Pricing
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Trip | Price |
| 3-hour | From ~$150 |
| 5-hour | From ~$200 |
| Full day | From ~$300 |
Includes boat hire, fuel, captain/guide, gear and bait, and a cooler box with ice, drinks and snacks (max 2 anglers per boat). Park fees and jetty transfers excluded.
Good to Know
- Season: Tigerfish peak late May–December; Aug–Nov offers the best conditions.
- Boat: Maximum 2 fishermen per boat — intimate and well-guided.
- Catch-and-release is standard practice on the Zambezi to protect the fishery; confirm with your operator.
- Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera for the trophy shot.
Good to Pair With
- A specialist's day that pairs naturally with a Sunset Cruise to round off the evening
- Some Specialised Zambezi Cruises combine cruising with fishing
Preparation & Logistics
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and carry insect repellent, sunblock, and a camera. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel reception. Have a copy of your passport or KAZA visa handy if crossing borders.
















