David Tennent Hunting Safaris

Fishing in Zambia and Fishing in Namibia

We offer an exciting choice of fishing in the Zambezi and Chobe rivers as well as the Kasai channel.  For our fishing safari rates, please click here. 

The one luxury Lodge operates from the Zambian side of the Mambova Rapids on a stretch of river that experiences an annual flood. This flood brings growth and rejuvenation to the system. The other luxury Lodge operates from the Namibian side of the Chobe River.  For those who wish to combine fishing with magnificent game viewing, one need go no further than this luxury Lodge, which is on the Chobe River and directly opposite the Chobe National Park. Elephant and buffalo are frequently seen from the upstairs lounge of the Lodge itself.  The waters around the Lodge are renowned for outstanding tiger and bream fishing. Fishing trips accompanied by experienced guides, together with the necessary fishing tackle can be arranged.

Every year the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers flood onto their many floodplains, thus creating a self-sustaining "stocking" system - everything from insects and crustaceans, to fish using the flooded plains to breed and feed. 

The Chobe and Zambezi River Systems are true Paradises, teeming with wildlife, birdlife and an enviable range of fish species. They are ideal venues for the adventurous angler, no matter whether he is conventional, lure or fly fisher. Here tiger fish, large tilapia, colourful bream species, catfish and African pike can be pursued. The hard-fighting tiger fish, which is world renowned for it's fierceness, has earned the reputation of being one of the world's toughest freshwater fish to subdue.

      Tiger Fish

Fishing methods vary, with fly-fishing and lure fishing being the predominant methods used. The largemouth bream and tilapia species, namely the Nembwe (Olive bream), Thinface largemouth, Humpback largemouth as well as Threespot- and Redbreast tilapia take artificials readily. One can also probe the lesser visited backwaters and lily-pad bedecked lagoons in search of the many vegetarian species of bream, such as Greenhead tilapia and Pink Happies.

Tiger fish are caught mainly by fly-fishing and artificial lure fishing, but in April, when the river is high and often discoloured, the Lodge does allow some bait fishing with circle hooks.

In Zambia, angling on the main river is undertaken on either fibre-glass bass boats or spacious aluminium boats which have been modified for fly fishermen with snag free carpeted decks. The Lodge has eight boats in its fleet which are powered by 55hp motors. Boats can take a maximum of two fly fishers and four lure anglers at any time.

In the low water season, from mid-September onwards through to December we are able to access the untouched rapids and riffles around the island, as well as the main river, with canoes. A definite must. Anglers can come eye-to-eye with spectacular sporting fish.

 

THE LODGE IN ZAMBIA

The Lodge is situated on an island on the upper Zambezi in western Zambia , a mere 80 km upriver from Victoria Falls, in the heart of world class tiger fish and bream country. The Island forms a part of a chain of islands and channels in the centre of the Mambova rapids, below them lies Kazangula - the eastern point of the Caprivi Strip and where four countries meet (Zimbabwe , Botswana , Namibia and Zambia ). The Island teems with indigenous fauna and abundant flora and boasts more than 70 different fish species. 

The waters surrounding the Island are only navigable by mokoro (dugout boat), except the northern point area which has been converted into the Lodge's harbour, and clients therefore, have total exclusivity.  The only inhabitants on the island are the Lodge staff and the odd bachelor herd of elephants that seek refuge in the dense forest, and a wide variety of bird life.

Easily accessed by flying to Livingstone in Zambia or to Kasane ( Botswana ), the Lodge provides an ideal and affordable base for the keen angler intent on pursuing the world-renowned tiger fish as well as the large bream that abound these waters. There are many miles of productive water, including accessing the exciting floodplains fishing in season, as well as the possibility of experiencing a Zambezi catfish run. All-methods of angling can be practiced all year round, but fly fishing and lure angling takes place from June - March. The biggest tiger fish taken in 2005 on fly was 16 lbs with an enviable number of double-figure fish also recorded.

      Zambezi River

ACCOMMODATION

The Lodge has eight luxury, twin bedded safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, which are fully tiled with spacious showers. Each tent is mounted as a wooden chalet and is raised on a wooden deck, each with their own breathtaking view of the Zambezi and the Mambova rapids (near Impalila Island).  Each room can be easily converted into one queen-size double or two singles. Each bed is set up with two comfortable pillows, a duvet, a warm blanket for winter and a throw-over sheet for the heat of summer. The full bathrooms are en-suite and fully tiled. Each bathroom is supplied with soap, shampoo and towels and there is a free laundry service, just to help you cut down the over-packing of clothes. Insect repellent and mosquito coils are also provided in each tent, and fresh drinking water is available.

      Luxury Safari Tent

AMMENITIES

There is a fully thatched communal area, dining area, lounge and wooden deck extending out on to the Zambezi River. In the communal area we have a fully stocked bar and wicker sofas to relax on. From the deck, many different species of fish feed beneath the lights at night.

The lodge also has a main boma (Place of Fire), where on occasion, guests dine under the stars alongside the river. A second fireplace it situated close to the communal area so that guests can sit around the fire in winter, warming their hands, while waiting to start the day's fishing. Fishing starts at 06h15.

      Wooden deck & lounge

Contact us today and we will set up your trip from start to end, tailor-made to suit your every need. Groups from two up to eight people can be accommodated.

LOCATION: Lodge in Zambia

The Island is an hour-and-a-half drive from Livingstone and is part of a chain of islands and channels in the centre of the Mambova rapids above Kazangula and opposite Kasane. This is adjacent to the eastern point of the Caprivi Strip and where four countries meet (Zimbabwe , Botswana , Namibia and Zambia)

Getting there:

We use Nationwide to fly guests from Johannesburg to Livingstone. Nationwide has two flights daily. First flight leaves at 11h20 and arrives in Livingstone at 12h55 and the second flight leaves at 12h15 and arrives at 13h55. There is road transfer from Livingstone to the village of Mambova which takes approximately 1hr 20 mins from the airport to the Mambova jetty.  At the harbour, a boat will await your arrival and take you on a leisurely 15 minute cruise to the lodge.

THE LODGE IN NAMIBIA

The charm of this Lodge, with its sweeping views and wide vistas, lies in its beauty, peace and tranquility, far from the 'madding crowds' of large cruise boats and game drive vehicles - the emphasis is on complete relaxation and solace.

This Lodge is situated in the East Caprivi of Namibia on a peninsular on the northern bank of the Chobe River approximately 90 kilometers due west of Victoria Falls . Overlooking the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park 's Puku Flats, the lodge offers discerning guests a hideaway for those looking for an exclusive Chobe River experience.

The Chobe River runs along the northern border of Chobe National Park. It rises in the northern Angolan highlands, where it is called the Kwando, and travels enormous distances through Kalahari sands before reaching Botswana; here it becomes the Linyanti until it reaches Ngoma where it becomes the Chobe.

The area around the Lodge is renowned for its diverse and prolific wildlife, including the rare puku antelope. It is home to large herds of Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo, as well as concentrations of other wildlife, including Giraffe, Sable, Wild dog, Lion and other predators, which come down to the river's edge to drink, graze and hunt. This area is an untouched water wilderness sanctuary, ideal for quiet discovery, where game and bird life flourish undisturbed under the protection of the Chobe National Park.

      Elephant Chobe River

Unlike other properties, where regimented game activities are prioritised, we offer guests the choice of just taking 'time out' or joining in on one of the many activities offered at the lodge. Those who wish to explore the Chobe River will not be disappointed. All activities are conducted by resident professional guides, whose intimate knowledge will make for an unforgettable experience. Guests have a choice of walking safaris, or boat excursions in small maneuverable boats, ideal for close up encounters with wildlife along the river’s edge. Depending on the time of year, guests are also offered the opportunity to take canoe excursions along the river.

The waters around the Lodge are renowned for outstanding tiger and bream fishing. Fishing trips accompanied by experienced guides, together with the necessary fishing tackle can be arranged.

ACCOMMODATION

The Lodge accommodates guests in 12 stylish thatched chalets. Each room has a private deck, combined bedroom/ lounge area and en-suite bathroom. The exclusive chalets are furnished in subtle earth tones and dark woods in a contemporary African theme and provide air-conditioning as well as complimentary mini bars.

AMMENITIES

The focal point of the lodge is a thatched open sided main building which commands a 270 degree view over the Chobe River and beyond to the Chobe National Park. Located in the main building is the lounge, dining room and bar areas furnished with African inspired furniture in dark teak woods, perfectly in tune with the environment.

      Lodge deck over Zambezi

Facilities include a swimming pool and an open boma area (Place of fire) on the banks of the Chobe River, where guests are treated to panoramic views and traditional dancing performed by local villagers.

From the upstairs bar area guests have an amazing view over the Puku flats which has the most unbelievable African sunsets along with the fish eagle’s cry. The upstairs bar area also has a telescope so guest can view game on the open Chobe flood plains that are out of reach of the naked eye. It’s not uncommon to see herds of 200 plus buffalo as well as large herds of elephant grazing, swimming and crossing the plains.

Contact us today and we will set up your trip from start to end, tailor-made to suit your every need.

LOCATION: Lodge in Namibia

The Lodge is situated in the East Caprivi of Namibia on a peninsular on the northern bank of the Chobe River approximately 90 kilometres due west of Victoria Falls . Overlooking the vast floodplains of the Chobe National Park 's Puku Flats, the lodge offers discerning guests a hideaway for those looking for an exclusive Chobe River experience.

How to get there

Departing from Johannesburg : Air Botswana operates a twice-weekly service from Johannesburg to Kasane International Airport. Chobe Savanna Lodge is then accessed by private boat transfer.

Departing from Kasane: The Lodge is situated on the Namibian side of the Chobe River and may only be accessed by private boat transfer from Kasane.

Departing from Victoria Falls or Livingstone: After a two-hour road and boat transfer from Victoria Falls or Livingstone to Kasane, the Lodge is accessed by private boat transfer.

Please note that the Namibian Border closes at 16:00 and all guests arriving on scheduled flights into Livingstone or Victoria Falls and transferring to the Lodge should therefore arrive no later than 13:00.

Best Times to Catch Fish

Summer (August - May)

While fishing is generally good most of the year, different months and seasons offer different species to the angler. More species are available when the water is warmer and clearer, which is generally during the summer months. The seasonal rains (October-November) introduce more oxygen into the system, making the tiger fish, in particular, more active and aggressive.

Winter (May-August)

Fishing during these months can be superb. As the water from the annual floods starts draining off the flood plains, thousands of baitfish stream back into the main channels. Large concentrations of tigers between four and twenty pounds gather around these areas and often go on a feeding frenzy making them easy targets to hook - but not to land!

The tigers chase the baitfish to the surface forming bait balls, and one can sight these huge fish when they break the surface. Fishing with Rabbit patterns like the Yellow Rabbit and Malcolm's Rabbit as well as large Deceivers and Clouser Minnows flies or Effzett spoons for the lure anglers, are very effective. Nor is it uncommon to latch into a monster Nembwe whilst targeting the tigers.

Time of year

Species

Technique

January, February, March, April

Tigerfish, Catfish, Bream

Drift baiting, Trolling (bream), Spinning

May

Tigerfish, Catfish

Fly Fishing, Artificial lure

June, July

Tigerfish, Catfish, Bream

Fly Fishing, Artificial lure

August, September, October

Tigerfish, Catfish, Bream

Fly Fishing, Artificial lure

November, December

Tigerfish, Catfish, Bream

Fly Fishing, Artificial lure

Angling Species of Upper the Zambezi River

This information is intended as a guideline to assist you in purchasing the correct selection of tackle and is compiled from years of fishing experience on the upper Zambezi River.

The Upper Zambezi is home to 94 species if fish of which the most sought after angling species include:

Serranochromis (Largemouth Bream)

1.Humpback Largemouth (Serranochromis Altus):

  • - Peak angling period: July to October.
  • - Recommended fishing tackle: Spinner, deep diving +/- 5cm lure or earthworm.
  • - Recommended fishing method: Trolling, spinning or bottom fishing with earthworm.
  • - Good fly fishing target.
  • - Previously confused with the next species, but now positively identified as a separate species
  • - Exceptionally good eating.

2. Thinface Largemouth (Serranochromis Angusticeps):

  • - Peak angling period: July to October with the best month probably being September.
  • - Recommended fishing tackle: Spinner, deep diving +/- 5cm lure or earthworm.
  • - Recommended fishing method: Trolling, spinning or bottom fishing with earthworm.
  • - Good fly fishing target.
  • - Zimbabwe record: 2.195 kg
  • - Exceptionally good eating.
  • - This species more than often will, when hooked, leap clear of the water (bass like) in an attempt to dislodge the hook.

  • 3. Nembwe (Serranochrom is Robustus):

    -   Also referred to as Yellow belly bream, Robbie or African bass.

    - Peak angling period: June to September, with July and August probably the best months.

    -   Recommended tackle: Spinners, deep diving +/- 5cm lures i.e. Rapala Fat Raps and spinner / crank baits.

    - Recommended fishing methods: Trolling and spinning. Occasionally also caught on earthworm. A highly favoured species by fly fishermen, as Nembwe will readily take fly.

    - Excellent eating.

    - SA Angling record: 2.0 kg

    - Zimbabwe record: 3.24 kg

    - Malawi record: 2.25 kg

      Nembwe

4. Brownspot Largemouth (Serranochromis Thumbergi):

  • - Anglers often confusingly refer to this species as female Nembwe.
  • - Recommended fishing tackle: Spinners, deep diving +/- 5cm lures and spinner / crank baits.
  • - Recommended fishing methods: Trolling and spinning.
  • - Good eating.
  • - SA Angling record: 0.21 kg

Oreachromis

1. Threespot Tilapia (Oreochromis Andrersonii):

  • - Renown for its fighting abilities and a much favoured species by anglers.
  • - Peak angling period: As early as June to late December.
  • - Recommended fishing tackle and methods: No 1 or 2 chrome plated hooks with barbs on hook shank. 5kg line. Earthworms. Light fishing rig, which will easily indicate the presence of fish at the bait.
  • - Also favours mepps No. 4 Black Fury spinners fished slowly in deep water on the river bottom.
  • - Excellent eating
  • - SA Angling record: 1.97kg
  • - Zimbabwe: 3.09kg
  • - Specimens of over 5kg have been captured by local fishermen using gill nets.

2. Greenhead Tilapia (Oreochromis Macrochir):

  • - Peak angling period: August to December.
  • - Recommended tackle and fishing method: Earthworms fished on light tackle (bream rod and 4.5kg line). No. 2 hooks.
  • - Deepwater bays with submerged structure are a favoured habitat for this species.
  • - Zimbabwe record: 2.6kg

Tilapia

1. Redbreast Tilapia (Tilapia Rendalli):

  • - Peak angling period: August to December
  • - Recommended tackle and fishing methods: Same as previous species, however this species will also take Mepps No. 3 Black Fury spinners.
  • - Deliciously eating.
  • - SA angling record: 1.845 kg
  • - Zimbabwe record: 1.616kg
  • - Malawi: 1.03 kg

Sargochromis

1. Green Happy (Sargochromis Codringtonii)

  • - Peak angling period: August to December especially September and October.
  • - Recommended tackle and fishing methods: Although this species is regularly caught on lure or spinner, they are primarily captured on earthworm fished on the river bottom. Their preference is for deepwater bayssurrounded by aquatic structure. No. 2 hook, light sinker and 4 – 5kg breaking strain line is recommended.
  • - Excellent eating
  • - Zimbabwe angling record: 2.21 kg

2. Pink Happy (Sargochromis Giardi):

  • - Peak angling period: August to July especially August, September and October.
  • - Recommended tackle and fishing methods: Same as Green Happy.
  • - Excellent eating.
  • - Zimbabwe angling record: 1.98 kg

3. African Pike (Hepsetus Odoe):

  • - Peak angling period: June to January
  • - Recommended tackle and fishing methods: These “mini tigers” are usually found in the quiet channels, backwaters and lagoons of the Zambezi where they inhabit well vegetated areas.
  • - Small spinners (i.e. Meppsno.1 Black Fury) fished between lily pads or on the fringes of aquatic vegetation are sure to produce the required results.

Tiger fish (Hydrocynus Vittatus):

Tiger fish are caught throughout the year on the upper Zambezi River, however fishing methods are dependent on the water levels. When levels rise due to rain in the main catchment area in Zambezi / Angola (December / January) drift bait is the preferred method used to capture these renowned predators. Bulldogs (Marcusenuis Macrolepidotus) purchased from the local fishermen is favoured by anglers due to the availability of these fish as well as the high success rate achieved when using them as drift bait.

In May / June when water levels start receding and clearing, trolling or spinning for Tiger fish is once again the norm. This is also a good time to fly fish. Lures, which have proved very successful in the past, are the 11cm variety shallow runner (plastic lip) manufactured by Rapala, Storm or Halco. Effzett spoons, copper or chrome also work very well.

  • - SA record: 5.88 kg (since been broken)
  • - Zimbabwe record: (Lake Kariba): 15.07 kg
  • - Malawi record: 7.03 kg
  •        Tiger Fish