Africa
Fishing in
Botswana 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Botswana-22.33°, 24.68°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- At the Department of Wildlife and National Parks or through safari lodges.
- Cost
- Fishing permit: From 50-100 BWP (~4-8 USD). Included in lodge price.
- Validity
- Day or travel permit
- Available online?
- No
Botswana has the OKAVANGO DELTA — the largest inland delta in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site! Tigerfish in crystal-clear delta waters, surrounded by elephants, buffaloes and lions. Safari + fishing perfection!
Book fishing tours in Botswana
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- January-February: Some waters closed. Tigerfish: Observe closed seasons.
- Catch limits
- Tigerfish: C&R MANDATORY in many areas! Bream: Moderate limits.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite, poison prohibited. In the delta: Strict rules.
- Catch & Release
- MANDATORY for Tigerfish in the Okavango! Standard everywhere.
The Okavango Delta is unique — a river that seeps into the Kalahari Desert instead of flowing into the sea! Crystal-clear water, mokoro canoes and tigerfish.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Okavango-Delta (Tigerfish + UNESCO-Welterbe, kristallklar)
- —Okavango Panhandle (Beste Tigerfish-Spots, tiefe Kanäle)
- —Chobe River (Tigerfish + Elephants-Hotspot, Grenze Namibia)
- —Linyanti Swamps (Abgelegen + exklusiv, large Brassen)
- —Kwando River (Nembwe + Tilapia, wilde Grenzregion)
Target fish
Freshwater
Okavango Delta, Chobe, Linyanti. All freshwater in spectacular wilderness.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked, desert).
Starting from600 USD / day
Best season: Tigerfish: August-November (dry season, high water in the delta). Peak: September-October.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Lodges provide equipment. Fly rods 8-9wt ideal for tigerfish.
- Fishing guides
- Delta Lodge: 500-1,500 USD/day (!). Panhandle: 300-600 USD/day. Botswana is expensive!
- Transport
- Flights to Maun (delta gateway). Small aircraft to lodges. Mokoro canoes in the delta.
- Safety
- Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions! Only with guide. Malaria. Safari lodges very safe.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Visa-free for EU citizens (90 days). Fishing equipment permitted.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
4-8 USD (included in lodge price).
Guide prices
Panhandle: 300-600 USD/day. Premium Delta Lodge: 800-1,500 USD/day.
Daily budget
Botswana is EXPENSIVE: 300-1,500 USD/day (lodges). Budget options at the Panhandle.
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Botswana
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Botswana →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Botswana with Kiwi.com
Compare flights →
Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
Book transfer →
Mobile Data
eSIM for 150+ countries — no roaming fees
Get eSIM →
Data not correct?
Help us keep this page up to date — report outdated or incorrect information
More Countries
Discover.
Don't miss any fishing tips!
Get the best fishing destination recommendations weekly in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.