01 ·
Okavango Delta
Tigerfish + UNESCO World Heritagecrystal clear
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Botswana.
Fishing in Botswana 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
6
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Fishing permit: From 50-100 BWP (~4-8 USD). Included in lodge price.
›All license details
- 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!
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Tigerfish: August-November (dry season, high water in the delta). Peak: September-October.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Okavango Panhandle
Best Tigerfish spotsdeep channels
03 ·
Chobe River
Tigerfish + Elephants hotspotborder with Namibia
04 ·
Linyanti Swamps
Remote + exclusivelarge Bream
05 ·
Kwando River
Nembwe + Tilapiawild border region
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
Nembwe
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
January-February: Some waters closed. Tigerfish: Observe closed seasons.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Tigerfish: C&R MANDATORY in many areas! Bream: Moderate limits.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited. In the delta: Strict rules.
Catch & release
Catch & release
MANDATORY for Tigerfish in the Okavango! Standard everywhere.
What does it cost?
4-8 USD
License
4-8 USD (included in lodge price).
300-600 USD
Guide per day
Panhandle: 300-600 USD/day. Premium Delta Lodge: 800-1,500 USD/day.
300-1,500 USD
Daily budget
Botswana is EXPENSIVE: 300-1,500 USD/day (lodges). Budget options at the Panhandle.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Botswana-22.33°, 24.68°
🎣 Live catches in botswana
3 verified catches
Not enough data (3 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
At the Department of Wildlife and National Parks or through safari lodges. — 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!
Rules in detail
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.
Freshwater
Okavango Delta, Chobe, Linyanti. All freshwater in spectacular wilderness.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked, desert).
Equipment
Lodges provide equipment. Fly rods 8-9wt ideal for tigerfish.
Guides
Delta Lodge: 500-1,500 USD/day (!). Panhandle: 300-600 USD/day. Botswana is expensive!
Getting there
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 & fish export
Visa-free for EU citizens (90 days). Fishing equipment permitted.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 18, 2026
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