Africa
Fishing in
Tanzania 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Tanzania-6.37°, 34.89°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Through charter boat providers or the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute.
- Cost
- Sportfishing Permit: From 50 USD. Usually included in charter/lodge price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the stay/tour
- Available online?
- No
Tanzania offers incredible deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean, especially around Pemba and Mafia Island. Most providers organize all permits. Little developed = pristine waters!
Book fishing tours in Tanzania
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons. Marine parks have their own regulations.
- Catch limits
- Moderate limits for food fish. Big Game: Catch-and-Release increasingly common.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite fishing prohibited (was a problem). Nets prohibited in marine parks.
- Catch & Release
- Increasingly common with specialized providers.
Tanzania's waters are lightly fished and offer enormous potential. Pemba Channel is legendary for giant marlin and GT!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Pemba Island & Pemba Channel (Marlin, Swordfish, GT, Dogtooth Tuna)
- —Mafia Island Archipel (Sailfish, Kingfish, küstennears Fischen)
- —Sansibar & Nungwi (Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado)
- —Latham Island ('Das Fisch-Kaufhaus', Gelbflossenthun, Wahoo)
- —Dar es Salaam (Ausgangspunkt für viele Chartertouren)
Target fish
Freshwater
Lake Victoria: Nile perch. Lake Tanganyika: Endemic species. Little developed for tourism.
Saltwater
Indian Ocean with the deep Pemba Channel. One of the last hardly fished big game areas in the world!
Starting from1,000 USD / day
Best season: September to March (calm seas). Marlin peak: September-December. GT: Year-round.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Charter boats provide everything. For fly fishing for GT: Bring your own 12wt.
- Fishing guides
- Deep Sea Charter: 400-1,000 USD/day. Lodge on Pemba/Mafia: 300-600 USD/day.
- Transport
- Flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Small planes to Pemba/Mafia Island.
- Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis MANDATORY. Sun protection. Travel insurance. Medical care on islands limited.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Fishing equipment permitted. Visa available on arrival (50 USD).
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Approx. 50 USD (usually included in lodge/charter price)
Guide prices
Deep Sea Charter: 400-1,000 USD/day. Island Lodge: 300-600 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 100-200 USD (Zanzibar, simple boat). Premium: 400-800 USD/day (Pemba Lodge).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Tanzania
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Tanzania →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Tanzania 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.
Angola
Africa
Gambia
Africa
Senegal
Africa
Mauritania
Africa
Mozambique
Africa
South Africa
Africa
Zimbabwe
Africa
Libya
Africa
Equatorial Guinea
Africa
Gabon
Africa
Chad
Africa
Tunisia
Africa
Sierra Leone
Africa
Lesotho
Africa
Eswatini
Africa
Central African Republic
Africa
Cape Verde
Africa
Cameroon
Africa
Rwanda
Africa
Madagascar
Africa
Don't miss any fishing tips!
Get the best fishing destination recommendations weekly in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.