01 ·
Lower Zambezi
Tigerfish + Safari in national parks
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Zambia.
Fishing in Zambia 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
6
target species
Yes
license needed
Jun–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Fishing permit: From 50-100 ZMW (~2-5 USD). National park entry extra.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- At the Department of Fisheries or through lodges and safari providers.
- Cost
- Fishing permit: From 50-100 ZMW (~2-5 USD). National park entry extra.
- Validity
- Day or travel permit
- Available online?
- No
Zambia is THE Tigerfish country par excellence! The Zambezi below Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba offer world-class fishing for the 'striped devil'. Safari + fishing combinable!
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Tigerfish: August-November (hot dry season). Kariba: September-November peak.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Lake Kariba
Tigerfish + Breamknown for big fish
03 ·
Upper Zambezi
TigerfishVundu + untouched wilderness
04 ·
Kafue River
TigerfishBream + exclusive lodges
05 ·
Barotse Floodplains
Tigerfish hotspot during dry season
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+3 more species
NembweCornish JackBottlenose
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
December-February: Closed season on many waters (spawning time).
Catch limits
Catch limits
Tigerfish: C&R recommended/partly mandatory. Moderate limits for other species.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited. Strict rules in national parks.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Standard for Tigerfish! Recommended for all species.
What does it cost?
2-5 USD
License
2-5 USD + National park entry 25 USD.
300-600 USD
Guide per day
Zambezi Lodge: 300-600 USD/day. Kariba: 200-400 USD/day.
80-150 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 80-150 USD. Premium Safari Lodge: 400-800 USD/day.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Zambia-13.13°, 27.85°
🎣 Live catches in sambia
1 verified catches
Not enough data (1 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 Fisheries or through lodges and safari providers. — Zambia is THE Tigerfish country par excellence! The Zambezi below Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba offer world-class fishing for the 'striped devil'. Safari + fishing combinable!
Rules in detail
The Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is one of the strongest fighting freshwater fish — jumps like a Tarpon, has teeth like a Piranha and fights like a devil!
Freshwater
Zambezi, Kafue, Lake Kariba. All freshwater with unique African species.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked country).
Equipment
Lodges provide equipment. Own rods recommended for Tigerfish (fast action!).
Guides
Zambezi Lodge: 300-600 USD/day. Kariba Houseboat: 200-400 USD/day.
Getting there
Flights to Lusaka or Livingstone (Victoria Falls!). Small planes to lodges.
Safety
Hippos and crocodiles in the Zambezi! Malaria. Safari lodges safe and comfortable.
Customs & fish export
Visa on arrival (50 USD). KAZA Uni-Visa for Zambia+Zimbabwe (50 USD).
More Countries
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: May 17, 2026
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