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Africa

Fishing in
Zambia 2026.

Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview

🌙Fishing Times 2026
Simple license

Best fishing times

·Zambia

-13.13°, 27.85°

01

Fishing License & Permit

License required?
Yes
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!

Fishing tours

Book fishing tours in Zambia

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

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02

Rules & Regulations

Closed seasons
December-February: Closed season on many waters (spawning time).
Catch limits
Tigerfish: C&R recommended/partly mandatory. Moderate limits for other species.
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited. Strict rules in national parks.
Catch & Release
Standard for Tigerfish! Recommended for all species.

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!

03

Waters & Fish Species

Top waters

  • Lower Zambezi (Tigerfish + Safari in Nationalparks)
  • Kariba-Lake (Tigerfish + Bream, bekannt für Großfische)
  • Upper Zambezi (Tigerfish, Vandu + unberührte Wilderness)
  • Kafue-River (Tigerfish, Bream + exklusive Lodges)
  • Barotse-Aue (Tigerfish-Hotspot während der Trockenzeit)

Target fish

TigerfishVundu CatfishNembweThree Spot BreamCornish JackBottlenose
Best seasonTigerfish: August-November (hot dry season). Kariba: September-November peak.

Freshwater

Zambezi, Kafue, Lake Kariba. All freshwater with unique African species.

Saltwater

No access to the sea (landlocked country).

Book a fishing trip & guide in Zambia

Starting from600 USD / day

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: Tigerfish: August-November (hot dry season). Kariba: September-November peak.

04

Practical Information

Equipment
Lodges provide equipment. Own rods recommended for Tigerfish (fast action!).
Fishing guides
Zambezi Lodge: 300-600 USD/day. Kariba Houseboat: 200-400 USD/day.
Transport
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 & taking fish home
Visa on arrival (50 USD). KAZA Uni-Visa for Zambia+Zimbabwe (50 USD).

05

Cost Overview

License fees

2-5 USD + National park entry 25 USD.

Guide prices

Zambezi Lodge: 300-600 USD/day. Kariba: 200-400 USD/day.

Daily budget

Budget: 80-150 USD. Premium Safari Lodge: 400-800 USD/day.

Read blog article →

Detailed guide: Fishing in Zambia

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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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