01 ·
Lake Kariba
Tigerfish + legendary houseboat fishing
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Zimbabwe.
Fishing in Zimbabwe 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
6
target species
Yes
license needed
May–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Fishing permit: From 10-20 USD. National park entry extra.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- At the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) or through lodges.
- Cost
- Fishing permit: From 10-20 USD. National park entry extra.
- Validity
- Day or travel permit
- Available online?
- No
Zimbabwe shares Lake Kariba and the Zambezi with Zambia — both world-class tigerfish waters! The Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba is legendary. Houseboats on Kariba are a unique experience.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Tigerfish: September-November (hot!). Kariba: August-November. Bass: Year-round.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Mana Pools National Park
Tigerfish + wildlife viewing
03 ·
Upper Zambezi
Tigerfish + Yellowfish near Victoria Falls
04 ·
Lake Chivero
Bass + huge Bream near Harare
05 ·
Lake Mutirikwi
Known for trophy Bass stocks
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+2 more species
NkupeCornish Jack
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
October-January: Restrictions in some waters. Tigerfish: Observe closed seasons.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Tigerfish: C&R recommended. Moderate limits for bream and catfish.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited. Strict rules in national parks.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Standard for tigerfish. Recommended for all large fish.
What does it cost?
10-20 USD
License
10-20 USD + national park entry 15-30 USD.
200-500 USD
Guide per day
Houseboat: 200-500 USD/day. Safari lodge: 400-800 USD/day.
60-120 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 60-120 USD. Premium: 300-700 USD/day.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Zimbabwe-19.02°, 29.15°
🎣 Live catches in simbabwe
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 Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) or through lodges. — Zimbabwe shares Lake Kariba and the Zambezi with Zambia — both world-class tigerfish waters! The Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba is legendary. Houseboats on Kariba are a unique experience.
Rules in detail
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world (by volume)! 220 km long, full of tigerfish and with submerged trees as structure.
Freshwater
Lake Kariba (largest man-made lake!), Zambezi, Save. Tigerfish paradise.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked).
Equipment
Lodges and houseboats provide equipment. Own tigerfish rods recommended.
Guides
Kariba houseboat: 200-500 USD/day. Mana Pools lodge: 400-800 USD/day.
Getting there
Flights to Harare or Victoria Falls. Small planes to Kariba/Mana Pools.
Safety
Hippos (most dangerous animal in Africa!), crocodiles, elephants. Malaria everywhere.
Customs & fish export
Visa on arrival (30-55 USD). KAZA Uni-Visa with Zambia possible.
More Countries
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 19, 2026
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