6-day Zambezi Fishing Safari: Guided tiger fish & catfish

Six days of guided fishing, boat cruises at sunset, and nights at the river lodge

A 6-day fishing safari on the Zambezi River based at Mubala Lodge, where you fish for tiger fish and catfish on a catch-and-release basis with a guide, then unwind on daily sundowner boat cruises with drinks and snacks. Accommodation, all meals except lunch, guided fishing trips, boat fuel, basic tackle and return transfers from Katima Mulilo Airport are included. Children from age 6 are welcome. The guide speaks English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and river introduction

• Meet guide at Katima Mulilo Airport
• Transfer to Mubala Lodge
• Relax and have lunch at lodge
• Enjoy guided sundowner boat cruise
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 2: Fishing and river cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Guided fishing trip on Zambezi River
• Lunch at lodge restaurant
• Boat cruise before sunset with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 3: Full day fishing and cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Full day fishing expedition
• Lunch at lodge restaurant
• Boat cruise before sunset with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 4: Fishing and evening cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Full day fishing expedition
• Lunch at lodge restaurant
• Boat cruise before sunset with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 5: Fishing and romantic cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Full day fishing expedition
• Lunch at lodge restaurant
• Romantic boat cruise before sunset
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 6: Final fishing and departure

• Breakfast at lodge
• Last fishing expedition
• Transfer to Katima Mulilo Airport

The experience

The rhythm here is built around fishing. Each morning starts with breakfast, then a full day on the water targeting tiger fish, catfish, tilapia and nambwe on catch-and-release. Lunch breaks run between noon and 3 p.m. at the lodge restaurant (at your own cost) to avoid the heat. Late afternoon brings a 1.5-hour boat cruise 1.5 hours before sunset, where you drift past the river's golden light with light snacks and refreshments included. Dinner follows at the lodge.

The lodge sits on the Zambezi itself, so the river is your constant backdrop. A guide handles the boat, provides basic tackle and knows where the fish are holding. You cast, set the hook and work the line. The guide assists but this is your fishing, not a spectator experience. All equipment damage or loss is replaced at your expense, and drinks during fishing time are on your account. The permit and fuel are covered.

Days 2 through 5 follow the same pattern: breakfast, full-day fishing, midday break, sundowner cruise, dinner. Day 1 is arrival: pickup at Katima Mulilo Airport at 6:30 a.m., transfer to the lodge, lunch and settling in, then your first sundowner cruise. Day 6 is departure: breakfast, one final fishing session, then transfer back to the airport. The lodge can accommodate dietary restrictions if you note them at booking.

What’s included

• Accommodation at Zambezi Mubala Lodge for six nights.
• breakfast and dinner daily.
• guided fishing trips with boat, fuel, basic tackle and permit.
• daily sundowner boat cruises with light snacks and refreshments.
• return airport transfers from Katima Mulilo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 to 85 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd

Is this one for you?You fish yourself with a guide's assistance on the water each day, so come ready to cast and work the line for full days. This suits anglers who want hands-on time rather than a spectator experience, and who can handle the heat with a midday break built in.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What species of fish will I have a chance to catch on the Zambezi?

Tiger fish, catfish, tilapia and nambwe are the main species you'll target. All fishing is catch-and-release, so you release your catch after landing it.

Is lunch included in the 6-day safari?

Lunch is not included and is available at the lodge restaurant at your own expense, roughly USD 20 per meal. Breakfast and dinner are provided each day, as are snacks and refreshments during the sundowner cruises.

How does the daily schedule work around the heat?

Fishing runs in the morning, then you break between noon and 3 p.m. for lunch at the lodge to avoid peak heat. Fishing resumes afterward, followed by the sundowner boat cruise 1.5 hours before sunset.

What's included in the boat cruises?

The daily sundowner cruises include the boat, guide and light snacks plus refreshing beverages. These run 1.5 hours and depart 1.5 hours before sunset each evening.

Do I need my own fishing experience to book this safari?

The guide works with enthusiasts of all skill levels. Basic tackle is provided, and the guide assists throughout. You'll need to be comfortable handling a rod and spending full days on the water.

What transfers are included, and when does the safari start?

Return transfers from Katima Mulilo Airport are included. Pickup is at 6:30 a.m. on Day 1, and you're transferred back to the airport on Day 6 after your final fishing session and breakfast.