Zambezi Fishing Safari: Tiger Fish & Catfish at Mubala

Spend four days fishing the Zambezi with a guide, a boat and tackle included.

A 4-day guided fishing safari on the Zambezi River based at Mubala Lodge near Katima Mulilo, where you fish for tiger fish, catfish, tilapia and nambwe on a catch-and-release basis. The package includes accommodation, all fishing equipment and a guide. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge, and a sundowner boat cruise with refreshments runs each afternoon. Lunch is available at the restaurant at your own cost. Return transfers from Katima Mulilo Airport are included, and children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Sundowner Cruise

• Meet guide at Katima Mulilo Airport
• Transfer to Mubala Lodge
• Relax and explore lodge surroundings
• Lunch at lodge restaurant (own cost)
• Guided sundowner boat cruise with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 2: Fishing and Evening Cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Guided fishing trip on Zambezi River
• Lunch at lodge restaurant (own cost)
• Afternoon fishing
• Boat cruise before sunset with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 3: Fishing and Evening Cruise

• Breakfast at lodge
• Guided fishing trip on Zambezi River
• Lunch at lodge restaurant (own cost)
• Afternoon fishing
• Boat cruise before sunset with snacks
• Dinner at lodge restaurant

Day 4: Final Fishing and Departure

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

The experience

What separates a fishing trip from a fishing safari is time on the water and a guide who knows where the fish are. Here you get three full days of guided fishing, starting each morning after breakfast and running through the afternoon heat into a sunset cruise. The Zambezi holds tiger fish and catfish year-round, along with tilapia and nambwe. All catches are released, so the river stays intact. A guide handles the boat and the tackle, and you fish from the water: no watching from shore.

Days break into a rhythm. You fish until midday, then head back to the lodge for lunch between noon and 3 p.m. (at your own cost at the restaurant). After the heat passes, you fish again, then board a boat cruise 1.5 hours before sunset with light snacks and drinks included. Dinner waits at the lodge each night. On your final morning, one last fishing run before the transfer back to Katima Mulilo Airport.

Accommodation is at Mubala Lodge on the river itself, so you're never far from the water. The lodge provides breakfast and dinner. Lunch you arrange separately. A child life vest must be supplied by parents. The guide speaks English, and the operation runs catch-and-release only. If you lose or damage tackle, you cover the replacement cost. Drinks during fishing time are at your own expense.

What’s included

• Accommodation at Zambezi Mubala Lodge for four nights.
• breakfast and dinner daily at the lodge restaurant.
• guided fishing trips with boat, fuel, basic tackle and permit.
• three sundowner boat cruises with light snacks and refreshments.
• return transfer from Katima Mulilo Airport.

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 from a shared boat with a guide following a set daily schedule, so book this if you want hands-on casting time and are comfortable fishing alongside other anglers.

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 fish can I catch on the Zambezi River?

Tiger fish, catfish, tilapia and nambwe are the main species. All fishing is catch-and-release, so the river's stock stays healthy.

Is the fishing guide included, or do I hire one separately?

A guide is included in the package. The guide operates the boat, provides basic tackle and fishes with you each day. The guide speaks English.

How does the daily schedule work across the four days?

Each day starts with breakfast, then guided fishing until midday. Lunch is at the lodge between noon and 3 p.m. (at your own cost). You fish again in the afternoon, then take a boat cruise 1.5 hours before sunset with refreshments included. Dinner is served at the lodge. Day 1 is arrival and a sundowner cruise. Day 4 is a final fishing run before transfer back to the airport.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay for separately?

Included are accommodation at Mubala Lodge, breakfast and dinner, all fishing equipment and boat, the guide, the sundowner cruises with snacks and drinks, and return transfers from Katima Mulilo Airport. Lunch at the lodge restaurant costs approximately USD 20 per day and is at your own expense. Drinks during fishing time are also at your own cost.

Do I need fishing experience to book this safari?

No. The guide works with all skill levels, and the catch-and-release setup means the focus is on the experience and the river rather than on a trophy. Children from age 6 are welcome. Parents must supply a child life vest.