Fishing in Botswana: The Best Spots to Visit During A Self-Drive Adventure

Botswana is one of the best safari destinations in the world, renowned for its impressive wildlife population, including the Big Five. However, Botswana isn’t just about safaris and game drives; it’s an incredible fishing destination!

If you’re a fisher eager to take on the Southern Africa waterways, here’s what you need to know about fishing in Botswana, including the best fishing spots in Botswana, the different species you can catch, and the best time to go.

The Okavango Panhandle

Aerial view of the Okavango Delta | Photo: Virginia Caceres Tejedor via Getty

The Panhandle is the entry point to the Okavango Delta, offering serene waterways and incredible fishing opportunities. Stretching around 70 km/43 miles, the Panhandle is one of the most important ecological destinations you can visit on a Botswana self-drive holiday, with a range of different routes to go to explore the ecosystems.

Besides fishing, this destination is an incredible birdwatching destination in Botswana, with more than 350 bird species to spot in the area. Hornbills, marabou storks, lilac-breasted rollers, and kingfishers are all present here.

Fish To Catch

A goliath Tigerfish | Photo: David_Pibrac via Getty

The Okavango Panhandle is renowned for its tigerfish population. With their sharp teeth and impressive size, this species takes pride of place on many fishers’ wishlists. Other species to reel in while fishing at the Panhandle include barbel, bream, and African pike.

Best Time to Fish

If tigerfish is your fishing focus, plan your Botswana fishing trip between March and November – these months are prime time for catching tigerfish.

August to October is the exciting Barbel Run. This sees the Delta’s floodwaters rise, creating a network of channels and lagoons that are filled with barbels on their return migration to the Okavango. The increase of fish attracts predators, including birds, crocodiles, and larger mammals, making it a fantastic time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

How to Get There

The town of Shakawe serves as a gateway to the Okavango Panhandle. There are campsites, lodges, and cabins along the river that offer boat launch facilities and fishing guides.

Important: While fishing is allowed in all water bodies, you need a fishing license to fish in Botswana. Only people 18 years and older are eligible to apply for this license, and forms need to be submitted to a Wildlife and National Park office. Non-citizens are charged BWP 300 (around USD 22) for a monthly license.

Chobe River

Chobe Rover in Botswana | Photo: DmitryPichugin via Canva

The Chobe River, the border between Botswana and Namibia, is home to massive tigerfish that can grow up to 9 kg/20 lbs! This is one of the reasons why this region attracts fishers from around the world.

This river starts in Angola, where it’s called the Cuando River, before it flows through Namibia into Botswana and eventually meets the Zambezi River, transforming the land. The lush environment attracts incredible wildlife and birds, making it an ideal place for game viewing.

The Chobe River is renowned for the huge herds of elephants and buffalo that come to the river to drink and play in the refreshing waters. While here, you may also spot pukus (a rare water-loving antelope), red lechwe, waterbuck, and giraffes.

Fish to Catch

Fresh Tilapia fish | Photo: ReynildaPuspitaSy via Getty

Tigerfish, tilapia, bream, barbel, yellowfish, and African pike are all present in the Chobe River. While tigerfish are often the star of the show, don’t miss out on the barbel action! These bottom feeders are crocodiles’ favourite snack, so look out for any conflict between these species on the water.

Best Time to Fish

The best time to go to the Chobe River for fishing is the dry season, from May to October. This is when the river is at its lowest levels, forcing the fish to concentrate in deeper pools. At this time of the year, you’ll find the river teeming with baitfish, which have been flushed from their summer hiding places by the receding water levels. These smaller fish are easy targets for tigerfish, meaning you’ll have exciting fishing expeditions!

How to Get There

Kasane provides easy access to the Chobe River; from the town, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the river. There are many campsites and lodges along the riverfront that offer fishing opportunities for travellers.

Linyanti Wetlands

These wetlands are found in a corner of Chobe National Park and are well-known for their relaxing atmosphere and variety of game life. But it’s also a fantastic stop on your fishing road trip in Botswana!

Here you’ll find a plethora of permanent rivers and seasonal floodplanes to explore, fishing rod in hand. While there are no tigerfish present, this environment is still a fantastic place to visit to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness.

The Linyanti Wetlands are recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA), so bring your binoculars and birding guide if you want to combine your fishing trip with some birdwatching. Some species to keep an eye out for include the slaty egret and wattled crane.

Fish to Catch

Common Bream caught with a fishing pole | Photo: kostik2photo via Getty

Bream is the star of the show here. Tilapia and barbel can also be reeled in while out on the water.

Best Time to Fish

Fishing in Linyanti is restricted to the flood season, from May to August, as this is when the water levels are at their highest.

How to Get There

The rough roads to the Linyanti Wetlands can only be negotiated by 4×4 vehicles. Please be aware that private companies dominate this area, so access to the reserves is restricted to guests staying at the lodges or camps, which need to be pre-booked.

Fishing in Botswana can be the perfect blend of tranquillity and excitement, from gliding through the wetlands of Linyanti to reeling in fighting tigerfish in the Okavango Delta, all while being surrounded by stunning wilderness.

If you’re an angler, don’t miss out on this Southern African hotspot! Secure your 4×4 and pack up your gear for a rewarding fishing self-drive adventure.