Love fishing? Well then Southern Africa should be your list of places to go. With a variety of amazing fishing spots, fish species, lodges and companies stretched over two oceans, numerous rivers and stunning countries, this part of the world is a fantastic fishing hot spot. Here are some of the best fishing trips in Southern Africa.
(Joachim Huber/Wikimedia Commons)
1. Head To Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe
If you want to catch some tiger fish, then head to Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba where you’ll be able to rent a houseboat with Kariba Houseboats and sail down on the lake catching fish as you please.
(Photo courtesy of Big Blue Sport Fishing Charter)
2. Go Deep Sea Fishing in Simon’s Town, South Africa
Head out with Big Blue Fishing Charters for the ultimate deep sea game fishing experience. With some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, Big Blue Fishing Charters heads out from Simon’s Town to catch yellowfin and longfin tuna, yellowtail, snoek, Cape Salmon, and kob. You can also stay at Whale View Manor within walking distance of the harbour.
(Photo courtesy of Kalizo Lodge)
3. Stay At Kalizo Lodge on the Upper Zambezi
Spend a weekend at the Kalizo Lodge on the Upper Zambezi and enjoy catching some amazing tiger fish. You can hire a well equipped boat equipped with fishing equipment from the lodge and an experienced guide will accompany you on the water. Kalizo Lodge actively supports a catch and release policy.
(Photo courtesy of Ngepi Camp)
4. Head To Ngepi Camp in Namibia
For the perfect family fishing trip, head to Ngepi Camp. With three different accommodation options — campsite, treehouse and bush huts — and fishing boats for hire per hour which include a local guide, you won’t need to worry about bringing anything except a fishing license. Ngepi Camp has a strict catch and release policy.
(Wikimedia Commons)
5. Visit Kei Mouth in South Africa
Just 94 kilometres outside of the city of East London on the southeast coast of South Africa is Kei Mouth. This quaint resort town is ideal for a relaxing fishing experience as you stand on the rocks and catch your dinner straight from the beach. Stay at Benmore Lodge which is a short drive from the beach.
(Photo courtesy of Okavango Houseboats)
6. Rent A Houseboat on Okavango River
Head to Botswana (preferably between September and December) and rent out an old African Style houseboat from Okavango Houseboats and sail throw the Okavango Delta fishing to your hearts content. With 71 fish species including tiger fish, tilapia and catfish, this area is a great place to spend a week just cruising. Gear is available for hire, but you can bring your own.
(Lisac Mark/Wikimedia Commons)
7. Go Trout Trekking in Lesotho
Head to Lesotho with Tourette Fishing and go trout trekking along the Senqu River. This five-day trek only happens between October 1 and April 30 and includes accommodation (mobile tents) and meals.
(Photo courtesy of Tafika Fishing Safari)
8. Enjoy Tafika Fishing Safari on the Lower Zambezi
Round up a bunch of your friends and head to Tafika Fishing Safari for a fishing trip. With comfortable chalet accommodation along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, the lodge is an ideal place to go to catch tiger fish, bream, bottle nose, barbel and squeakers. The lodge offers boats with a skipper, all fishing gear, and has a strict catch and release policy.
(Photo courtesy of Maguga Lodge)
9. Go Bass Fishing in Swaziland
One of the most popular places to go bass fishing in Southern African is at Maguga Dam in Swaziland. Located on the Komati River, the dam is home to some big bass that needs to be caught with some sturdy tackle as they can get up to 5.4kg. If you’d like to spend a night or two at the dam, then book a couple nights at the luxury Maguga Lodge, which has both self-catering chalets and a campsite.
(Photo courtesy of Silver Fish Lodge)
10. Stay At Silver Fish Lodge in Mozambique
Silver Fish Lodge is a fully serviced game fishing lodge that specialises in big game and bill fishing, but also offers spear fishing and fly fishing. Situated in the Inhambane Bay area, this lodge is a fisherman’s dream with all meals, fishing trips and stunning accommodation seen to by the friendly staff.
(Photo courtesy of Sea Ace Fishing Adventures)
11. Enjoy Some Shark Fishing In Namibia
Take in the picturesque Namibian shoreline while enjoying some shore fishing. With the ocean being rich in fish, you’re sure to catch various small sharks and maybe even a bronze whale shark which are more common during the summer months. To go, try Henties Bay and join Sea Ace Fishing Adventures.
(Photo courtesy of Breede River Resort & Lodge)
12. Head To The Breede River In South Africa
Perfect for a weekend away, head to the stunning Breede River Resort & Lodge which has become a fisherman’s paradise. You can catch various species of fish including white mussel cracker, blacktail, bellman, zebra fish, and white stumpnose.
(Photo courtesy of Nxamaseri Island Lodge)
13. Visit Nxamaseri Island Lodge in Botswana
If you want a remote fishing experience, then head to Nxamaseri Island Lodge where you’ll be able to catch some tiger fish weighing up to 9kg and other freshwater game fish. The lodge offers numerous specialist fly-fishing guides and fully equipped boats, but can also make special arrangements for additional boats for fly-fishing. The lodge also offers standard lure and basic fly fishing equipment, but guests are welcome to bring their own equipment.
(Photo courtesy of Semonkong Lodge)
14. Go Fly Fishing At Semonkong Lodge in Lesotho
If you love fly fishing, then Semonkong Lodge in Lesotho is for you. With a selection of brown and rainbow trout in the Maletsunyane River, you can easily spend the whole day on the river banks trying to catch something. There is no fishing allowed between May 1 through August 31, and a strict catch and release policy is in place.
(Hillebrand Steve/Wikimedia Commons)
15. Fish At Hawane Dam in Swaziland
Hawane Dam is fully stocked with plenty of fish including carp, bream, bass, barbell and trout. You can enjoy catching some of these fish from the shore or on a double kayak.
