5-Day Okavango Delta Tiger Fishing Tour with the Barbel Run

5 Days Round trip from Shakawe Airstrip Moderate pace

View all 7 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Stay at Nxamaseri Island Lodge with guided Tiger Fish-focused outings
02 Fish the Okavango during the exciting Barbel Run and witness hunting frenzies
03 Full-day fishing safaris with chances to try different techniques, lures, and flies
04 Picnic lunch on a sandbank or island in the Delta
05 Sundowner cruises and wildlife sightings alongside premium lodge dining experiences

Chase the legendary Okavango Delta Tiger Fish on a five-day fishing safari based at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, where expert guides help you make the most of the famed Barbel Run - a seasonal spectacle that triggers thrilling predator feeding action. From introductory casts to full-day expeditions across channels and hotspots, each day is shaped around conditions to put you in the right place at the right time. Between sessions, unwind in comfort with scenic river cruises, sundowners, and memorable dinners under the stars while keeping an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birdlife.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Okavango Delta

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and Introductory Fishing

Arrive at Shakawe Airstrip and begin your adventure with a scenic transfer to Nxamaseri Island Lodge, where you will be welcomed and introduced to your fishing guides.
Settle into your luxury chalet, meet your guide, and receive a briefing on the fishing opportunities and conditions, especially the excitement surrounding the Barbel Run.
Head out for an introductory fishing session to get a feel for the water and begin targeting Tiger Fish.
After fishing, relax with a sundowner cruise, soaking in the breathtaking Delta scenery, or continue fishing into sunset.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars, featuring local ingredients and flavours.

Day 02

Full-Day Tiger Fish Safari

After breakfast, embark on a full-day fishing safari. Follow the Barbel Run, where you will witness Tiger Fish hunting in the frenzy created by the moving barbel. Your guide will position you in prime locations to maximize your chances of landing a big one.
Break for a picnic lunch on a sandbank or island, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Okavango.
Continue fishing in the afternoon, experimenting with different techniques, lures, and flies to attract the aggressive Tiger Fish.
Return to the lodge to unwind with a massage or relax by the water.
A private dinner will be served, allowing you to reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 03

New Fishing Grounds and Delta Wildlife

Start the day early with another fishing session, exploring different channels and targeting specific spots known for their large Tiger Fish populations.
Depending on water levels and conditions, follow the Barbel Run to witness more of the thrilling feeding behaviour that makes this area famous for Tiger fishing.
After a morning on the water, enjoy lunch back at the lodge, followed by downtime.
In the late afternoon, take a leisurely cruise, perhaps spotting hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, or head out for another fishing session.
Delight in a bush dinner served in a picturesque outdoor location.

Day 04

Targeted Fishing and Farewell Sundowners

After breakfast, head out for a morning session, with your guide focusing on helping you catch your best Tiger Fish.
Return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch.
Spend the afternoon on a final fishing expedition, taking advantage of everything you have learned from your guide over the past days.
Conclude your fishing adventure with a special sundowner cruise, reflecting on the incredible experience.
Enjoy a final exquisite dinner, toasting to your successful fishing adventure.

Day 05

Leisurely Morning and Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a leisurely morning at the lodge. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for a brief final fishing session or a guided nature walk.
Transfer back to Shakawe Airstrip for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories and incredible fishing stories.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Shakawe Airstrip 1 city · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

- Bait: Provided by the lodge.
- Bait fishing: Standard hooks and required bait provided.
- Lure and bait-fishing equipment: Effzets (various sizes); Mepps/spinners; Rapalas; jigs; braided line and traces; hooks (barbless encouraged); Boga Grips; scoop nets.
- Fly fishing: Basic beginner equipment available, including landing nets and essential gear.
Guided activities: Morning and afternoon private boat charters, fishing skippers, standard tackle (lures/rods), and mokoro excursions.
Meals and drinks: Daily meals, snacks, and select local beers, wines, and spirits.
Perks: Daily laundry, complimentary public Wi-Fi, and airstrip boat transfers.

What's Not Included

Note: All anglers are advised to bring their own equipment. The lodge supplies basic gear only.
Expert Fishing Host: Additional costs will need to be sourced.

What to bring

Comfortable and practical hat
A good pair of polarised sunglasses
Sunscreen
Long-sleeved shirts
Gloves or finger guards

Know before you go

The Okavango is a protected World Heritage Site, and as such, we at Nxamaseri Island Lodge encourage sustainable practices, so all our fishing is catch and release.
January and February: Closed for fishing in Botswana due to the breeding season.
Fishing seasons April - August: Bream fishing is usually best in these winter months.
March - April, August - December: Tiger & Barbel. Tiger fishing can be productive throughout the fishing season, but the optimum time is during the annual Barbel Run, which is generally from late August to the beginning of November. The exact timing differs from year to year depending on water levels.

Logistics