Hooked on the Zambezi: Tiger Fishing in Victoria Falls
The African tigerfish is rated by sports anglers the world over as one of the finest freshwater fighting fish alive. Razor-toothed, explosively fast, and entirely unwilling to go quietly once hooked, it has built a reputation that draws dedicated anglers from every corner of the globe to the Zambezi River.
And the Zambezi, as it happens, runs directly past the lawns of Palm River Hotel, a few kilometres above Victoria Falls itself.
Your Fishing Ground
The Zambezi River is a fertile environment for tigerfish. The Barotse Floodplain upriver is largely inaccessible to permanent human settlement, keeping the ecosystems downstream clean and wild.
The river close to our hotel is broad and island-threaded, with fast channels, deep pools, and quiet backwaters where tigerfish can hunt. Clear water is common from late May through to December, with the peak for fly and lure fishing running from May through October.
Fishing on this stretch also comes with a backdrop that’s difficult to beat. Not only is Victoria Falls audible in the distance, but elephants cross in the shallows, hippos pop up from midstream channels, and Carmine bee-eaters nest in the sandy riverbanks.
It is, by any measure, a remarkable place to have a rod in your hand. (And a beer in the other, if you can manage it!)
The Best Time To Go Tigerfishing: Seasonal Breakdown
August to November: Low & Receding Water
Most anglers on the Zambezi rate this dry-season stretch as the prime window. As the river drops and the water clears, baitfish get pushed out of the floodplains, and tigerfish move in to feed on them.
December to March: Hot, Wet Summer
Air and water temperatures climb, and tigerfish keep feeding actively through the heat. Afternoon thunderstorms are common this time of year, so factor that into your plans.
May to July: High Water
You can still fish, but expect slower catch rates. The river is at its highest and coolest, which tends to dampen tigerfish activity.
What Else Lives In The River?
While the tigerfish may be the headline of this blog, the Zambezi holds over 75 species of fish and a half-day on the water is likely to introduce you to several.
Predatory bream (particularly the Nembwe) are actively targeted alongside tigerfish and make a favourite first catch on lighter gear. The Upper Zambezi Yellowfish offers excellent sport in the faster channels on fly fishing tactics. Vundu (the Zambezi’s giant catfish, capable of reaching 45 kilograms) inhabit the deeper holes and reward patient anglers with long, powerful runs. Chessa and Bottlenose round out the catch, willing biters that keep the rods bending between tigerfish encounters.
What’s On Offer Near Us?
Palm River Hotel’s activities desk works with a trusted fishing operator on the upper Zambezi, offering three trip formats to suit the amount of time you have available. All trips include refreshments and snacks, a fully equipped boat with an experienced skipper and guide, all tackle and lures, and return transfers.
Option 1: Three-Hour Fishing Trip | US$150 per person
Ideal for guests with a full itinerary. Flexible departure times: 6am, mid-morning, noon, or late afternoon.
Option 2: Half-Day Fishing Trip | US$230 per person
Up to six hours on the water. Enough time to try multiple techniques and work the best stretches of river properly.
Option 3: Full-Day Fishing Trip | US$345 per person
This full experience includes a run up to the Kandahar Rapids, excellent game viewing as the captain covers the broader river, and in the afternoon the possibility of drifting to within 400m of the Victoria Falls drop. Lunch at a’Zambezi River Lodge (the jetty base) is included, as is the return to the rapids for an afternoon session.
All rates are 2026 inclusive of VAT. National Parks fee (US$24) payable directly on the day.
The full-day trip is the one we’d recommend to our passionate fishers. The run up to the Kandahar Rapids puts guests into fast, productive water well above the typical tourist zone, and the game viewing en route is exceptional. This stretch of the upper Zambezi sees elephant crossings, hippo pods, and exciting birdlife as well – a consolation prize or added bonus, depending on how many fish you catch!
We’ll Take Care Of The Details
Fishing excursions from Palm River Hotel are arranged through the activities desk and launch from the a’Zambezi River Lodge jetty on the Zimbabwean side of the river.
For guests who want to explore the Zambian side, Livingstone’s Adventure operates from the Royal Landing Jetty using propeller-free safari boats that navigate the narrow island channels, with half-day and full-day options available.
Angle Zambia, the only operator on the Zambian side specialising exclusively in upper Zambezi tiger fishing, has been running excursions since 2000 and offers morning, afternoon, and full-day options.
Our activities desk can advise on the right operator and format for your stay.
Stay With Us
With the Zambezi River running past our hotel’s lawns, Palm River Hotel is a natural and luxurious base for anyone keen to try their hand at tigerfishing.
For guests who want to combine fishing with game drives, a sunset cruise, or a visit to the Falls, we can build a full day around the river that covers all of it.
Contact our activities desk at activities@palmhospitality.co.zw to discuss options and availability ahead of your stay.
Browse our rooms here and make your booking via our online booking platform, or by chatting to friendly member of our reception team directly at onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com.
