Nxamaseri Island Lodge - Botswana
Tigerfishing - Lure and Fly Fishing
Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a unique African experience on a private island in the permanent waters of Botswana’s Okavango Panhandle. The Lodge is regarded as the premier fly fishing destination in Botswana. Tigerfishing, birding, and peaceful, riverside lodge with a personal touch. We have hosted several trips here.
Fishing the Okavango Delta
Species: Fish the deep waters of the Okavango Delta for tigerfish, catfish, bream, three- spot bream, Nembwe, thin-faced largemouth, and the sharptooth catfish.
Tigerfish: Like the piranha, tigerfish have interlocking, razor-sharp teeth, along with streamlined, muscular bodies, and are widely known to be extremely aggressive and capable predators who often hunt in groups. Tigerfish are one of the strongest fighters, pound-for-pound. They attack from the side at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, then turn the bait around and swallow it headfirst. The tigerfish’s ability to bite through a lure with its razor-sharp teeth makes them an extremely exciting fish to catch.
Methods: At Nxamaseri, fly fishing, spin, and lure methods are employed.
The Fishing Program
2024 Season: The Lodge is closed from January 5 through March 31, due to the closure of the fishing season throughout Botswana.
Fishing: Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a prime destination for lure and fly fishing from June through December.
Season: The optimum time to fish for tigerfish is during the annual catfish (barbel) runs. Although the exact time of the catfish runs differs from year to year, they generally run from early September to mid-November. Lure fishing is throughout the year, while fly fishing is deemed best when the waters are low.
Boats: The Lodge has four 16' to 22' aluminum boats that are wide and stable with flat decks.
Guides: Local, English-speaking guides trained in fly and lure fishing.
Equipment: They suggest that all anglers bring their own equipment. A detailed equipment and tackle list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing Licenses: are included in the package.
Eric Schoenborn with a Tigerfish
Typical Fishing Day:
8:00 a.m., breakfast.
9:00 a.m., you'll leave for the river with your guide.
1:30 p.m., enjoy a riverside lunch.
After lunch, you can enjoy a siesta or a cup of coffee or tea with some freshly baked cookies. Then, your guide will drive you to your next fishing spot.
6:30 p.m., you’ll finish fishing and return to the Lodge.
7:30 p.m. is cocktail hour and wines served with cold cuts, a variety of cheeses.
8:00 p.m., a three-course dinner is served. You'll enjoy coffee, tea, or a digestif (post-dinner liquor) at the bar in the living room.
We've hosted several trips at Nxamaseri Lodge.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Nxamaseri, a small exclusive lodge, is remote, rustic, and one of the oldest in the Delta. The Lodge has five standard chalets, a honeymoon chalet, and a large chalet ideal for families with a double bed and two twin beds. Teak walkways link the thatched-roofed chalets to the main Lodge area. The Lodge hosts up to 16 guests. Each chalet has a private deck with views. The rooms have an open wall to the outside and a river view. There are no outlets in the room, so if you require a C-Pap machine, this Lodge is not a good choice. There is no air-conditioning. Fans are available. Quiet and peaceful, the Lodge has a small swimming pool.
Communications: Limited Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is via remote satellite link up and constant connectivity is not guaranteed. The Lodge has a satellite phone and radio for emergencies.
Dining Room Area
Buffet-style three-course meals are served in the open dining area. Private dining is available on request.
Comfortable Lounge Area
Five Standard Room Chalets
Honeymoon Chalet
Non-Angler Activities: The Lodge offers guided birding trips, plus day trips to view the ancient San paintings at the magical Tsodilo Hills.
Birding: The Nxamaseri area of the Delta panhandle features approximately 325 of the 500 bird species found in Botswana, and on a 3 to 4-day trip, guests can expect to see between 190 and 220 species. The most exceptional birding months are September to February, before the new water arrives. Feeding conditions are at an optimum at this time, and most migrants are present.
Wildlife: The river channels abound with water lilies, fish, and wildlife such as crocs, hippos, otters, and swamp antelope.
Insects: Bugs are present but not a bother.