Eric Schoenborn with a Nxamaseri bream.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge - Botswana
Tigerfishing - Fly or Lure Fishing
Nxamaseri is a small, remote lodge on a private island in the Okavango, a vast swampy inland delta named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Fly or lure fish Botswana's premier tiger fishing destination for tigerfish averaging 4 to 8 pounds. Excellent birding and a 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 up to 30 miles per hour from the side, then turn the bait around and swallow it headfirst. The tigerfish’s ability to bite through a lure with its razor-sharp teeth makes it an extremely exciting fish to catch.
Methods: At Nxamaseri, fly fishing, spin, and lure and bait methods are employed.
The Fishing Program
Lodge Season: Nxamaseri Island Lodge is open for lure and fly fishing from June through December. The Lodge is closed from January 5 through March 31 due to the fishing season closure throughout Botswana.
Peak 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 V-Hull aluminum boats that are wide, stable, and have flat decks. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide--with a maximum of four anglers per booking.
Guides: Local, English-speaking guides trained in fly and lure fishing.
Equipment: Basic fly and conventional gear is provided. Rods and reels are subject to a $150 loss or breakage fee per item. The package includes the loss of one lure; after that, you are subject to a $25 fee per lure. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
Tigerfishing the Okavango Delta
A Typical Fishing Day
6:00 to 8:30 a.m. - Continental breakfast.
9:00 a.m. - You'll leave for the river with your guide.
Midday - Enjoy lunch on the river or at the Lodge.
After lunch, you can enjoy a siesta or a cup of coffee or tea with freshly baked cookies. Then, your guide will drive you to your next fishing spot.
4:00 p.m. - Afternoon tea is served at the Lodge or stay out fishing if desired.
6:30 p.m. - You’ll return to the Lodge.
7:00 p.m. - Pre-dinner drinks around the fire in the bar area.
7:00 and 8:00 p.m. - Dinner is served.
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 and an onsite spa. Each package includes a 30-minute hand and foot massage.
Communications: Limited Wi-Fi is available via remote satellite link-up, and constant connectivity is not guaranteed. The Lodge has a satellite phone and radio for emergencies.
Lodge Layout: Click here for an aerial view of the Lodge (PDF).
Dining Room Area
Meals: Buffet-style three-course meals are served in the open dining area. Private dining is available on request.
Alcohol: The package includes beer, wine, and local spirits. Premium brands are an added fee. Your tab must be settled at the Lodge before departure.
Comfortable Lounge Area
Five Standard Room Chalets
Honeymoon Chalet
The Nxamaseri Area has 325 Bird Species.
Wildlife and Bird Viewing
Non-Angler Activities: The Lodge offers guided birding trips and more.
Birding: The Nxamaseri area of the Delta panhandle features approximately 325 of the 500 bird species found in Botswana. On a 3- to 4-day trip, guests can expect to see between 190 and 220 species. The most exceptional birding months are from September to February before the new water arrives. Feeding conditions are at an optimum at this time, and most migrants are present. 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.
Mekoros are used for Guided Bird Viewing
Visit the Tsodilo Hills, a sacred San site.
A one-hour drive from Nxamaseri Island Lodge is one of Botswana’s greatest treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. View the ancient San paintings at the magical Tsodilo Hills. Nxamaseri offers day trips or an overnight camp option at the Tsodilo Hills. The sleep-out camp expedition is available to all bookings staying three nights or more at Nxamaseri Island Lodge (subject to availability).
Aerial View of Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Getting Here:
Direct flights on South African Airways depart daily from JFK New York or Dulles International Airport. Flights are also available on Delta Airlines, which departs from the Atlanta airport. Flight duration is about 14 to 18 hours. You’ll need to spend the night in Johannesburg; the hotel night is not included in the package. The following morning, you’ll take a two-hour commercial flight from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana, where a Safari Air representative will greet you at the airport for your 50-minute charter flight to Nxamaseri Island Lodge. Nxamaseri has a grass runway within a few miles of the Lodge. From the Nxamaseri airstrip, you’ll take a ten-minute boat ride to the Lodge. During the flood season - from May to September, there is no access to Nxamaseri Island by vehicle or foot. During this time, guests are transferred from the airstrip or car park by boat to the Lodge.
Baggage Weight: A 44-pound per person weight restriction is strictly enforced on the charter flights. Bags must be soft-sided and flexible.
Massages are Available
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
2024 USD Rates
Peak SeasonJune 1 - October 31, 2024:
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $5,220.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $6,264.00 per person
7-nights and 8-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $7,063.00 per person
Shoulder Season
April - May 31, and Nov. 2024:
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $4,030.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $4,836.00 per person
7-nights and 8-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $5,453.00 per person
Low Season
January 1 - March 31 and Dec., 2024:
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $2,905.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $3,486.00 per person
7-nights and 8-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $3,927.00 per person
Children: Children between the ages of 12-15 years of age are 75% of the adult rate. Children between the ages of 6-11 are 50% of the adult rate. All children under the age of 16 must share a room with an adult. No children under the age of 6 are permitted at the Lodge. A private activity surcharge applies per package when bringing children between the ages of 6 and 15.
Combo Packages: Several Combo package options with other Lodges are available, although Nxamaseri is regarded as the best fishing option. Request an Information Packet for full details.
2025 USD Rates
Peak Season
June 1 - October 31, 2025:
Two anglers per boat, with a maximum of four anglers per booking.
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $5,830.00 per person
One guest per room: $8,000.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $6,996.00 per person
One guest per room: $9,600.00 per person
8-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $7,987.00 per person
One guest per room: $11,025.00 per person
Shoulder Season
April - May 31, and Nov. 5, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026:
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $4,510.00 per person
One guest per room: $6,680.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $5,412.00 per person
One guest per room: $8,016.00 per person
8-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $6,181.00 per person
One guest per room: $9,219.00 per person
Low Season
January 1 - March 31, 2025:
5-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $3,245.00 per person
One guest per room: $5,415.00 per person
6-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $3,894.00 per person
One guest per room: $6,498.00 per person
8-nights and 7-days guided fishing
Two guests per room: $4,445.00 per person
One guest per room: $7,483.00 per person
Children: Children between the ages of 12-15 years of age are 75% of the adult rate. Children between the ages of 6-11 are 50% of the adult rate. All children under the age of 16 must share a room with an adult. No children under the age of 6 are permitted at the Lodge. A private activity surcharge applies per package when bringing children between the ages of 6 and 15.
Combo Packages: Several Combo package options with other Lodges are available, although Nxamaseri is regarded as the best fishing option. Request an Information Packet for full details.
The Packages Include:
• Boat transfer between the main road and the Lodge
• Lodging at Nxamaseri Island Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Guided fishing, six anglers per boat
• Use of fishing equipment
• A fishing license
• Guided makoro rides
• Guided island walks
• Snacks and drinks during all activities
• Beer, wine, and local spirits
• Daily laundry service
• Wi-Fi (spotty)
• A 30-minute hand and foot massage
• Park entrance fees
• Government levies, local taxes, and 14% VAT (value-added tax)
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International flight to Johannesburg, and return• Hotel nights in Johannesburg
• Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Maun, and return
• Safari Air flight between Maun and Nxamaseri,
$576.00 one-way per person
• $550.00 fee to fish two anglers per boat per day
• Premium brand alcohol
• Lost lure fee, approx.$25.00 per lure
• Curio purchases
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Optional excursions
• Domestic flight airport taxes, $20.00 p.p. each way
• Travel insurance
• Donation to Chobe Impact, $5.00 per room per night
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Desert & Delta Safaris Policies:
Deposit: Subject to the provisions of clause 3.7, any Individual Booking made with the Company will be valid for a period of 14 (fourteen) days from the date on which such booking was made, whereafter a 20% (twenty percent) non-refundable advance payment of the total cost of the booking will be required to confirm same. The remaining balance is due 90-days before your trip start.
3.7 If an Individual Booking is made 30 (thirty) days or less before the commencement date of the Services, the total amount payable in respect of the booking will be due and payable on the date on which the booking is made for such booking to be confirmed and valid.
Cancellation of Individual Booking: 4.1. A cancellation of an Individual Booking will only be valid if made in writing and shall only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by the Company. 4.2. Cancellation charges shall apply as set out below: 4.2.1. in the event of a cancellation of a confirmed booking 61 (sixty-one) days or more prior to the date on which the Services are set to commence, the full 20% (twenty percent) advance payment will be forfeited; 4.2.2. in the event of a cancellation 60 (sixty) to 31 (thirty-one) days prior to the date on which the Services are set to commence, 50% (fifty percent) of the total payment in respect of the booking will be due and payable; and 4.2.3. In the event of a cancellation 30 (thirty) days or less prior to the date on which the Services are set to commence (including any “no shows”), 95% (ninety-five percent) of the payment in respect of the booking will be forfeited
Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.
Child Policy: No childcare / babysitters are available at the Lodge. Children must be under the care of their parents at all times. Children under the age of 16 years to share a room with a parent at all times. If one double (parent and child) and one single (second parent) is booked, the peak season single supplement will apply for the single room in peak season only. Please request information about Desert & Delta Safaris Ultimate Family Safari packages for flexible value-add options.
