Eric Schoenborn with a Nxamaseri bream.

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.
2025 Rates: Peak season packages start at $5,830.00 per person for 5-nights and 6-days guided fishing.
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.
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 wide, stable V-Hull aluminum boats with 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.
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, 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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
1.) 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.
2.) 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.
3.) 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 baggage weight restriction is strictly enforced on charter flights. Bags must be soft-sided and flexible.
• 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)