Tigers are also known as Striped Water Dogs.
Shackleton's Tigerfishing Lodge
Flies and Lures
African Zambezi Tigerfish
Nestled in the floodplain region of the Upper Zambezi River in southwestern Zambia, near the village of Mwandi—whose name means “a place of plenty of fish”—Shackleton's Tigerfishing Lodge offers anglers an unforgettable African fishing experience. The Lodge enjoys exclusive access to 130 km (80 miles) of the Upper Zambezi, famously called “God’s Highway” by explorer David Livingstone.
2026 Rate: Packages start at $350.00 per day, including lodging, meals, and guided fishing.
Upper Zambezi River in SW Zambia
The upper Zambezi River in southwestern Zambia is a diverse and productive fishery, offering a mix of fast channels, deep pools, and flooded backwaters. This section runs above Victoria Falls and flows through a remote floodplain region dotted with islands, reed beds, and oxbow lagoons—prime hunting grounds for tigerfish and a variety of other species.
The river here is broad—often more than 300 meters wide—with a slow, meandering current broken by sandbanks and submerged structure. Water clarity shifts with the seasons, influencing lure choice and fishing tactics.
All Skill Levels
Shackleton’s Lodge welcomes fly, spin, and lure anglers of all skill levels, with peak fishing in June and July.
All fishing here is strictly catch-and-release, preserving the rich biodiversity of the upper Zambezi. These waters hold trophy tigerfish in the 14- to 22-pound range, with prime spots a 10-minute boat ride from the Lodge. Anglers can also target up to ten other species, including tilapia, bream, and catfish. During an October 2012 visit, our lodge reviewer Eric Schoenborn, found a daily average of five tigerfish. Beyond the fishing, expect to see hippos, crocodiles, perhaps a few elephants along the riverbanks, and unforgettable African sunsets.
Zambezi Water Levels & Species
The upper Zambezi River is in constant motion. Thanks to the surrounding floodplains, the Lodge's stretch of river offers exceptional fishing. Each year, seasonal floods rejuvenate the system. From December to May, the river swells to form vast floodplains; from June to November, the water recedes. Tigerfish adapt their feeding habits to these changes—shifting with river levels, water clarity, temperature, and available food—which means fishing techniques evolve throughout the year.
Key Species:
Tigerfish: Renowned for their speed, strength, and acrobatic fights; here they average 4–10 lbs but can reach 20+ lbs.
Bream (Tilapia): Several species inhabit rocky banks and weed beds, popular with fly anglers.
Catfish: Sharptooth and other species often taken on bait or by targeting deeper channels.
Other Gamefish: Nembwe (African pike cichlid) and yellowfish are occasional catches.
The Fishing Program
Methods: Throughout the year, trolling, drift bait fishing, spinning, and fly fishing are popular methods. Worm fishing is popular for bream (worms are supplied).
Guides: The guides are courteous and knowledgeable, speaking enough Fishing English to get by. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Boats: The boats are basic and range from 12 to 26 feet, with 60-to 140-HP four-stroke outboard motors. Some boats resemble bass boats with a low profile and an upfront casting area. There is a bench seat in the back and limited space, but casting is possible. The boats are wide and stable. If desired, an angler could sit and cast from a chair in the boat.
Equipment: All spin rods, reels, lines, trace, hooks, and lures are provided. (A loss or breakage fee applies at cost.) You are welcome to bring your own gear, too. Fly anglers are required to bring their own equipment and flies. A comprehensive tackle list is provided in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: No fishing license is required at the Lodge.
Fishing Tactics
Fly anglers often use fast-sinking lines with large, flashy streamers, especially in faster current or deeper holes. Spinners, spoons, and crankbaits are highly effective for spin fishing. Local guides adapt techniques daily based on river level, clarity, and water temperature.
Shackleton's Tigerfishing Lodge:
Set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Shackleton’s Fishing Lodge offers an intimate retreat for just 12 guests in six thatched-roof cabins, each with a private teak deck overlooking the water. The main lodge area invites relaxation with its swimming pool, comfortable lounge, and open-air dining space, while a riverside bar and sundowner deck provide the perfect spot to take in the golden African evenings. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, the lodge is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with more than 300 species calling the area home.
Lounge Area
Electricity: 220V electricity with three-prong M plugs is supplied by a generator for one hour in the morning from 11:00 a.m. to noon and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each evening. An adapter and a voltage converter are required. The cabins have solar lights when the generator is not running.
Communications: Wi-Fi is available in the central area of the Lodge (not in the cabins) when the generator is running. There is cellular reception at the Lodge. Please make sure to check with your provider about your plan.
Dining at the Lodge
Meals: The Lodge is renowned for its great home-cooked meals, with fresh vegetables from their garden. Tea, coffee, and fresh-baked rusks (biscuits) are available all day. A breakfast of cereal, yogurt, and fruit is served at 6:00 a.m. Lunch is more of a brunch taken at the Lodge – toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and fruit. Afternoon tea and cake are served at about 2:00 p.m. before returning to fishing at 2:30. Buffet-style dinners feature a meat dish, salad, veggies, and potatoes or rice. Plus, nightly desserts. Meals can be taken on the sundowner deck or in the large dining room area. The Lodge caters to all dietary needs.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, and boiled drinking water are provided. Otherwise, the package does not include bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, beer, or wine. Shackletons provides a wide range of beer, wine, spirits, and mixers at reasonable prices.
Tea Time at the Lodge
Bedrooms with 3/4-Sized Beds
Each room has two 3/4 beds (between a twin and a full-size), electricity, a ceiling fan, a safety deposit box, mosquito netting, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.
Getting to the Lodge:
You’ll fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, you’ll take a one-hour and 40-minute flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Upon arrival at Livingstone Airport, the lodge will arrange your ground transfer—$60 each way, with a minimum of two passengers per vehicle. The scenic drive to the lodge takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes (87 miles) along a paved road, though expect some bumps and a fair number of potholes. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and stretches of open countryside.
Health Advisory: Zambia is a malaria area, so prophylactic medication is strongly recommended.
2026 USD Rates:
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Season: March through December
Fishing, Lodging, and Meals:
$350.00 per person per day
Children under the age of 12
(Fishing, lodging, and meals):
$175.00 per person per day
Non-Angler Companion, sharing room:
$175.00 per person per day
Does not include fishing or boating
Road Transfers: (Based on a minimum of two guests).
From Livingstone/Kazungula Ferry/Katima Mulilo to Shackleton's: $60.00 per person
From Shackleton's to Livingstone/Kazungula Ferry/Katima Mulilo: $60.00 per personRequest a Shackleton's
Information Packet
The Packages Include:
• Double-occupancy lodging
• All meals at the Lodge
• Coffee, tea, and boiled drinking water
• Wi-Fi access at the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Use of spin/baitfish gear and tackle
• Up to 20 liters (about 5 gallons) of gas per boat per day
• Community development and tourism levy.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Johannesburg, South Africa• Airfare between Johannesburg and Livingstone, Zambia
• Ground transfers between Livingstone and the Lodge, $60 one-way
• Alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, bottled water, soft drinks
• Fly fishing outfits and flies
• Broken and lost fishing tackle
• Extra fuel, $1.65 per liter (rarely required, rate subject to change)
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Departure taxes from Johannesburg are about $24 USD and are usually included in your airfare.
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
