Fishing & Sailing in Botswana

Botswana isn’t the first place most folks think of when talking fishing and sailing, but trust me, it’s something special out here. The Okavango Delta, with its labyrinth of channels and lagoons, offers some of the best freshwater fishing you’ll ever try. Tigerfish and bream are the targets, and if you’ve never battled a tigerfish, get ready for a wild fight. And it’s not just about the fish; the feeling of drifting quietly in a mokoro, those traditional dugout canoes, while hippos snort nearby and reeds brush the sides, is unbeatable.

Then there’s the Chobe River, where you might spot elephants cooling off right along the banks as you cast your line or take a slow sailboat ride during golden hour. The spots vary a lot with the seasons, so if you’re there between July and October, you’ll find water levels perfect for fishing and cruising without the summer floods getting in the way. Just a heads-up, bring insect repellent and a good hat because the sun can be unforgiving, and the tsetse fly gets busy! My best advice? Hire a local guide with a mokoro; they know the secret fishing holes and can steer you away from trouble. The pace out here is slow, and honestly, that’s the point , it’s a chance to soak in the wild heart of Botswana from the water.