Day notes
A day at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge begins with an early wake-up around 5:30 am, accompanied by coffee or tea and a light breakfast to prepare for the day ahead. Guests then depart by boat to the river for a morning fly-fishing session, casting for tigerfish and other challenging species in the pristine Upper Zambezi waters. By mid-morning, anglers return to the lodge for a short break before enjoying a fresh, satisfying lunch. The afternoon offers another fishing session from around 2:00 to 4:30 pm, allowing for more guided exploration of the river and its productive channels. After returning to the lodge, there’s time for a short walk along the river or some birdwatching, followed by relaxing with sundowners on the veranda while watching the wildlife along the riverbanks. The day concludes with a carefully prepared dinner at the lodge and a restful night, ready to wake early and cast again the next day.
Transfer from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI] to Shackletons Upper Zambezi Lodge
Transfer
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]
Shackletons Upper Zambezi Lodge
Stay at Shackletons Upper Zambezi Lodge
Fully Guided Fly-fishing Excursions
Expert tips:
OWL Safaris will supply fly-fishers with the best expert advice on tackle to bring, including the best flies for Tigerfish and other species found in the Zambezi. Tackle can be arranged on request.
Typical flies that work best for Tigerfish:- Streamers (bright, flashy patterns), Poppers (for surface strikes), Clouser Minnows, Deceiver patterns.
Best colors: orange, chartreuse, red, white, black
Important to bring:
Polarized sunglasses / Landing net with long handle and strong mesh / Forceps or pliers for hook removal / Protective gloves (optional, for handling tigerfish) / Fly box with organized patterns and spare hooks / Small towel or rag to dry hands
Additional Gear:
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent / Waterproof dry bag for camera, phone, and small gear / Small first aid kit for minor cuts or hook injuries
Day notes
A day at Baines’ River Camp for a fly-fishing guest starts with an early wake-up, enjoying coffee or tea and a light breakfast before heading out to the Zambezi River for a morning fishing session guided by experienced staff. Anglers target tigerfish and other species, making the most of the river’s clear channels and productive pools. Around midday, guests return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest, preparing for the afternoon session, which may include more fishing or a combination of river safari, canoeing, or a guided walking game drive. In the late afternoon, guests return to the lodge to relax on their verandas, enjoy sundowners, and watch wildlife along the riverbanks. The day ends with a hearty dinner at the lodge and a peaceful night’s rest, ready for another full day of fishing and river adventures.
Transfer from Shackletons Upper Zambezi Lodge to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]
Transfer
Shackletons Upper Zambezi Lodge
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]
Scheduled Flight from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI] to Royal Airstrip
Scheduled Flight
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport [LVI]
Royal Airstrip
Transfer from Royal Airstrip to Baines' River Camp
Transfer
Royal Airstrip
Baines' River Camp
Stay at Baines' River Camp
Expert tips:
OWL Safaris provides fly-fishers at Baines’ River Camp with expert guidance on the tackle to bring, including the most effective flies for tigerfish and other Zambezi species. If needed, tackle can also be arranged on request.
For tigerfish, the most productive flies include bright, flashy streamers, poppers for surface action, Clouser Minnows, and Deceiver patterns. The best colors to have in your fly box are orange, chartreuse, red, white, and black.
Essential gear to bring includes polarized sunglasses, a landing net with a long handle and strong mesh, forceps or pliers for safe hook removal, protective gloves if desired for handling tigerfish, a well-organized fly box with spare hooks, and a small towel or rag for drying hands.
Additional items to ensure comfort and safety on the river are a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a waterproof dry bag for camera, phone, and small gear, and a small first aid kit for minor cuts or hook injuries.
Check-out from Baines' River Camp
Transfer from Baines' River Camp to Royal Airstrip
Transfer
Baines' River Camp
Royal Airstrip
Scheduled Flight from Royal Airstrip to Livingstone Island
Scheduled Flight
Royal Airstrip
Livingstone Island
