This places Shackletons in the heart of ‘Tiger Country’ – home to the fearless tigerfish.

Co-ordinates: S17 29.821 E24 46.502

Shackletons can be easily reached by air and road.

You can easily reach Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge by air:

From Johannesburg (South Africa): Airlink offers three flights per week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) from O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) to Livingstone International Airport (Livingstone, Zambia) AND five flights per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from Livingstone International Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Approximate flying time is 1 hour 45 minutes. We provide return road transfers from Livingstone International Airport. We provide return road transfers from Livingstone International Airport.

From Lusaka (Zambia): Proflight Zambia offer daily flights between Lusaka International Airport and Livingstone International Airport (Livingstone, Zambia). We provide return road transfers from Livingstone International Airport.

Nearest Landing Strip (Private Aircraft): Katima Mulilo Airport (MPA) in Namibia. We provide return road transfers from Katima Mulilo Airport.

You can easily reach Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge by road in a sedan vehicle:

Shackletons is easily accessible on the Livingstone/Sesheke Road (M10), a tarred road (watch the potholes) that connects Livingstone and Sesheke. The turn-off to Shackletons is 140 km from Livingstone, 6km from the Mwandi turnoff or 55 km from Sesheke. There is a 3 ½ km Kalahari sand road that leads down to Shackletons on the upper Zambezi River. This road is suitable for sedan vehicles all year round.

Recommended ports of entry into Zambia: From South Africa – Kazungula Bridge (Botswana); From Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe); From Namibia – Katima Mulilo (Namibia).

Runway: Category 4 / Length – 2 292m / Width – 30m / Fire Fighting Category 3.

Fuel: NAC (Namibia Airports Company) have contracted the following service providers for efficient supply of fuel to the airlines at Katima Mulilo Airport: Jet A1 fuel, AV Gas by SEC.

Contact: PO Box 1811, Katima Mulilo, Namibia / Phone: +264 (0) 66 254 404 / Fax: +264 (0) 66 254 405 / E-Mail: pr@airports.com.na.

Note: The landing strip at Sesheke Airport (SQJ) is NOT in service.

• ‘Tiger Country’, formally known as the Eastern Caprivi Floodplain (also known as the Southern Barotse Floodplain), is a small part of the upper Zambezi River that stretches approximately 100km from Katima Mulilo to Impalila Island (where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe all meet). Shackletons is located half-way between these two points, right in the heart of ‘Tiger Country’.

• This very special part of the upper Zambezi is ‘Tiger Country’ because of the floodplains. The river rises for 6 months of the year (December – May) to form the floodplains and recedes for the other 6 months of the year (June to November). The annual floods rejuvenate the river system around Shackletons. The river re-stocks itself with everything from crustaceans, to insects, to fish that go to the flood plains to feed and breed.

• The annual variation in water level is up to 7-8 m in Caprivi, with an annual average of 5 m. The water level usually rises sharply in January, with one or more peaks in February-April, before a decline in May-June. Thus, the floodplains are annually inundated from February to June.

• The flood plains are vast expanses of water that prevent humans from building permanent structures and damaging the environment. This is what makes the upper Zambezi such a pristine part of the mighty Zambezi River.

• The tigerfish stay in the upper Zambezi River all year around. They do not go into the flood plains. The upper Zambezi tigerfish have to adapt their feeding habits according to ever-changing river levels, water clarity, water temperature, and food sources. This means that Shackletons changes its preferred tiger fishing methods and tackle throughout the year.

• Despite the upper Zambezi River flooding for 6 months of the year, Shackletons does not get flooded (unlike other lodges) mainly because the lodge is located in the Matoya Channel (a small oxbow river off the main Zambezi River).

Any time from January to December is a good time to catch tigerfish at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge. The upper Zambezi River conditions around Shackletons change constantly throughout the year. The river rises for 6 months of the year (December – May) to form the Eastern Caprivi Floodplain (also known as the Southern Barotse Floodplain). It then recedes for the other 6 months of the year (June – November). The tigerfish adapt their feeding habits according to ever-changing river levels, water clarity, water temperature, and food sources. Likewise, we change our preferred tiger fishing methods (trolling, drift baiting, jigging, spinning and fly fishing) throughout the year.

• Meet in the central lodge area just before daybreak, around 05h30 – 06h00 (depending on the time of the year) for continental breakfast (cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, coffee/tea and rusks/biscuits).
• Depart for the fishing waters at daybreak (Note: You may not depart before daybreak because of the danger of hippos).
• Return to the lodge at around 11h00 for brunch.
• Relax at the swimming pool, central area or in your chalet for a few hours.
• Depart for the fishing waters at around 14h00 or earlier if you wish.
• Return to the lodge at sunset (Note: You may not return to the lodge after dark because of the danger of hippos).
• Freshen up and enjoy a few drinks before dinner at 19h30.

Note: The fishing waters are under 10 minutes away by boat from the lodge.

Alternatively, you can go fishing whenever you want – just arrange this with your river guide. You can leave whenever you want (as long as it is not before daybreak) and return whenever you want (as long as it is not after sunset). For example, you can go fishing for the whole day if you wish OR you can go out early in the morning, return for brunch at around 11h00 and go straight out again until sunset, etc.

Approximate sunrise/sunset times at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge:

Of course you can! You can go tiger fishing from around 06h00 You need to be back at the lodge by 08h00 at the latest to have breakfast, check out and catch your transfer at 08h30. (Note: You may not depart before daybreak because of the danger of hippos).

• Six boats (suitable for fly fishing as well).
• Range from 16 ft. – 26 ft.
• Four-stroke outboard motors ranging from 60hp – 140hp.

• Shackletons provides tiger fishing tackle (rods, reels, line, trace, hooks and lures) at no extra charge – suitable for spinning, drift baiting and trolling.
• Guests are welcome to bring their own fishing tackle and favourite lures.
• Fly fishing anglers are required to bring their own fly fishing tackle.

Rod: 7ft medium-heavy action spinning rod; 2-piece (for ease of travelling); line weight 15 – 30lb; lure weight: 3/8 – 1 oz

Reel: Good spinning reel (seated underneath the rod) or bait casting reel (seated on top of the rod) that holds at least 180m of fishing line. The reel must ‘match’ the rod.

Line: Braid line (30lb to 40lb – depending on size of reel spool); monofilament line (20lb to 30lb – depending on size of reel spool); at least 180m; natural green (not high visibility line).

Trace: Piano wire (>=40lb); 30cm long; size 6 power/barrel swivel; size 6 snap swivel (to change lures easily). Can also use pre-made wire traces – must be >=40lb and 30cm long.

Lures: 11cm floating Rapala Magnum – fast trawls and spinning in deeper water; 7cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – slow deep water trawls and spinning in deep water holes and current drop-offs; 5 cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – slow shallow water trawls and spinning in deep and shallow water.

Lure colours: 11cm floating Rapala Magnum – Fire Tiger, Red Head, Silver Mackerel, Black/Gold, Silver, Green Mackerel, Purple Mackerel, Shiner. 5 & 7 cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – Shad Rap; Fire Tiger, Red Craw, Black/Gold, Silver, Grey Shad, Silver Chrome (red lip), Blue Chrome (green lip).

Spoons: DAM Effzett; 16g or 22g; single – copper or silver; double – copper/copper or silver/silver; replace treble hook with very sharp single 3/0 or 4/0 hook (Mustad Big Gun).

Spinners: Mepps Black Fury (size 4); replace treble hook with very sharp single 2/0 or 3/0 hook (Mustad Big Gun).

Note: Always use the best/strongest terminal fishing tackle for Tigerfish. Tigers will exploit any weak link in the fishing tackle setup (and you will end up losing the Tiger).

Rod: 7 ft medium-heavy action spinning rod; 2-piece (for ease of travelling); line weight 15 – 30lb; lure weight: 3/8 – 1 oz.

Reel: Good lever drag reel (seated on top of the rod) that holds at least 180m of fishing line. The reel must ‘match’ the rod.

Line: Braid line (30lb to 40lb – depending on size of reel spool); monofilament line (20lb to 30lb – depending on size of reel spool); at least 180m; natural green (not high visibility line).

Trace: Piano wire (>=40lb); 40cm long; size 6 power/barrel swivel; size 6 snap swivel (to change lures easily). Can also use pre-made wire traces – must be >=40lb and 40cm long.

Hooks: Very sharp size 4/0 or 5/0 hooks (Mustad Big Gun).

Note: Always use the best/strongest terminal fishing tackle for Tigerfish. Tigers will exploit any weak link in the fishing tackle setup (and you will end up losing the Tiger).

Rod: 6ft – 7ft heavy action trolling rod.

Reel: Good lever drag reel that holds at least 200m of fishing line. The reel must ‘match’ the rod.

Line: Braid line (at least 30lb – depending on size of reel spool); monofilament line (at least 25lb – depending on size of reel spool); at least 200m; natural green (not high visibility line).

Trace: Piano wire (>=40lb); 30cm long; size 6 power/barrel swivel; size 6 snap swivel (to change lures easily). Can also use pre-made wire traces – must be >=40lb and 30cm long.

Lures: 11cm floating Rapala Magnum – fast trawls; 7cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – slow deep water trawls; 5 cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – slow shallow water trawls.

Lure colours: 11cm floating Rapala Magnum – Fire Tiger, Red Head, Silver Mackerel, Black/Gold, Silver, Green Mackerel, Purple Mackerel, Shiner; 5 & 7 cm floating Rapala Fat Rap – Fire Tiger, Red Craw, Black/Gold, Silver, Grey Shad, Silver Chrome (red lip), Blue Chrome (green lip).

Hooks: Replace back treble hook with very sharp single 4/0 or 5/0 hook (Mustad Big Gun).

Note: Always use the best/strongest terminal fishing tackle for Tigerfish. Tigers will exploit any weak link in the fishing tackle setup (and you will end up losing the Tiger).

Rod: The best rod for upper Zambezi tiger fishing is 8 or 9 weight with a fast action. Recommend 4-piece rods for ease of travelling. If possible, take 2 rods on the boat – one with sinking line and the other with intermediate line.

Reel: Match the rod with a high quality large arbor reel. Reliable disc drag system. Holding 200m of Dacron backing.

Line: Line should match the rod weight. Type 3 & 6 fast sinking lines (250 – 375 grain for 8 & 9 weight rods). Intermediate lines for the many back shallow waters are a must. Integrated shooting head lines are best. A spare line in at least one of the line categories (i.e. sinking and intermediate) is recommended.

Note: Presentation is not all that important with tigerfish. This means that the integrated shooting head lines are preferred over full length sinking or intermediate lines as they are quick loading and great distance casting lines. Most offer an intermediate running line with a WF quick taper head for distance and quick casting. The running line section of these lines also behave better than the full sinking lines.

Leader and tippet: Leader – 25 to 35lb monofilament. Tippet – 25 to 30 lb knottable wire or piano wire.

Leader set-up: Tigerfish are not leader shy, but we recommend the following leader set-up:

Make sure your fly line has a well-made fused loop. Tie a loop into a 6 – 8ft length of 25lb Maxima Ultra Green and connect to the fly line with a loop to loop connection. Many flies are purchased pre-wired with a small black Japanese power swivel (size 6) to which you can tie directly to and you are good to go. This is the easiest way to put your terminal gear together. If you do not like to use swivels you will need to perfect the Albright knot (click here to see how to tie the Albright Knot) to attach the leader to the piano wire. When using this knot to attach wire and mono make sure you seat the knot 100% or you will break off. Click here Animated Knots to see how to tie all the knots you will need.

Flies: There is much debate on flies for Tiger. We recommend you carry a selection of Tiger Brush & Tiger Polar Minnow (mainly), Tiger Clouser and Tiger Whistler flies on hook sizes 1/0 – 3/0. The B10S hook is the standard. The Owner model 5180 is also a good hook to use – very high hook-up rate because it works like a circle hook. Flies do not necessarily have to be big – small flies also work well. Colour combinations that are consistently productive in Tiger Brush, Tiger Polar Fibre Minnow, Tiger Clouser and Tiger Whistler baitfish patterns include: Olive, Black, Purple and Grey (early season – March to May); Black, Black and Purple, Black and Grey, Black and Red, Olive and Grey, Black and Olive, and Fire Tiger (rest of season – June to January). Tiger are opportunistic so do not be afraid to experiment. Our guides over the years have their favourites so the first thing you want to do is show them your fly box and they will have suggestions and recommendations.

Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge offers full board and lodging with tiger fishing. Our facilities include:

Central area: The central area has a swimming pool, sun downer deck, Van Togo bar, lounge & library, open dining area and fire pit that provide guests with unparalleled vistas of the Zambezi River.

Chalets: The six thatched chalets have a bedroom with two three-quarter size beds, cupboards, en suite bathroom (shower, hand basin and toilet), hot water, electricity, plug points (type M plugs – 3 round prongs – same as South Africa), solar lights, safety deposit box, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, and a private verandah overlooking the Zambezi River.

River frontage: All the facilities at Shackletons are located on the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River, providing guests with unparalleled vistas of the river.

Tranquil surroundings: Shackletons is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in beautiful grounds with rolling lawns, a huge variety of magnificent trees and abundant birdlife.

Electricity: 220V electricity is supplied by a generator that runs for one hour in the morning from circa 11h00 – 12h00 and from 18h00 – 21h30 in the evening. Solar lights are provided in the chalets when the 220V electricity generator is not running. Type M plugs are used at the lodge, i.e. the same as South Africa (3 round prongs).

Cellular: There is cellular reception at the lodge and on the river.

Wifi: Available in the central area (not in the chalets) when the 220V electricity is on from circa 11h00 – 12h00 and from 18h00 to 21h30.

Note: We do not have self- catering or camping facilities.

Shackletons Tiger Fishing lodge provides road transfers from/to the following places:

• Livingstone International Airport (Livingstone, Zambia): Distance -140 km. Travelling time – approx 4 hrs.
• Hotels in Livingstone (Zambia): Distance -140 km. Travelling time – approx 4 hrs..
• Kazungula Bridge (Zambian side): Distance – 80 km. Travelling time – approx 3 hrs.
• Katima Mulilo Airport (Nambia): Distance – 90 km. Travelling time – approx 3 hours (dependent how long it takes to get through the Namibian/Zambian border posts of Katima Mulilo and Sesheke).

Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge does NOT provide road transfers from/to the following places:

• Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): You will need to arrange with your tour operator to transfer you from Victoria Falls to either the Victoria Falls Avani Resort in Livingstone (Zambia) or Livingstone International Airport (Zambia), from where we will provide the road transfer.
• Kasane (Botswana): You will need to arrange with your tour operator to transfer you from Kasane (Botswana) to the Zambian side of Kazungula Bridge (Zambia/Botswana border post), from where we will provide the road transfer to Shackletons.
• Lusaka (Zambia): Lusaka is 625 km from Shackletons. You will need to fly from Lusaka to Livingstone, from where we will provide the road transfer to Shackletons. Proflight Zambia fly daily between Lusaka (Zambia) and Livingstone (Zambia).

• Nationals of certain countries (e.g. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Singapore) do not require a tourist visa to enter Zambia. The full list of Nationals who do not require visas to enter Zambia can be seen here: Zambia Immigration.
• Nationals of certain other countries (e.g. Austria, Australia, UK, USA, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, New Zealand) do require a tourist visa to enter Zambia. The full list of Nationals who require visas issued on arrival or at Zambian Missions Abroad can be seen here: Zambia Immigration.
• The cost of a single entry visa is USD50. The visa fee can be paid in cash upon arrival in Zambia. Alternatively, the visa fee can be paid by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express) at Livingstone International Airport and Lusaka International Airport.

• Zambia is a malaria area. Prophylactics are advised. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic.
• A Yellow Fever Certificate is NOT required to enter or leave Zambia.
• Shackletons has a first aid kit to treat minor ailments and injuries.
• There is a local hospital with medical facilities at Mwandi, approximately 10 km by road from Shackletons.
• We recommend that you take out a Travel Insurance Policy (including emergency medical and related expenses) before travelling.
• Bring you chronic medication (if applicable).

• Your passport – needs to be valid for at least 6 months after return date and have at least 2 blank pages.
• Your travel insurance policy.
• Malaria tablets – consult your doctor or travel clinic.
• Your chronic medication (if applicable).
• A good torch.
• Cash (ZAR, USD, GBP, or ZMW) to pay for extras – there are no credit card facilities at the lodge.
• Fly angling tackle (if you wish to fly fish).
• Personal effects.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Sun block (SPF30).
• Sunglasses (preferably polarized).
• Lightweight long pants (for both summer and winter).
• Wind cheater jacket (for the early mornings and late evenings on the river).
• Warm clothes (including a beanie and gloves!) for the winter months (May to August).
• Rain jacket for the rainy season (December to April).
• Bathing costume – we have a swimming pool at the lodge.
• Camera.
• Binoculars.

Note: Please Do NOT bring your own alcoholic beverages (i.e. beer, wine and spirits) and mixers. Shackletons provides a wide range of beer, wine, spirits and mixers at reasonable prices.

You can make a booking at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge using the method most convenient to you:

• By checking availability and enquiring online.

• By emailing us on info@shackletons.co.za.

• By sending us a contact form.

• By calling us on +27 83 251 7257.

Note: Please provide the following information – your name, email address and telephone number; country of residence; number of people (adults and children under 12 years) in your group; your preferred arrival date and departure dates (i.e. the IN and OUT dates); and whether you require transfers from Livingstone, Kazungula Bridge or Katima Mulilo.

220V electricity is supplied by a generator that runs for one hour in the morning from circa 11h00 – 12h00 and from 18h00 – 21h30 in the evening. Solar lights are provided in the chalets when the 220V electricity generator is not running.

• Unfortunately, Shackletons does not have credit card facilities at the lodge.

• Payment for drinks, lost/broken fishing tackle, extra fuel (if applicable) and gratuities (at own discretion) must be made in cash at the lodge.

• Shackletons accepts cash in most currencies (including ZAR, USD, GBP and ZMW).

Indemnity and Waiver

I/We, the under signed, hereby acknowledge that I/we am/are well acquainted and fully aware of and appreciate the real dangers and risks associated with fishing on the Zambezi River and/or staying at a lodge like Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge arising from the presence of wild and dangerous animals (including but not limited to crocodiles and hippos), reptiles (including but not limited to venomous snakes), birds and insects (including but not limited to malaria-bearing mosquitoes) and the real risk of suffering bodily harm, injury, death and/or loss of property which may arise as a result of fishing on the Zambezi River and/or an encounter with and/or the presence of wild animals, and/or reptiles, and/or birds whilst on the Zambezi River, premises or property of Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge.

I/We hereby waive all claims of whatsoever cause or nature howsoever arising against the owners of Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge, their associates, servants, employees and/or any person connected whether directly or indirectly with the running of the fishing and any other operations at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge and fellow guests/invitees which I/we might have arising out of any harm, injury, death, or loss suffered whilst on the river, premises or property of Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge and whether rising from an act of commission or omission on the part of those hereby indemnified or anyone of them.

I/We hereby indemnify and hold harmless and free the owners of Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge, their associates, servants, employees and/or any person connected whether directly or indirectly with the running of the fishing and any other operations at Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge and fellow guests/invitees from any and all claims of whatsoever cause of nature which may arise on behalf of my/our spouse(s), common law wife/wives//husband/husbands, my/our children whether minor or adult, or relatives and/or persons accompanying me/us to Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge whether as my/our invitee otherwise or at all who suffer injury or loss whilst on the river, premises or property of Shackletons Tiger Fishing Lodge and whether arising from an act of commission or omission on the part of those hereby indemnified or anyone of them.

In the event of injury the owners, management, servants or employees may at its discretion and without prejudice and without admission of liability arrange and pay for emergency medical treatment for and on behalf of any guest.

I/We have read the terms and conditions of residence and indemnity and acknowledge and understand that I/we am/are bound thereby.