Botswana · Spearfishing zone
Okavango Delta (rivers and channels, outside reserves)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Okavango Delta (rivers and channels, outside reserves).
Botswana's largest fishery (~80% of national catch). Recreational fly and spin angling for tilapia/bream, tigerfish, catfish and African pike on rivers and channels of the Delta, outside the gazetted game reserves where fishing is prohibited. A recreational fishing licence and the national closed season apply.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Recreational fishing licence required; national closed season Jan-Feb; fishing prohibited within Moremi Game Reserve and other reserves inside the Delta; commonly catch-and-release at lodges.
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
Open 1 March - 31 December; best water Sept-March
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
19.2800°S, 22.8300°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Botswana
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Download, complete and submit the Recreational Fishing Licence form with supporting documents to the nearest Department of Wildlife & National Parks office. Available to citizens and non-citizens aged 18 and above.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · gov.bw