Okavango Delta : Xaro camp

  • Location
  • Okavango River, Botswana.
  • Type of fishery
  • Freshwater – tigerfish and bream. Fly-fishing and spinning
  • Season
  • September to November
  • Accommodation
  • Exclusive tented camp
  • Getting there
  • International flight to Maun. Charter flight or drive to Shakawe
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In October of every year, as the flood waters recede from the plains of the mighty Okavango Delta, an incredible feeding frenzy takes place in the Okavango River. The baitfish and small fry that were sheltering in the shallows are forced back into to deep channels by the dropping water levels. This triggers a massive run of freshwater barbel (catfish) that move up the river feeding on the hapless baitfish, closely followed by large numbers of the infamous tiger fish. These phenomenal "runs" are a spectacle in their own right - the barbel (accompanied by flocks of frenzied, squawking birds) create a huge commotion as they flush the baitfish out from under the papyrus and grass beds along the banks. The fishing is red hot during this period, and fantastic numbers of tiger fish, barbel and bream can be taken on fly and light spinning gear.

Slap bang in the middle of it all lies Xaro camp - an exclusive "tented" lodge located in the Shakawe region of the Okavango Delta. From the lodge you have the opportunity to fish the Okavango River as well as the numerous pristine lagoons situated close by.

The Okavango delta is home to over 400 species of birds and one of the most world-renowned wetland systems in the world – it's truly a bird watchers utopia. There is an abundance of wildlife in the channels including, crocodiles, hippos and otters. The world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve and Tsodilo Hills are close by and definitely worth a visit.

Accommodation

Xaro Lodge has 8 luxury spacious en suite tents sleeping 2 guests each. The tents have been specially designed with glass doors on the front. Each tent is mounted on a leadwood deck and all have views of the Okavango River.

A additional fly camping option has made this trip a firm favourite amongst regular anglers. Using Xaro Lodge as a base, guests have the option to follow the runs and camp comfortably on the numerous islands scattered along the Okavango River. All camping is supervised by qualified field guides, which adds value to the overall "wilderness experience".

The fishing

Fly-fishing and light spinning are the most productive. The fishing is all boat based on aluminium river boats with 2 anglers per guide and boat. The guiding team has over 20 years combined experience on these waters. Apart from the tiger fish, species anglers can target catfish and a host of bream species. The usual day consists of an early morning and late afternoon fishing session. Packed lunches are enjoyed on shaded islands on the river, or guests can return for lunch and a siesta over the heat of the day. The afternoon is again spent chasing tigers around the runs, or in productive waters such as drop offs, confluences and lagoon entrances.

A typical stay involves clients spending one or two nights camping wild on deserted islands close to productive runs. In doing this, the guides are able to put guests into good runs, away from the "crowds" that can sometimes gather around the runs closer to larger commercial camps. The boats have been modified to carry fly camping equipment without hampering guests while fishing.

For more information on fishing the phenomenal annual "barbel run", don’t hesitate to contact us.