A fishing safari combines two great adventures in one journey: wildlife on the savannah and big fish in the Indian Ocean and East Africa’s lakes and rivers. You can spend your mornings on a game drive, your afternoons on a boat and your evenings telling stories about the one that got away. Grand World Tours operates in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, and this guide explains where to fish in each country, the best time to go, what you can catch and 10 thrilling fish to chase.
In this guide
• What Is a Fishing Safari in Tanzania and Kenya?
• Tanzania or Kenya: Quick Comparison
• What to Expect on Your Fishing Safari
• Good to Know Before You Fish
What Is a Fishing Safari ?
A fishing safari adds days on the water to a traditional wildlife safari. You might track lions in the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara, then head to the coast for deep-sea fishing, or cast for bass and perch on a quiet lake. The two experiences balance each other well, one full of movement and the other of patience.
A fishing safari in Tanzania and Kenya suits keen anglers, couples, groups of friends and families with older children. It also works for complete beginners, because charter crews handle the boat, bait and tackle and teach you as you go. Below, we cover each country on its own, so you can choose the one that fits your trip, or combine both.
Fishing Safari in Tanzania
A fishing safari in Tanzania pairs the country’s famous parks with the warm Indian Ocean, the great lakes and some of Africa’s wildest rivers. Tanzania’s coast and islands offer deep-sea game fishing close to shore, while the inland waters give you a very different experience, from Nile perch on Lake Victoria to tigerfish on the Rufiji.
Where to go fishing in Tanzania
• Zanzibar and the Swahili coast: deep-sea game fishing for sailfish, marlin, tuna, wahoo and giant trevally, in the deep water of the Pemba Channel close to shore. Charters usually leave from the northern beaches such as Nungwi, with a Swahili coast stay before or after.
• Mafia Island: clear water, coral reefs and a quieter, more remote fishing experience, with big game fish in the open water beyond the reef. Marine park rules apply, so we plan with local operators.
• Lake Victoria: famous for Nile perch, with boat trips arranged from the lake shore around Mwanza and from island bases such as Rubondo Island.
• Rufiji River region: tigerfish and other river species in southern Tanzania, fished from a boat with a guide. Options depend on the camp and the season, and hippos and crocodiles are common, so fishing is done only where your guide says it is safe.
• Usangu Wetlands: a remote wetland in the Ruaha region of southern Tanzania, rich in birds and wildlife. Fishing here is limited and tightly regulated because it lies within protected areas, so we confirm what is allowed before we include it.
Best time for a fishing safari in Tanzania
• Deep-sea fishing (Zanzibar, Pemba Channel and Mafia Island): the calmer, warmer months from roughly October to March are popular for sailfish and marlin. Conditions and species vary, so ask us for your dates.
• Lakes and rivers: fishing is possible through much of the year, but water levels, weather and fish activity change with the seasons. The dry season, June to October, also suits the parks.
• Rainy months: March to May brings heavy rain, rougher seas and fewer charters on the coast.
What you can catch in Tanzania
At sea, expect sailfish, marlin, giant trevally, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado. Inland, the main targets are Nile perch in Lake Victoria and tigerfish in the Rufiji. Catches are never guaranteed, because fishing depends on weather, season and luck.
Fishing Safari in Kenya
A fishing safari in Kenya joins the Maasai Mara and Kenya’s other parks with an established deep-sea coast, a lively lake and cool highland trout streams. Kenya’s coastal bases are well known to game fishers, and Nairobi makes travel between safari and sea straightforward.
Where to go fishing in Kenya
• Watamu and Malindi: well-known deep-sea fishing bases on Kenya’s northern coast, with experienced charter crews.
• Shimoni and the south coast: game fishing near the Pemba Channel, close to the Tanzanian border.
• Lake Naivasha: bass and tilapia fishing, with hippos, birds and Rift Valley scenery.
• Mount Kenya and the Aberdares: trout fishing in cool highland streams.
• Lake Victoria (Kenya): Nile perch fishing from island lodges and shore bases.
Best time for a fishing safari in Kenya
• Deep-sea fishing: the warmer months from roughly October to March are popular for sailfish and marlin on the coast. Conditions vary, so ask us for your dates.
• Lakes and streams: fishing is possible through much of the year, with weather and water levels changing the experience.
• Wildlife safari: July to October brings the Mara River crossings, and you can add a few days of fishing before or after.
• Rainy months: March to May brings heavy rain and rougher seas on the coast.
What you can catch in Kenya
On the coast, the targets include sailfish, marlin, giant trevally, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado. Inland, you can catch largemouth bass and tilapia at Lake Naivasha, rainbow trout in the highlands and Nile perch in Lake Victoria.
Tanzania or Kenya: Quick Comparison
| Tanzania | Kenya | |
|---|---|---|
| Sea fishing | Zanzibar, Pemba Channel, Mafia Island | Watamu, Malindi, Shimoni |
| Lake fishing | Lake Victoria | Lake Naivasha, Lake Victoria |
| River and wetland | Rufiji River, Usangu Wetlands | Highland trout streams |
| Style | Remote and wild, island and river camps | Established coastal bases, easy access |
| Pairs well with | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar | Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Naivasha |
Many guests combine both. A typical journey pairs the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara with a few days of fishing on the Swahili coast or in the Pemba Channel.
What to Expect on Your Fishing Safari
• Start with the safari. Spend several days on game drives in the parks, then head to the water.
• Early departure. Charters usually leave at sunrise, when the sea is calm and the fish are active.
• Boat, crew and tackle. A skipper and mate prepare the bait, set the lines and guide you.
• Half or full days on the water. You troll, drift or cast, depending on the fish and the place.
• Catch and release, or a fresh meal. Many anglers release big game fish, and some lodges will cook a suitable catch for dinner.
• Rest and relax. Finish at a beach lodge or lakeside camp with a cool drink and a good story.
Top 10 Fish to Chase on a Fishing Safari
• Sailfish (Tanzania and Kenya): a spectacular, acrobatic fighter and a favourite on the coast.
• Marlin (Tanzania and Kenya): blue and black marlin are the great prizes of the Pemba Channel and the Kenyan coast.
• Giant trevally (Tanzania and Kenya): a powerful reef predator that tests both angler and tackle.
• Yellowfin tuna (Tanzania and Kenya): fast, strong and excellent to eat.
• Wahoo (Tanzania and Kenya): one of the fastest fish in the sea, known for sudden, blistering runs.
• Dorado (mahi-mahi) (Tanzania and Kenya): a colourful, energetic fish that leaps when hooked.
• Nile perch (Lake Victoria in both countries): a large freshwater predator.
• Tigerfish (Tanzania): a toothy, hard-fighting river fish found in the Rufiji region.
• Largemouth bass (Kenya): a popular catch at Lake Naivasha, in a beautiful Rift Valley setting.
• Rainbow trout (Kenya): a classic fly-fishing target in the cool streams of the highlands.
Catches are never guaranteed, because fishing depends on weather, season and luck. That uncertainty is part of the thrill.
Good to Know Before Your Fishing Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
• Licences and rules: some waters need a fishing licence or permit, and size and species rules apply. We arrange what is needed with the operator.
• Fish responsibly: practise catch and release for big game fish and follow your skipper’s advice on what to keep.
• Stay out of rivers and lakes with wildlife: hippos and crocodiles live in many freshwater areas. Fish only from a boat or a safe spot chosen by your guide.
• Protect yourself from the sun: bring a hat, polarised sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Seasickness: if you are prone to it, ask your doctor about remedies before you travel.
• Tackle: charter boats usually supply rods, reels and bait. Bring your own gear only if you prefer, and check with us first.
• Health: speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention before you travel.
Why Pick Grand World Tours for Your Fishing Safari?
Grand World Tours is a Tanzania-based company operating in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, with trusted partners in Uganda, Namibia and South Africa. Our founder began as a professional safari guide, so we plan every fishing safari in Tanzania and Kenya around real experience in the field.
• Safaris that combine game drives with days on the coast, a lake or a river.
• Trusted charter partners with experienced skippers and crews.
• Help with licences, boats and the right season for your target fish.
• Beach and lakeside stays that suit anglers and non-anglers in the same group.
• One team for Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, with personal support before, during and after your trip.
For official information, visit Tanzania National Parks and the Kenya Wildlife Service. For international game fishing guidance, see the International Game Fish Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Fishing Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
What is a fishing safari?+
A fishing safari combines wildlife game drives with days of fishing, usually on the coast, a lake or a river.
Where can we go on a fishing safari in Tanzania?+
Popular places include Zanzibar and the Swahili coast, the Pemba Channel, Mafia Island, Lake Victoria and the Rufiji River region. The Usangu Wetlands are limited by protected-area rules, so we confirm what is allowed.
Where can we go on a fishing safari in Kenya?+
Popular places include Watamu, Malindi and Shimoni on the coast, Lake Naivasha, the highland trout streams near Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, and Lake Victoria.
What is the best time for a fishing safari in Tanzania and Kenya?+
Deep-sea fishing is popular from roughly October to March, while June to October is the classic dry season for wildlife. We match your dates to the fish you want most.
Do we need fishing experience?+
No. Charter crews handle the boat, bait and tackle and teach beginners as they go.
What fish can we catch?+
Options include sailfish, marlin, tuna, giant trevally, wahoo and dorado at sea, and Nile perch, tigerfish, bass and trout in lakes and rivers. Catches are never guaranteed.
Do we need a fishing licence?+
Some waters need a licence or permit. We arrange what is required with the operator, because rules differ by place.
Is catch and release required?+
Many operators encourage catch and release for big game fish. Your skipper will explain the rules and what you can keep.
Can I combine fishing in Tanzania and Kenya?+
Yes. Many guests pair a safari in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara with fishing on the Swahili coast or the Pemba Channel, and we plan both countries with one team.
Can non-anglers and children join?+
Yes. Many charters welcome guests who simply enjoy the boat, and families can combine fishing with beach time. Please tell us the ages of your children so we can check each operator’s rules.
Plan Your Fishing Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
Ready to start your fishing safari in Tanzania and Kenya? Tell us which fish you dream of, which country you prefer and when you can travel, and we will design a journey that mixes wildlife and water.
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