Kariba International Tiger Fishing Tournament

The Kariba International Tiger Fishing Tournament is one of southern Africa’s longest-running angling events, held each October on the Zimbabwean shore of Lake Kariba. The tournament targets the tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), an aggressive freshwater predator prized for its fighting ability and iconic teeth. Teams from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and further afield compete across three days, with the event drawing serious anglers and a significant spectator crowd to the town of Kariba.

About the tournament

Competitors fish from boats across Lake Kariba’s vast expanse — the reservoir stretches roughly 220 km in length and holds one of the world’s largest tigerfish populations. The tournament uses a catch-and-release format for most categories, with results scored by weight and species. Experienced anglers typically target the lake’s rocky shoreline and submerged tree stumps, where tigerfish congregate to feed.

October is prime tigerfish season on Kariba. Water temperatures are rising ahead of the rains, fish are active near the surface, and the lake’s conditions are generally calm. It is also one of the hottest months in the Zambezi Valley, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C — something competitors plan around with early morning and late afternoon fishing sessions.

Practical information

Teams register through the official tournament website (kitft.co.zw), where current entry fees and rules are published. Non-competing visitors can follow the weigh-ins and presentations at Kariba’s main marina area. The atmosphere around the tournament is social: evening events at the Kariba hotels and the yacht club draw participants and spectators together after fishing sessions.

Accommodation in Kariba ranges from basic lodges to houseboats on the lake itself. Book well in advance for the tournament weekend — Kariba has limited rooms and they fill quickly during the event. A 4WD is useful for getting around Kariba town, though the main marina and hotel strip are walkable from most accommodation.

Our guide to Lake Kariba wildlife covers what else the lake offers — elephant sightings along the shoreline and spectacular sunsets are part of any visit, tournament or not.