Your African Adventure Awaits
Safaris
Explore Exclusive Fishing Safaris
Over the past three decades the Johnson family have explored the entire region of Barotseland in search of truly remote and pristine rivers.
lodges
Explore Mutemwa Lodge
Our flagship lodge is where it all began. Mutemwa means “place of the big trees” and that it truly is. Home to the adrenaline rush of chasing Tiger Fish as well as the relaxation of a riverside escape. Mutemwa has it all.
What a place. Absolute heaven on earth. Penny and Gavin are the most gracious of hosts, the service from the staff is sublime, the food is delicious and the fishing is mind blowing. I cannot wait to go back.
Adam McDonald
GUEST
From Us To You
Created as a way to make a life in the bush, Royal Barotse Safaris was birthed out of a love for nature, adventure and family.
We are so excited to welcome you to one of our safaris or lodges in the near future
Kind regards,
Gavin & Penny Johnson
Founders & Owners of Royal Barotse Safaris
THE ROYAL BAROTSE SAFARIS
Foundation
The newly established RBS foundation is changing lives and uplifting communities in Western Zambia and beyond. Explore the different projects you can support and we thank you in advance for your generosity in seeing our vision for our region come to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best time of year to visit ?
Every season brings something new to experience and to enjoy at Royal Barotse Safaris. Traditionally August to December have always been the best months for fishing on the Zambezi. The river has dropped, water cleared up and temperatures begin to rise – making for ideal tiger conditions! For those less enthusiastic fishermen who enjoy birding, photography, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Zambezi, March and April are amongst some of the most stunning months to visit Mutemwa. With the rainy season having just ended the river is full and flowing, the bush is lush and green, and the birdlife is at its peak — making for truly breathtaking surroundings.
Children at Mutemwa ?
Yes, children are very welcome at Mutemwa. Many families have brought kids as young as five years old on our fishing safaris, and they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience — even catching tiger fish themselves!
Our experienced boat guides know exactly how to make the fishing fun and exciting for the kids, and we can always arrange to have children looked after, if parents would like to enjoy extended times fishing or some time on their own.
Additionally, as lodge owners, Gavin and Penny Johnson have raised their three daughters here at Mutemwa (read Our Story here), and so the camp is well set up for families and children. If you have any specific concerns, you are welcome to reach out directly for reassurance.
Do I need fishing tackle ?
Yes. Each of our four boats are fully equipped with both trolling and spinning rods and reels. Guests are always welcome to bring their own gear and tackle, with rapalas and other lures available for purchase at the Lodge.
Are there any activities ?
Yes there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay, some of which include:
- Ngonye Falls excursions – visit the spectacular Ngonye Falls – the second largest waterfall on the Zambezi River.
- Birding – Mutemwa is home to an abundance of exceptional birdlife with the option of special outings in search of the Pels Fishing owl and journeys up the beautiful Njoko river tributary.
- Bush walks & river experiences – enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings with sunset boat cruises, bush walks and private time on the Zambezi river.
Do I need a fishing license
No. Fishing licenses are not required in this stretch of the Zambezi River.