Tanzania – Trophy Tigerfish

Over the past 5 years the fisheries of the Mnyera and Ruhudji River in South Western Tanzania have fast built a reputation as one of the finest fresh water fisheries available to the discerning traveling angler. The trophy tiger fish that call these rivers home provide unparalleled tiger fishing opportunities. The Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers are widely regarded as THE destination to target tiger fish in the 10 – 25lb range.

Mnyera River
Guests have access to 40km of fishable waters on the Mnyera River. The Mnyera River changes character quickly over it fishable length. From rapids and pools in heavily wooded riverine forests on the upper reaches, the structure rich mid sections courtesy of centuries of erosion and fallen trees, to the deep “outside bends” and clay banks of the lower reaches. The Mnyera, with its incredibly diverse river structure is a veritable tigerfish haven and one that all guests visiting this amazing river will appreciate. Kilombero North Safari’s Tengo Camp is your base when fishing the Mnyera River.

Ruhudji River
Situated in the neighbouring catchment (one valley south of the Mnyera) is this remote river with a charm and attraction that is hard to explain. Guests fishing the Ruhudji River have access to 80km of fishable water. The river is quite different from the Mnyera. It is a shallower river, with long sections of sand banks followed by deep outside bends and pools in the lower reaches. The river changes in its upper reaches to a narrow deep river, bordered by steep banks and heavily wooded forests as it enters the “gorge area”. Kilombero North Safari’s Samaki Camp is your base when fishing the Ruhudji River.

Season:

July to late November

Duration:

7 nights 6 days fishing

Angling Species:

Tiger fish (H.tanzaniae ) ranging in size from 1 to 28lbs are the main quarry. Yellowfish species, Catfish, Bream and Gundu are also available for the species aficionados. Over 30 different species of fish were identified by the guides in conjunction with leading ichthyologists since 2008. Catfish are generally caught as by-catch when targeting tiger fish. Yellowfish and the impressive Gundu can be targeted specifically.

Accommodations:

Tengo Camp (Mnyera River): This tented camp is the base for your stay on the Mnyera River. The camp consists of 4 tents with twin or double configurations. All tents have a view overlooking the river. All tents are en suite, offering a shower and toilet. Tents are set up with twin configuration. Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard, and wake up with the rising sun and splashes of feeding tiger fish, all in the privacy of your safari tent.

Meals are enjoyed in the main central camp area under thatched roof over looking the river. A covered lounge, dining room and living area completes the main camp. This area contains a small library, lounges, and electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly tying station.

Samaki Camp (Ruhudji River): This rustic bush camp is your base on the Ruhudji River. It too is erected each season and is the smaller sister of Tengo Camp. Its location on the banks of the Ruhudji River allows access to these productive waters. Samaki camp comprises of traditional Safari tents, all en suite, with twin or double configurations. The mess area is situated in the shade of the river side forest, although most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a beautiful sandbank in front of the camp. Samaki camp has no electricity.