EXPLORE knows the secret spots to catch tiger, the world’s stingiest fighting fish, or bone fish, every serious angler’s dream. We can tell you when to go and where to stay. Unlike traditional fishing specialists we combine all our fishing experiences with the other highlights of Africa from great game viewing to landscape. Call us to learn our secrets!
Zambia
The Zambezi River offers world-class fishing, fly fishing and tiger fishing. The Lower Zambezi offers one of the finest fresh water angling experiences in the world. Although it is a year-round activity, the best time for tiger-fishing is between September and March.
BAINES RIVER CAMP
Who said “there are no tigers in Africa”? The famous African Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus Vittatus) offers, pound for pound, some of the best sport angling anywhere in the world. Whilst maintaining a strict catch and release policy, our enthusiastic guides will introduce you to this fierce freshwater predator, on a fly rod or with a lure. Other species to be caught are Barble, Bream, Chessa, Cornish Jack, Nkupe and Vundu. Although the camp has some basic equipment and tackle for guests, we recommend that keen anglers should bring their own tackle.
ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE
Royal Zambezi Lodge is an award-winning, family-owned luxury safari lodge overlooking the Zambezi River in Zambia. The lodge offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury, with unrivalled game viewing accompanied by professional guides, a luxury spa and world-class fishing, fly fishing and tiger fishing on the Zambezi. Royal Zambezi Lodge – the epitome of the luxury safari experience.
The Lower Zambezi offers one of the finest fresh water angling experiences in the world. Although it is a year-round activity, the best time for tiger-fishing is between September and March*.
Expert resident guides lead fishing excursions on new, fully-fitted aluminium boats. For guests who are new to fishing or fly-fishing, our guides provide expert instruction and assistance. Rods, tackle and flies are provided although enthusiasts may bring their own. All fishing is on a catch and release basis.
*Please note that the lodge is closed for the months of December, January and February due to the rains.
SAUSAGE TREE CAMP
The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for “striped river dog”) and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.
The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg/33lb (the camp record 11.3kg) and are renowned for their strength and spectacular “leaping out of the water” fighting performance.
Fishing is succesful all year round, however the warmer months (September – December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.
Sausage Tree Camp has expert fishing guides and two large and very stable aluminium speed boats, plus one smaller fibreglass speed boat perfect for the real fishing enthusiast. Sausage Tree Camp supplies all fishing euipment, but for enthusiasts who prefer their own equipment, the camp provides a concise list to use as a guideline as to what to bring.
MWAMBASHI RIVER LODGE
Situated deep within the relatively unexplored Lower Zambezi National Park directly opposite Chikwenya Island and on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools, lies Mwambashi River Lodge.
Mwambashi accommodates 16 guests in large comfortable East African style safari tents built on raised wooden platforms. Each unit has an en-suite shower, toilet and handbasin. The accommodation units are tastefully appointed using vibrant ethnic colours and fabrics and yellow wood furnishings. All have private balconies offering superb private views over the Zambezi River.
Safari Tent Mwambashi Lodge is renowned for its fine cuisine and excellent service. Guests enjoy meals including full three-course dinners in a central thatched dining area which leads into a comfortable lounge with a well stocked reference library.
Overlooking the River and adjacent to the main complex is a raised balcony which is ideal for enjoying sundowners or simply relaxing or reading during the heat of the day.