EARLY RISERS TRAVEL
OVERVIEW
One of Africa’s most exciting and remote freshwater fly fishing experiences, combining two wild river systems into a single, carefully managed trip in south-western Tanzania. The focus is of course fly fishing for Tigerfish, more specifically the Blue Tigerfish (Hydrocynus tanzaniae). With access to large stretches of lightly pressured water where only guests of the camps are allowed and professional guides poling one down river it ensures the highest probability of ticking off a bucket-list fish.
The remote setting adds to the experience. You are immersed in a genuinely wild environment, yet the operation is exceptionally well run. Skilled guides, camp staff, and rangers manage logistics and safety quietly in the background, allowing you to focus fully on the experience.
Accommodation is split between two remote unfenced bush camps, Dhala and Samaki, which are used together as part of a single itinerary. The group splits on day 2 with 4 guests in each, swapping mid-way through the week. Both camps are positioned right on the river.
You stay in walk-in safari tents with proper double beds, fresh linen, and private bush bathrooms with hot showers. The camps are simple but comfortable, providing everything you need after a full day on the water. The air tends to cool nicely over night, and leaving the canvas windows open makes for a wonderful nights rest.
Meals are prepared daily by the professionally trained chef and enjoyed communally in the large tented lounge/dining tents or outside in the cool evening air. Evenings are relaxed and informal, offering a chance to have a gin and tonic at the fire and take in the surroundings while discussing the days with others, having a great meal, getting some rest and preparing for the following day’s fishing.
THE FISHING
Fishing is focused on Tanzanian (Blue) tigerfish (Hydrocynus tanzaniae), one of freshwater fly fishing’s most aggressive and exciting predators. You fish, lightly pressured river systems that hold strong populations of these beasts.
Fish in the 15lb class are a realistic target, and the elusive 20lb tigerfish comes into play more often than most anglers expect. Very few fisheries are managed well enough to consistently offer opportunities at tigerfish of this size, and fewer still allow you to target them with such a smooth, comfortable operation on rivers of this calibre.
Fishing is primarily boat-based on aluminium boats with the guides operating a pole to control the drift and hold one in position. This allows you to cover a wide variety of water including main channels, pools, current seams, and structure-rich banks. There are times where fishing on foot is possible, on sand banks or from the side to mix things up nicely.
Most fishing is done with streamers on sinking lines or surface flies such as the renowned "Harley Shake", with fast, aggressive takes and powerful fights being the norm.
Typical setups include 8–9 wt rods, with heavier rods useful in certain conditions, paired with strong reels and floating or sink-tip lines depending on water depth and flow. Due to the tigerfish’s teeth, heavy leaders and knottable wire are essential. We will ensure you get everything you need ready to take on one of Africas ultimate freshwater species.
GETTING THERE
The reserve you fish is located in south-western Tanzania, in a remote and lightly populated wilderness region far from major towns and infrastructure.
You fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport, before continuing on a small charter flight to a remote bush airstrip closer to camp. From there, a short 4X4 transfer brings you into camp along the river.