Fall, 2006

The Original Online Magazine Dedicated Exclusively to the International Angler

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Zambezi River has its origins in the low-lying floodplains where Zambia, Zaire and Angola meet, an area from which water flows both northwest into the Congo system and the Atlantic, and southwest into the Zambezi system and the Indian Ocean.

Easily the largest river in our part of the continent, the Zambezi flows 2,524 km across Central Africa before meeting the sea just above Beira in Mozambique. In the process it passes through, or borders, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique; it does not, as many believe, ever form the border between Zambia and Angola.

The construction of 300 km long Lake Kariba in the late 1950s finally tamed the Zambezi, and this was followed by the completion of another great dam midway between Kariba and the ocean, being Cahora Bassa in Mozambique.

Kariba quickly became established not only as a major sport fishery but also as the "Riviera of Central Africa," with its crystal waters, sandy beaches and pristine wildlife, along with quality lodges, hotels and houseboat accommodation.

Cahora Bassa, in a hot, dry area racked by two decades of civil war, has never seen such development, and only recently has the first sportfishing lodge been established there. On the Upper, Middle and Lower Zambezi River, however, many angling, wildlife and photographic operations have sprung up in recent years.

THE FISH

The explosive, sabre-toothed tiger (Hydrocyanus vittatus), rated by many as the world's finest freshwater sporting fish, is the undisputed king of this river and the two major dams on it. Specimens exceed 10 kg, but anything above 5 kg is a good fish.

They are generally caught on spinners, spoons and minnow lures, but also eagerly take both live bait and fish fillets. Primarily a summer fish on the lower river, but on the Upper Zambezi July and August are prime months.

There are many other fish of interest to anglers, in particular several species of bream, or kurper.

Of these the yellow-belly or Nembwe bream (Serranochromis robustus) of the Upper Zambezi is one of the most spectacular; a large-mouthed species that grows to 4 kg and takes not only bait but also such artificial lures as spinners, flies and deep-diving minnows. Feeds all year but is primarily a winter fish, most active June/September.

Then there is the three-spot bream (Oreochromis andersoni), generally caught on earthworm but occasionally taking spinners. Also growing to around 4 kg, the broad- bodied three-spot is one of the hardest fighters on the river, often encountered in large schools. A summer fish, very seldom caught in winter.

The thin-faced bream (Serranochromis angusticeps), and closely related humpbacked bream (Serranochromis altus) are colourful, trumpet-mouthed Upper Zambezi species most active August/September, take artificial lures, and will exceed 3 kg. Other angling species encountered above the Falls are the African pike (Hepsetus odoe), a toothy and aerobatic golden fish that takes spinners but unfortunately seldom exceeds a kilo; the greenhead bream (Oreochromis macrochir) and the red-breast bream (Tilapia rendalli); the latter seldom exceeding a kilo but a hard fighter often encountered in large numbers.

Below Victoria Falls the main bream species are the red-breast, the Mozambique bream (Oreochromis mossambicus), known in South Africa as the blue kurper, the three-spot and its close relative the Kariba bream (Oreochromis mortimeri.) In Lake Kariba the Nile bream (Oreochromis niloticus) is now also being taken by anglers.

The largest fish in the Zambezi system, only found below Victoria Falls, is the vundu (Heterobranchis longifilis), a giant catfish which attains well over 60 kg (the very similar barbel, up to 20 kg, is found both above and below the Falls.) A bottom-feeding river species usually taken on fillet bait, the vundu is becoming rare in Kariba and should always be released; there's no point in killing it.

The chessa (Distichodus shenga) and related nkupe (Distichodus mossambicus) are two rough-scaled, small-mouthed, broad-bodied fish renowned for their strength, speed and stamina. Both exceed six kilos and are usually caught on earthworm and small hooks, but will also take fish fillets.

The strangest fish of the Zambezi system must be the Cornish jack (Mormyrops anguilloides), largest of the "snoutfish" family. Usually taken on worm or fillet bait, Cornish jack attain 15 kg but are weak fighters. The closely related but smaller bottlenose is usually taken on worm.

New Zambezi River fishing operations are coming (and going!) at such speed that it's difficult to keep up. However, starting from the top end of the river and moving south (downstream), what follows is a broad outline of what's available on the Zambezi River, as well as lakes Kariba and Cahora Bassa.

UPPER ZAMBEZI

(1) TIGER FISHING TOURS (TIGER CAMP), is a tented operation on the banks of the Zambezi near Lukulu in western Zambia, about 500 km from the river's source.

The river here is fast-flowing with many rapids, and renowned for big tigerfish in particular. Some large three-spot and yellow-belly bream over 4kg are also produced. Tiger Tours currently hold 11 IGFA records for tiger and bream.

Boats are excellent; five-metre SeaPro ski-boats fitted with trolling boards, trolling with large spoons being a standard method. There are also small boats for fly-fishing.

One gets there by flying to Lusaka and then being driven (nine hours) in the camp's air-conditioned minibus. Or, fly in by light aircraft and land right at the camp's 1 000 metre strip, which is the recommended method.

Cost: US $165 pps or $200 per single (1998 rates), f/b, inc guided boat fishing. Cash bar available, but you are welcome to bring your own.

(2) BAROTSELAND FISHING SAFARIS lies a further 200 km downstream and operates out of a very large house on the riverbank at Senanga, in the heart of the Barotse floodplains, the most important breeding area on the entire river.

Between March and May the treeless plains become a sheet of water as far as eye can see; by June the river is usually back within its banks, and July/August are peak time in normal years, though big floods can push that back a month.

An excellent tiger area, Barotse also offers good yellow-belly (nembwe), and some three-spot. A unique area, with interesting birdlife in the floodplains. BFS run three large, fast, owner-operated boats. One can be driven in from Lusaka (seven hours), or fly light aircraft directly to Senanga. Cost approx: R600 per day, all inclusive, with drinks.

(3) MAZIBA BAY LODGE is 80 km downstream of Lukulu (and 120 km above Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Strip.) Situated just below the spectacular cataracts of Sioma (Ngonye) Falls, the camp consists of six large tents on wooden platforms, with a huge sandy beach between two rocky points.

Here the river flows swiftly through a fairly narrow gorge. A good area for tiger, not for bream. There are two Zodiac craft for fishing and sightseeing. Day trips to the remote Sioma Ngweze National Park (30 km away) are possible, plus microlight flights over the falls at US $25 per person.

Cost upto 31/12/98: R525 pps pn in the Bay chalets, R430 pps pn in the Luxury tents, full board, with guided fishing, walks, canoeing. One can be collected from Katima Mulilo at US $40 per person return, or land light aircraft at a new 1 300 metre strip near the lodge. Camping rates: R55 pps pn excludes meals and activities.

(4) MUTEMWA CAMP is 60 km below Maziba, 60 km inside Zambia from the Katima Mulilo border post. Here the river is shallow and wide, with many islands, through very attractive wooded country.

Good tiger, but now also getting into good yellow belly, three-spot and thin-face bream territory as well. Accommodation again in large riverside tents, and boats are 3,8m inflatables.

Cost upto 31/12/98: R750 pps pn, full board with boating/fishing. A swimming pool has been built, and a 16-seat barge for sunset booze cruises is based at the camp. The road from Katima is sandy but ok for normal vehicles in dry weather, not in wet. T'fers to/from Katima arranged.

(5) KALIZO LODGE lies on the Namibian bank of the river, 40 km below Katima, in an area offering good tiger, three-spot, thin-face and yellow-belly bream fishing.

Fairly basic reed and thatch, twin-bed bungalows at the river's edge, with a very pleasant bar and a central dining area. St Lucia and/or Firefly boats suitable for 2/4 anglers.

Drive via Kasane in Botswana on good sand roads (except for the final 5 km), or t'fers from Katima Mulilo arranged.

Cost up to Dec 1997: R511 pps inc full board, GST tax of 11% , guided boat fishing (one tank fuel per person per day); without boat R322.

MIDDLE ZAMBEZI

(6) IMPALILA ISLAND LODGE is 90 km downstream of Kalizo, and overlooks the Mambova Rapids on the Zambezi side of Impalila, the island where the Chobe and Zambezi rivers join, and the Caprivi Strip comes to an end.

The most luxurious lodge on the river, Impalila consists of six twin-bedded wooden chalets set in thick forest overlooking the rapids. Meals are taken in a central bar and dining room built round an historic baobab tree.

This area offers water ranging from fast rapids to quiet, Okavango-like papyrus lagoons. Excellent tiger, good yellow-belly, and probably the top area for thin-face and hump-backed bream. Also African pike in the quiet backwaters.

Superb game viewing along Chobe River and Game Reserve, 20 mins by boat from the lodge via the Kasai Channel that links the two rivers. Very good three-spot bream in the Chobe.

Boats are Fireflies, suitable for three anglers. Drive or fly to Kasane in Botswana, from where you are fetched by boat. Cost, full board, with guided boat fishing, walks, 11% Namibian GST and game viewing: R845 pps pn (1998 rates). Note: Five night Impalila/Kalizo packages, with river transfers, are available.

(7) ICHINGO CAMP is also on Impalila island, but on the opposite side from Impalila Lodge, and consists of large walk-in, en suite, twin-bed tents on wooden platforms overlooking the Chobe rapids.

Here the Chobe is fast-flowing and studded with tiny islands; this is an excellent area for tiger and yellow-belly bream, and ICHINGO specialises in light-tackle and fly-fishing.

Boats are open, five-metre outboard craft, or inflatables. Drive/fly to Kasane, from where you are collected for the five minute run to the camp (ten minutes by boat from Chobe Game Reserve, with good riverside game viewing.)

Cost : R725 pps pn (1998 rates) full board accommodation, guided boat fishing, game viewing and 11% Namibian GST.

(8) VICTORIA FALLS, 90 km below Impalila Island, is the natural starting point for a Middle Zambezi trip, either above or below the Falls. We recommend the new Safari Lodge, built round a waterhole, or for best value, Sprayview Hotel.

Fishing from Vic Falls itself is possible, but anglers will merely spend a night or two there on the way to/from more recognised fishing areas. However, if you wish to fish in the Vic Falls area, it can be arranged. We can also arrange whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, canoe trips above the Falls.

Zambezi - five - (9) SIDINDA LODGE, 80 km below Vic Falls, is a hunting lodge in winter, a fishing lodge in summer. Accommodation for eight in four very attractive twin-bed, thatched, en suite chalets on stilts overlooking the river; nice beaches at low river (approx June/November.)

Uses semi-rigid inflatables, ideal craft for this part of the river, which has some small rapids. Larger rapids upstream and down ensure that Sidinda clients have a 25 km stretch of prime Zambezi virtually to themselves. Matetsi River joins the Zambezi just below the lodge. Good tiger and bream.

Can fly to Vic Falls and be t'ferred from there, or self-drive on good roads.

Cost: R580 (to 31/12/98) pps pn; full board, all local drinks, boats, fuel and bait. Take own tackle. OR R475 pps pn with all meals and drinks but no fishing/boat hire.

(10) SUNDOWNER ADVENTURES is about 30 km downstream from Sidinda, just above the confluence with the Deka River. Accommodation is two rustic five-bed lodges, two double lodges and a five bed chalet, all overlooking the river. Central bar and dining area, with pool.

Boats available are two five-metre fibreglass, and two semi-rigid. This is a renowned tiger area, not so good for bream. When the river is low (Sep/Dec) shallow rocks and rapids make the water dangerous for inexperienced boaters. However, experienced drivers/guides are available for the boats.

Cost - Low season (May/June/Aug/Sep) - R460 per adult, R250 per child all-inclusive; or R230 per adult, R173 per child d/b/b (no fishing). High season (Apr/July/Oct/Nov/Dec) - R500 per adult, R250 per child all incl; or R250 per adult, R188 per child d/b/b. All inclusive: accom, all meals, guided boat fishing and/or bush walks; tackle and bait as required.

Boat with driver R300 per day, inc. first tank of fuel.

Or, self catering cottage for max 6 is R100 pp pd, R75 per child pd.

Transfers from Vic Falls cost R400 each way (1-4pax) or R600 each way (5-8pax). Sundowner is just 60 km from Hwange Game Reserve, and is also on the shortest route between Victoria Falls and the Kariba ferry point at Mlibizi.

(11) MLIBIZI is on the upper reaches of Kariba, where the lake is only a few kilometres wide. The only hotel in the area has it's own harbour and fishing boats for hire, and Mlibizi is also the docking point for the Kariba ferry.

Mlibizi is a major houseboat harbour, but some smaller houseboats will only operate upstream from here, towards Msuna and "Little Kariba," where river and lake meet. This is an excellent fishing area, for both tiger and bream, but most houseboat clients want to experience the open lake, and for this it is best to start from Binga.

(12) BINGA is about 80 km downlake from Mlibizi. Here we can offer both a large, staffed and serviced chalet overlooking the lake, with its own high-speed six-metre powerboat, or a variety of houseboats for between eight and 12 clients; less than eight on a houseboat is not cost-effective.

Binga houseboats normally travel a further 30 km down the lake to the remote Senkwa River inlet or the Chete group of islands, where good fishing can be enjoyed. All houseboats tow two or more smaller fishing craft behind them. Call for details of houseboats available.

(13) FOX & BOOKLESS have now opened four lodges at Binga each sleeping four persons and one lodge sleeping two persons. Dining room, bar area & swimming pool, all the above overlooking the lake, the most incredible view. There is also a Boat Launching Site, Laundry and Raft Hire facilities available.

Approx rates:

ZAR200 per person sharing, all meals and laundry inclusive

ZAR320 single, all meals and laundry inclusive

The lodges are +/- 1km from their House Boat "Foxy 1", great for clients to spend a night and then board "Foxy 1" the following morning.

(14) TIGER BAY is a hotel/resort on the Ume River, about 80 km up the lake from Kariba town. Accommodation is in thatched A- frame chalets detached from the main bar/dining room complex, all with views out over the river into the Matusadona Game Reserve, which has excellent wildlife.

One can t'fer by boat from Kariba, but the recommended method is by light plane from Kariba, at R350 return.

This area is far enough away from Kariba town and the heavily pressured Eastern Bowl end of the lake to provide good angling, especially for tigerfish, though bream angling amongst the drowned trees can also be good. Tiger Bay is also ideal for small conferences or corporate getaways, particularly if using private aircraft. The resort has its own 13 metre houseboat, which is available for overnight cruises (sleeps six) or for lunch braai, candlelit dinner or sundowner cruises.

Cost approx (1996 rates) : R380 per day, full board; children half price. Large fishing boats range between R160 and R220 per day, fuel extra.

LOWER ZAMBEZI

Note: Because of Kariba, Lower Zambezi operations are not subject to annual flooding, and water thus remains clean and fishable at times (ie, mid to late summer) when the upper river can be dirty and unfishable. This is something to keep in mind.

(15) TIGER SAFARIS is based at Chirundu, some 80 km below Kariba wall. Accommodation is in large, thatched A-frame chalets at the river's edge, serviced and fully equipped (fridge, stove, crockery, cutlery & linen) and is self-catering. This is a top area for tiger, vundu and Cornish jack; not good for bream.

Cost: Self-catering chalet for four people, R348 per day (1997 rates). For each additional person, R56 per day (max 7 per chalet.) Boats, max three anglers, are R237 per day, plus fuel used.

(16) CHIAWA CAMP lies a further 100 km downstream, on the Zambian side of the river and within the Lower Zambezi National Park. Accommodation for 12 clients is in safari tents under thatch shelters, with a separate ablution block.

Only open between April and November Chiawa offers the best game-viewing on the entire river, in an area that has virtually no outside visitors; elephant, big buffalo herds and prides of over 20 lions at a time can be expected.

The river here is wide and sandy, broken into many shallow streams that offer exciting fast-water fishing for tiger in particular. Standard method is to drift with fillets, but casting lures is also very productive. Vundu and chessa/nkupe are plentiful, but not a good area for bream.

To get there, one flies to Lusaka and is transferred in by the operators four hours; two by road and two by water is US $90 pp, or else charters by light aircraft from Lusaka or by float plane from Kariba, call for quotes.

Costs (1997 rates: US $145 pps pn; full board, NPWS entry fees, game viewing, walks, boat cruises, teas and daily laundry.

Fishing: Per boat (3 pax max) are US $150 full day incl; guide, tackle & bait.

CAHORA BASSA, MOZAMBIQUE

The 280 km Cahora Bassa Dam, only slightly smaller than Kariba, lies 500 km downstream from Kariba, and 500 km above where the Zambezi enters the sea near Beira. No bush clearing was done at Cahora Bassa, and as a result wherever one stops there will be a drowned forest beneath you. There are enormous populations of tigerfish and various bream species, particularly redbreast. A very hot area, and July/September would appear to be the best months.

(17) UGEZI TIGER LODGE, CAHORA BASSA, is a new operation near the dam wall and the town of Songo, which means one can drive there on tar roads, the route from Jhb being via Beit Bridge, Harare, Namapanda, Changara, Tete. Or, there is an international airport at Songo.

Accommodation is in furnished safari tents beneath baobabs and other indigenous trees, and fishing craft are two twin-engine ski-boats and several smaller bass-type boats, each with a driver/ skipper.

Rates are R399 pps pn (1998 Rates), including brunch (or boat pack), dinner and guided boat fishing. Fuel is extra. Clients to bring own alcohol, but beer can be pre-arranged on request.

The angling in Cahora Bassa is excellent, with a tiger of 11 kg having been caught in December '96; the larger tiger tend to be caught on drift baits of kapenta or fish fillets. The summer months of November-Feb are VERY hot; August-Oct would appear to be a good fishing time.

Price are subject to change without notice.