Mike Sadar with a tiger during Hosted Week
Tigerfishing Safari - Tanzania
Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers Combo
Fly Fishing Combo - Two Rivers and Two Camps
Over the past five years, the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers in southwest Tanzania have become recognized as the go-to destination for tigerfish in the 10-to 25-pound range. Fly Fishing only. African Waters is now the owner/outfitter of Tourette's Tigerfishing Camps. The Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers are widely regarded as the destination to target tigerfish in the 10 to 25-pound range. You'll spend three full days fishing each river.
Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers:
On both the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, anglers have the chance of landing tigers over 20-pounds, with daily shots at multiple trophy fish.
tigerfish are renowned for their speed, strength, aerial antics, and aggressive nature. In the past, trophy tigers have been classified as fish above 10-pounds.
Here, tigers average just under eight pounds, shattering this benchmark. These two rivers flow through one of the world’s last true wilderness areas.
Dhala, the main camp on the Mnyera River, and Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River, offer the adventurous fly angler the ultimate African fly fishing safari. Guests have access to over 120km (74.56 miles) on two adjacent rivers, 7 km (4.35 miles) of rapids, and a unique camping operation that allows you to fly fish remote stretches of these unspoiled rivers.
The majority of the time, you’re drift fishing. The river structure is comprised of fallen timber, sandbanks, steep drop-offs, and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate, they also make use of sand anchors and tying up to structure mid-stream to focus on a specific stretch of water.
This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with their controlled fly-fishing methods, will continue to be so.
The system is also extremely rich in baitfish—predominantly red-finned barbs. The combination of these factors has resulted in a population of tigerfish obtaining otherwise unheard-of sizes. Trophy tigers in this system have weighed up to 28-pounds.
• All catching is strictly catch-and-release with single debarbed hooks.
• No beat is fished twice in a week. Areas where fish are spawning are strictly no-go areas.
• No re-drifting of beats allowed.
Fly Fishing Facts:
Fishing Season: is limited to 16 weeks from August through November.
Group Size: The group size is limited to eight anglers per week, with four per group divided between the two rivers and camps.
Guides: International English-speaking guides who collectively have over 4,000 days on these waters.
Methods: You'll mainly be drift fishing, with a focus on river structure--logs, long sand banks, drof-offs, and rocky outcroppings.
Species: Tigers, yellowfish, catfish, Vundu (the air-breathing catfish), bream, and gundu. Over 30 different species of fish have been identified by their guides.
All fishing is strictly catch-and-release with single barbless hooks. No beat is fished twice in a week, and spawning areas are strictly off-limits.
Boats: 18-foot aluminum boats with 15-to 25-HP motors. Two anglers per boat and a professional guide, as well as a coxswain (deckhand). Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people. All boats are fitted with line stripping bins and are equipped with two-way radios and first-aid equipment.
Fishing Equipment: Fishing equipment is not included in the package. A rod and reel rental is available for $100.00 per week. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
A Fishing License: is included in the package.
Dhala and Samaki Camps:
Dhala Camp on the Mnyera River: Four tents with twin beds. Each tent has a private view of the river and an ensuite bath, with a toilet and shower. Dinners at the Dhala Camp are enjoyed in the main dining area on a raised wooden deck overlooking the river. In the covered lounge, there are electric points for charging cameras and laptops and a comprehensive fly-tying station. You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter. Detailed information is provided in our confirmation packet.
Samaki Camp on the Rhudji River: This rustic bush camp is comprised of traditional Safari tents, all ensuite, with twin or double beds. There is no electricity at this camp.
Meals: All meals are prepared by their amazing camp chef. Kitchens are basic, with all cooking done over wood-fueled grills and ovens.
Fresh produce is flown into camp each week with the group. Due to the close relationship with a nearby hunting camp, guests can enjoy fresh venison during their stay.
Communication: There is no cell phone reception in the camps. They do have a camp satellite phone that is available if needed. The fee is $2.00 USD per minute.
Getting to the Camp:
You’ll fly to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. A member of African Waters' staff will greet you at the airport and drive you to The Seacliff Hotel. (The hotel night is not included in the package.) The following morning, at 7:30 a.m., a representative will meet you at the hotel and drive you to your charter flight. You’ll take a one-hour and 45-minute flight in a Cessna Caravan to the Dhala Camp. There is a 20kg/44-pound baggage weight limit for the charter flight. (The charter flight is not included in the package.) From the landing strip, it is a 15-minute jeep ride to camp.
2023 USD Rates:
Two anglers per boat and room
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$9,650.00 per person
+ $1,750.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $11,400.00 p.p.
One angler per room upgrade:
Add $2,200.00 to package
Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500.00 per person
+ $1,750.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,250.00 p.p.
Packages Include:
Meet and greet at Dar es Salaam Airport, ground transfers to hotel and charter airport, five full days and two half-days guided fishing on the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, exclusive access to almost 75 miles of water with a maximum of eight anglers per week, professional guided fishing—one guide per two anglers, camp accommodations, all meals at camp, soft drinks, water, limited amount of beer, use of boats and fuel, fishing licenses and concession fees, Tanzania Government Conservation Levy, and 16% Tanzania Tourism VAT.
Packages Do Not Include:
International flights to Dar es Salaam, visa and entry fees upon arrival (Visa is approx. $100.00 per person), charter flight to/from camp ($1,500.00 per person in 2022), meals/beverages and first night’s stay at The Seacliff Hotel in Dar es Salaam, (BYO liquor from duty free, spirits and wine in camp, beers over allocated amount in camp, optional rod and reel rental of $100.00 per week, fishing tackle, gratuities for guides and staff, satellite phone calls - $5.00 USD per minute, mandatory medical evacuation insurance such as Global Rescue, mandatory comprehensive travel insurance--covering medical, baggage, money, and cancellation, and anything not mentioned under inclusions. Comprehensive travel, medical, baggage, money and cancellation insurance are compulsory on all African Waters tours.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 0 - Friday: Land in Dar es Salaam. Overnight in Dar es Salaam.
Day 1 - Saturday: Morning charter to Dhala Camp, arrive at camp. One group transfers to Ruhudji Camp, and one group stays on the Mnyera River.
Travel time between camps is roughly 2 hours depending on road conditions.
Day 2-3: Full days of guided fishing at the first camp.
Day 4: Full day of guided fishing, and then guests will move to the other camp in the evening.
Days 5-7: Full days of guided fishing at the second camp.
Day 8 - Saturday: Charter flight back to Dar es Salaam. You'll arrive back about 1:30 p.m., and from here, you’ll either fly out directly or stay overnight in Dar es Salaam.
