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 28 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 28 pound range. You'll spend three full days fishing each river with exclusive access to almost 75 miles of water and a maximum of eight anglers per week.
Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers:
On both the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, anglers have the chance of landing tigers up to 28 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 8 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.
Mike Sadar's with Large Tigerfish
• All catching is strictly catch-and-release with single barbless hooks.
• No beat is fished twice in one week. Areas where fish are spawning, are strictly no-go areas.
• No re-drifting of beats is allowed.
You'll drift fish a majority of the time. 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 tie 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 African Water's 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.
Fly Fishing Facts:
Fishing Season: runs from August through November, 16 weeks.
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, drop-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.
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. Rod and reel rentals are available for $100.00 per person per week (excluding fly lines, which may be purchased at the Camp). A tip breakage is subject to a $30.00 fee. A rod breakage is subject to a $100.00 fee. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
Lisa Sadar with Tigerfish
Bob Daly with Tanzania Tigerfish
Upstream Nymphing for Yellowfish
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.
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.
Interior of Dhala Tent
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.
Beverages: Soft drinks and bottled water are provided. Alcohol is limited to three beers per person per day and two bottle of wine with dinner per party of four.
Communications: Wi-Fi is unavailable in the Camps. There is limited cell phone reception at the Dhala Camp. Dhalla Camp has a satellite phone available in case of an emergency. The fee is $5.00 per minute for outgoing calls and $3.00 per minute for incoming calls.
Power: You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter. Detailed information is provided in our confirmation packet.
Covered Lounge Area at Dhala
Around the Fire
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. The charter flight has a 20kg/44 pound baggage weight limit. (The charter flight is not included in the package.) From the landing strip, it is a 15-minute jeep ride to camp.
2023 and 2024 USD Rates:
Our advice is free.
Maximum of eight anglers per week.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Two anglers per boat and room
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
(Fishing is 5-full days and 2 half-days)
$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 the package
Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500.00 per person
+ $1,750.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,250.00 p.p.
African Waters Information:
The Packages Include:
• Meet and greet at Dar es Salaam Airport
• Ground transfers between hotel and domestic airport
• 6-days guided fishing
• 7-nights at Camp
• All meals at camp
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Three beers per person per day
• Two bottles of wine with dinner, per party of four
• Fishing licenses
• Concession fees
• Tanzania Government Conservation Levy
• 16% Tanzania Tourism VAT.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare• International flight to Dar es Salaam, and return
• Charter flight between Dar es Salaam and camp
• Visa and entry fees upon arrival
• Charter flight to/from camp ($1,750.00 p.p. 2023)
• Meals, beverages, and first night hotel stay in Dar es Salaam
• BYO liquor from duty-free
• Spirits and wine in camp
• Beers over the allocated amount in camp
• $100.00 rod and reel rental, optional and excludes fly lines
• Fishing tackle
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• $5.00 per minute for outgoing satellite calls
• $3.00 per minute for incoming satellite calls
• Mandatory Travel insurance, full coverage
• Mandatory Medical Evacuation coverage, such as Global Rescue
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
• As of 2020, Fishing with Larry charges a 2.5-percent convenience fee for credit card transactions.
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 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 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.
African Waters Policies:
Insurance: Comprehensive travel, medical, baggage, money, and cancellation insurance are compulsory on all African Waters tours. This is the client's own responsibility and should be arranged in your country of origin.
Medical Evacuation: is Required. It is imperative that all clients have adequate travel and medical insurance that includes medical
evacuation from point of injury. See FWL Global Rescue page.
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation, with the balance to be paid 90 days before departure. Once the deposit is received, all revisions are subject to a $100.00 USD handling fee.
CANCELLATION PROCEDURE
2.1 Cancellation by African Waters: African Waters reserves the right to cancel any tour if the specified minimum number of passengers is not booked on the tour. In the event of tour being canceled, the client may choose a full refund or alternatively any other tour that African Waters is in the position to offer. If the price of the alternative tour is less than the original tour booked. The difference will be refunded to the client. If the alternative tour is more expensive, then the
client will be liable for the additional cost.
2.2 Cancellation by Client: Notification of cancellation must be in writing and is effective as of the date it is received by African Waters. Should a person cancel a tour/customized tour and cannot find a immediate replacement:
If African Waters has more than 180 days notice, deposit is forfeited unless dates can be resold, in which case a 10% admin fee will apply.
If African Waters has between 179 and 91 days notice, 70% of tour costs are forfeited, unless dates can be resold, in which case a 10% admin fee will apply.
If African Waters has less than 90 days notice 100% of total fare is forfeited unless dates can be resold, in which case 15% admin fee will apply.
Once deposit is received, all revisions are subject to a USD $100 handling fee.
If you fail to join a tour, or join after departure, or leave prior to its completion, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
Click here for Fishing with Larry's Travel Insurance page.
