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. 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 fishing 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.

The Fishing Program

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, focusing 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.
Fitness Level: The fishing is boat-based, so the Camps are suitable for 95% of people who are fit enough to travel.

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. The covered lounge has 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: Their amazing camp chef prepares all meals. The kitchens are basic, with 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 bottles 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. Our confirmation packet provides detailed information.

Covered Lounge Area at Dhala

View of the River and Nightly Fire

For travel to Tanzania, you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if you have a United States passport.
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 weight limit of 20 kg/44 pounds for luggage and 5 kg/11 pounds for carry-on 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.

From Dar es Salaam, you'll take a one-hour and 45-minute charter flight and then a 15-minute Jeep ride to the Camp.

Trip Itinerary:

DAY 1 - Morning Charter from Dar es Salaam to Camp. Welcome and briefing by head guide. Four anglers stay at Dhala Camp and four anglers move to Samaki Camp. NO fishing on the day of arrival as guides and staff need this time for weekly administration. Tackle setup and camp orientation.
DAY 2 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
DAY 3 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
DAY 4 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Samaki Guests return to the Dhala Camp this afternoon.
DAY 5 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Dhalla Guests move to Samaki Camp this morning.
DAY 6 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
DAY 7 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Samaki Guests return to the Dhala Camp this evening.
DAY 8 - Morning routine and charter flight to Dar es Salalam.
PLEASE NOTE:
Travel time between camps is roughly 2 hours, depending on road conditions. Rather than focus on the missed fishing time, we urge guests to enjoy this journey through the African bush and take the time to view game and landscapes that are as wild as they were thousands of years ago.

2024 Package Details:

2024 USD Rates:

Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.

Group Size: 8 anglers per week.
Season: August through November

Two anglers per boat:
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.

Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500.00 per person
+ $1,750.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,250.00 p.p.

2025 USD Rates:

Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.

Group Size: 8 anglers per week.
Season: August through November

Two anglers per boat:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
(Fishing is 5 full days and 2 half days)
$10,100.00 per person
+ $1,895.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $11,995.00 p.p.

Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500.00 per person
+ $1,895.00 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,795.00 p.p.

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
($1,750.00 p.p. in 2023)
• Visa and entry fees upon arrival
• 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 medical evacuation insurance, such as Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
• Fishing with Larry charges a 2.5 percent credit card transaction fee as of 2020.

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. from here, you’ll fly out directly or stay overnight in Dar es Salaam.

AFRICAN WATERS POLICIES:
Mandatory Medical Evacuation Insurance: It is mandatory that all clients have adequate medical insurance that covers medical evacuation from the point of injury. We strongly recommend you obtain this through Global Rescue.

Release of Liability: Please be aware that all guests will be required to sign and return the African Waters Indemnity Form prior to the trip, and there will be no exceptions to this.

Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel, medical, baggage, money, and trip cancellation insurance are strongly recommended on all African Waters tours. This is the clients’ own responsibility and should be arranged in your country of origin.

DEPOSIT POLICY: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due within 10 days of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival.

CANCELLATION PROCEDURES:
All trip cancellations must be received in writing. Both deposits and final payments are non-refundable. If a cancelled package is resold by African Waters, then a full refund will be sent minus a 10% per person cancellation fee. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. If no replacement is found, the following cancellation terms will apply:
· For cancellations outside of 180 days from the start of trip date, a 90% credit (will be issued for a trip to be rescheduled within one year from original trip date.
· For cancellations made 179 to 90 days from the start of trip date, a 50% credit will be issued for a trip to be rescheduled within one year from original trip date.
· For cancellations inside of 90 days from arrival date, all payments will be forfeited, and no credit will be issued.
African Waters strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip. No refunds will be given for services, activities or accommodations voluntarily not participated in by the guest. This is the clients’ own responsibility and should be arranged in your country of origin, when your book your tour. It is mandatory that all clients have adequate medical insurance that includes medical evacuation from point of injury. We strongly recommend you obtain this through Global Rescue, who are world leaders and are strongly linked with the fishing travel industry. African Waters, its agents and affiliates, take no responsibility for change in international and local flight schedules. At time of quote, all flight charges, island fees and government taxes are correct but nonetheless are subject to change without prior notice. Client bookings are accepted on the understanding by the client that all tours are of an adventurous nature and involve an element of personal risk which is an inherent part of international travel. Clients undertake all tours entirely at their own risk and while African Waters takes every precaution to ensure the safety of clients, no responsibility can be accepted for any death, injury or loss which might occur to such clients, sustained from any cause whatsoever. Please be aware that all guests will be required to sign and return the African Waters Indemnity Form prior to the trip, and there will be no exceptions to this. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these African Waters packages.
Click here for Fishing with Larry's Travel Insurance page.