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:

Africa Tigerfishing

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 Riveroffer 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

Mike Sadar Holding 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

African Waters Fishing

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.

Lisa Sadar with Tigerfish

Lisa Sadar with Tanzania Tigerfish

Bob Daly with Tanzania Tigerfish

Bob Daly with Tanzania Tigerfish

Upstream Nymphing for Yellowfish

Angler with Bright Yellowfish

Dhala and Samaki Camps:

Covered Tent on Elevated Platform

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

Two Beds with Mosquito Netting

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

Covered Lounge Area

View of the River and Nightly Fire

Firepit at Night with River
Rock Riddled Jungle River
Angler with Large Tigerfish

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.

Jeep with Plane in Background

Trip Itinerary:

DAY 1 - Morning Charter from Dar es Salaam to Camp. Welcome an dbriefing 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 Salalaam.
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.



Maximum of eight 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.



Maximum of eight 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
• Mandatory 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., and from here, you’ll either fly out directly or stay overnight in Dar es Salaam.


AFRICAN WATERS POLICIES:



Travel insurance and Mediccal Evacuation insurance such as Global Rescue are compulsory.
CANCELLATION PROCEDURE:
Cancellation by AFRICAN WATERS:
• In the event of tour being cancelled, 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 origi- nal tour booked. The difference will be refunded to the client. If the alternative tour is more expen- sive, then the client will be liable for the additional cost.
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 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 90days notice 100% of total fare is forfeited unless dates can be re- sold, 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.
It is highly recommended that Trip Cancellation insurance is obtained with your travel insurance policy at time of booking. African Waters Terms and Conditions apply. Please request a copy if you did not receive them. It is compulsory for clients to have comprehensive travel/medical Insurace prior to departure.

Click here for Fishing with Larry's Travel Insurance page.

Fishing Travel Experts


Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com