OVERVIEW

There are few experiences in this world that can rival an African dawn, especially when holding a fly rod on the Zambezi River, in search of arguably the fiercest fresh water gamefish - the mighty TIGERFISH!
Fishing for a creature which over time has been moulded out of pure aggression and speed on the Zambezi River is an experience not for the faint hearted.  As the fish hits your fly, adrenaline is instantly injected into your system making the next few minutes anything but a gentle stroll in the park. It’s a fix you just have to try!

The lower Zambezi River offers anglers the opportunity to fish for Africa’s premier freshwater game fish in some of Africa’s most majestic scenery.  This particular area is known as the Zambezi River Valley and has proven to be one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations for Tigerfish. The lower Zambezi starts below the famous Victoria Falls from where it flows below Lake Kariba through the Zambezi Valley and into Cahora Bassa.  The valley is rich in birdlife with over 300 species being recorded making it a birders paradise. This largely undisturbed environment also plays host to unique flora such as the majestic Baobab trees that line the river banks. The lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s famed wilderness areas, so when you add a species like the Tigerfish into the equation, the results are sure to make it a trip of lifetime!

FISHING

The area covers the headwaters of Lake Cahora Bassa, where the mighty Zambezi River slows down and spreads out into various channels which run into the lake, some of them varying in width from 100m to 2km. Huge islands of up to 100 hectares which are covered by reed beds are also situated in the main channel, these form large floodplains, with the edges providing ideal cover for baitfish and hence attract large numbers of Tigerfish. The channels between these islands are also made up of huge glides which are interspersed by sandbars and various other forms of structure, again creating ideal Tigerfish habitat. This truly unique section of water has formed a prime Tigerfish feeding ground.

Further upstream the river forms a gorge with very little structure and lower downstream the dam has no flow, concentrating the huge numbers of feeding Tigerfish in the area around Panyame. Best of all, there are no long boat rides required to get to the fishing grounds! Eighty percent of the fishing sessions are conducted within five kilometers from camp. There are four brand new boats in camp customized for fly fishing and fitted out with all the necessary technology and gear to make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

All the fishing is done from boats, firstly allowing anglers the opportunity to drift and fish through some of the most spectacular scenery Africa has to offer, and secondly due to numerous hippos and crocodiles which call this section of the Zambezi home.

TARGET SPECIES

Tigerfish... big, mean, nasty, toothy, Tigerfish.  There are some local catfish also. 

ACCOMmODATIONS

All clients are accommodated in the stunning Panyame Safari Lodge.  The lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River.  The concession also seems to have a high concentration of game which will no doubt add to the clients’ enjoyment of the trip.  All clients will be housed in spacious safari style tented chalets containing two double beds, en-suite bathroom and shower which has a constant supply of hot water. All beds have a mosquito net which can be untied and draped over the bed before going to bed. Each chalet has 24 hour 220 volt electricity and a pedestal fan. Standard South African three-prong plugs are used, with guest being able to charge their cameras or phones in the main lodge area.

Converters are recommended for US and European clients. Full housekeeping is included in the lodge service and there is also a daily laundry service available.

CAPACITY

8 Anglers with 2 per boat

LENGTH OF STAY AND RATES (2011)

Most guests opt for the Friday to Friday package once inside of South Africa or Zimbabwe.  Longer visits can be arranged and recommended.  Fishing packages are 7 nights lodging with 6 days of fishing.  Fully guided 7 night plan is approximately $3106 per person with mild fluctuations in conversion rates. 

*Sporting Life Adventure Travel services are always FREE to our clients.  Our clients never pay more with us than booking directly with the destination lodge or outfitter.  We’ll help reduce your stress!

SEASON

July 2nd to September 10th for a fully guided Tigerfish experience.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED

The camp has 4 new custom made aluminum “bass style” boats with quiet Yamaha 100 HP four-stroke engines to get you on top of the tigerfish fast! 

HOW TO GET THERE

Guests will need to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa or direct into Harare, Zimbabwe.  Based on a standard seven day package – guests traveling from or through South Africa will depart from Johannesburg International Airport on a scheduled flight to Harare, followed by a forty five minute charter flight onboard a Cessna Caravan to Kanyemba.  A Panyame Lodge representative will greet you. Guests will then be collected in Land Cruisers and transferred through the game concession to the lodge which takes 45 minutes. 

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

There is so much flora and fauna here, it is nearly impossible to fish.  Bring your camera with a telephoto lens.  One any given day, you can photograph over 150 species of birds, elephant congregating near the river, warthogs, impala, hippos, giant crocs, bush buck, kudu, reed buck, any many more. 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL

Valid passports are required to enter South Africa, Zimbabe and Mozambique.  US citizens are required to obtain a travel visa for Zimbabwe and Mozambique.  Visas for traveling through these two countries may be purchased at the airport there.  Contact SLAT (us) for more info or help.  Travelers to Kanyemba, Zimbabwe except for South Africans will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe prior departure as they will have to re-enter Zimbabwe after the trip. Although Zimbabwe visas can be purchased in Harare when entering Zimbabwe, we do however ask all clients to purchase them before arrival due to the time constraints of the charter flight schedule.  Travelers will also require a single entry visa when entering Mozambique at Zumbo. Please be advised that no visas for Mozambique can be purchased in Zumbo and so arrangements need to be made in your country of residence if you are non South African.  This might sound confusing and that is why we are here to help

you with your arrangements. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All meals, lodging, guiding, boat transfers, local beer, soft drinks. Internal air chartered flight to Kanyemba is included.  Guests may want to bring their own liquor or wine. 

WHAT’S NOT

Gratuities for your guides and staff.  Your International airfare to S.Africa or Zimbabwe.

Departure tax upon leaving Zimbabwe and Mozambique (currently about $10 & $20 US).  Travel visa for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique if required.

DEPOSITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

OTHER INFO

Weight Limitation: Each passenger can take a maximum of 12kg on the charter, please make sure that you are not overweight and that all of your luggage is in soft bags!!!

Both USD and Rands are accepted at the lodge. Please take enough cash to settle your bar bill, and gratuities if desired (guides US$50.00 per guest per day, camp staff US$20 per guest per day).

1. •The lodge has plenty of local beers and soft drinks available which are included in the cost, we do however suggest bringing your own hard liquor and wine with you. There is no additional corkage charge.

www.sportinglifetravel.com

1-877-611-SLAT (7528)