Overview
MNYERA RIVER
Guests have access to 40km of fishable waters on the Mnyera River. The Mnyera River changes character quickly over it fishable length. From rapids and pools in heavily wooded riverine forest on the upper reaches, the structure rich mid sections courtesy of centuries of erosion and fallen trees, to the deep “outside bends” and clay banks of the lower reaches. The Mnyera, with its incredibly diverse river structure is a veritable tigerfish haven and one that all guests visiting this amazing river will appreciate. Kilombero North Safari’s Dhalla Camp is your base when fishing the Mnyera River.
RUHUDJI RIVER
Situated in the neighbouring catchment (one valley south of the Mnyera) is this remote riverwith a charm and attraction that is hard to explain. Guests fishing the Ruhudji River have access to 80km of fishable water. The river is quite different from the Mnyera. It is a shallower river, with long sections of sand banks followed by deep outside bends and pools in the lower reaches. The river changes in its upper reaches to a narrow deep river, bordered by steep banks and heavily wooded forests as it enters the “gorge area”. Kilombero North Safari?s Samaki Camp is your base when fishing the Ruhudji River.
CAMP LIFE
DHALLA CAMP(Mnyera River)
This tented camp is the base for your stay on the Mnyera River. The camp consists of 4 tents with twin or double configurations. All tents have a view overlooking the river. All tents are en suite, offering a shower and toilet. Tents are set up with twin configuration. Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard, and wake up with the rising sun and splashes of feeding tiger fish, all inthe privacy of your safari tent.
Meals are enjoyed in the main central camp area under thatched roof over looking the river.
A covered lounge, dining room and living area completes the main camp. This area contains a small library, lounges, and electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly tying station.
SAMAKI CAMP(Ruhudji River)
This rustic bush camp is your base on the Ruhudji River. It too is erected each season and is the smaller sister of Dhalla Camp. Its location on the banks of the Ruhudji River allows access to these productive waters. Samaki camp comprises of traditional Safari tents, all en suite, with twin or double configurations. The mess area is situated in the shade of the river side forest, although most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a beautiful sandbank in front of the camp. Samaki camp has no electricity.
The Fishing
FISHING METHODS
The majority of the fishing is done off the drift. Here our attentions are focused on the river structure which comprises fallen timber, long sand banks, steep drop-off’s and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate we also make use of sand anchors and tying up to structure mid stream to focus our attention on a specific stretch of water. All fishing is done off 18ft aluminium boats.
These boats have been chosen for their application and are ideal for fishing the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. All boats are fitted with 25 hp motors. Each boat caters for two anglers and their professional guide, as well as a coxswain. Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people. All boats are equipped with first aid equipment.
This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with the controlled fly fishing venture will continue to do so. The system is also extremely rich in bait fish (predominantly red finned barbs). The combination of these factors has resulted in this population of tiger fish obtaining otherwise unheard of sizes. Trophy fish in this system are measured above 15lbs.
Be prepared to have you tiger fishing paradigms shifted!
SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Dhalla Camp (on the Mnyera River) and Samaki Camp (on the Ruhudji River) offer the adventurous fly fisherman a unique African fly fishing safari. Tented bush camps erected on each river ensure that the African safari experience is as much a part of this trip as the trophy tigers you can expect to encounter. Camps are not luxury, and due to the seasonal floods are built from scratch each season, they are practical and comfortable and allow guests and guides access to these amazing rivers.
