Tanzania Trophy Tiger Safari 

Africa

In the past, trophy tiger fish have been classified as fish above 10 lbs. This bench mark has been shattered with the average fish in this system coming home at just under 8lbs. Here fisherman have a real opportunity of landing tiger fish of over 20lb’s, with shots at multiple trophy fish on a daily basis in fresh water this is almost unheard of. Now combine this fact with the speed, strength, aerial antics and aggressive nature of the tiger fish, and dump it all in two rivers flowing through one of the words last true wilderness areas, home to big game, and then you may begin to get an idea of just how unique the twin fisheries of the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers really are.
Angling (species): Tiger fish (H.tanzaniae ) ranging in size from 1 to 30lbs are the main quarry. Yellow fish species, Catfish, Bream and Gundu are also available for the species aficionados. Over 30 different species of fish were identified by our guides over the 2010 season. Fly fishing is far and above the most successful method to target the massive tiger fish in these waters. Catfish are generally caught as by-catch when targeting tiger fish. Yellow fish and the impressive Gundu can be targeted specifically. The Tourette Fishing team of full time guides are pioneers in targeting tiger fish on fly, and are widely regarded as industry leaders. Over the past 4 years guiding and managing this fishery we have developed an in depth understanding of the fishery, the tiger fish, their habits, as well as tackle and tactics to successfully target these amazing fish.
Note: All catching is strictly “catch and release” with single debarbed hooks. No beat is fished twice in a week; areas where fish are spawning are strictly no go areas.

Yellow Fish: Over the course of the 2010 season Leonard Flemming, Tourette Fishing Guide and Fishery research expert, found and deciphered the feeding habits of 3 species of yellow fish – the largest weighing in at 8lbs. Targeting yellowfish feeding on sand banks and in the rapids on the Mnyera River offers some truly unique fly fishing. Although these fish can be targeted throughout the season, it is the second half of the season that offers the finest yellow fishing conditions. With water levels down, and clarity superb, sight fishing is the name of the game. Up stream nymphing is the preferred method, with short and delicate casts. Tourette Fishing guides are experts in the field, and will put you onto the fish when conditions dictate.

The Fishing:
Tengo (main camp on the Mnyera River) and Samaki Camp (on the Ruhudji River) offer the adventurous fly fisherman the ultimate African fly fishing safari. Guests have access to over 120km on two adjacent rivers, 7 km of rapids and a unique fly camping operation which allows us to fish remote stretches of these unspoiled rivers. Luxury bush camps and mobile fly camping (mobile tents erected prior to our arrival) under the African stars ensure that the African safari experience is as much a part of this trip as the trophy tigers you can expect to encounter.
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 16ft aluminum boats, as well as inflatable drift boats when conditions on the upper reaches allow.

This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with our 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 20lbs. be prepared to have you fly fishing paradigms shifted! www.tourettefishing.com 3
By limiting the season to only 19 weeks with a max of 6 rods per week, adopting an intensive catch register, strict beat rotation, combined with ongoing research with leading academic institutes we are confident that the highly acclaimed success of this fishery will be maintained.

Guides:
Keith Clover and Robert Scott from Tourette Fishing pioneered the Tiger fishing on these rivers in 2008. Since then, Tourette Fishing’s team of full time guides have guided all fishing groups to the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. Having spent collectively over 650 guiding days on these rivers, you can be assured that your guides know these waters intimately. It is this knowledge that ensures you have a productive, safe and enjoyable fishing experience in this one of the planets finest fisheries.

Boats:
We use 16ft ‘Go Devil’ aluminum 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 – 40hp 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 fitted with line stripping bins. All boats are equipped with two way radios and first aid equipment.

Camp Details:
Tengo Camp (Mnyera River): This luxury tented camp is in a league of its own, and is the base for your stay. The camp consists of 4 tents with twin or double configurations. All tents are erected on raised wooden decks, with a private viewing deck overlooking the river. Tents are tastefully decorated with locally made furniture and soft furnishing. All tents are en suite. The beauty of these tents is the 360 degree panoramic views they allow - giving you a truly unique African bush experience. Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard, and wake up with the sun and splashes of feeding tiger fish, all in the privacy of your personal luxurious en suite tent. Sleeping under canvas has never been this wonderful.
Meals are enjoyed in the main mess area on a raised wooden deck overlooking the river. A covered lounge and living area completes the main camp. This area contains a small library, two lounges, electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly tying station.

Samaki Camp (Rhudji River): This, your secondary camp, is erected each season from scratch. Its location on the banks of the Ruhudji River allows access to these productive waters. Samaki camp comprises three traditional Meru 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.

Meals:
All meals are prepared by our amazing camp chef. Kitchens are basic, with all cooking done over wood fuelled grills and ovens. Fresh produce is flown into camp each week with the group. Due to the close relationship with the nearby hunting camp, guests can enjoy fresh venison during their stay. Breakfast is normally an early affair with tea, coffee, toast, cereal and fruit taken before getting onto the boat. We break for a mid morning snack on the river banks at around 10am. Lunch is taken on the river banks in a shaded spot selected by your guides. Dinners are served in the mess area, or alfresco under the African night sky.

Wild Life:
Buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant are common in the area, as well as a host of plains game species including puku, warthog, hartebeest, zebra, eland and bushbuck amongst many. Take time from the hectic fishing and enjoy an evening game drive and sundowners.
The bird life is exceptional with many rare and endemic species found in the area. Pels Fishing Owl, along with Palmnut Vultures, Narina Trogans, Broad Billed Roller, African Fin Foot and white backed night heron all make this revering environment their home. Twitches bring your binoculars and guide books.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Dares Salaam and overnight
Day 2: Charter from to Tengo Camp, arrive at camp mid morning, lunch and afternoon fish
Day 3 – 7: Five full days of fishing
Day 8: Morning Fish followed by charter flight back to Dares Salaam. Depart for home or overnight it Dares Salaam.

Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Tanzania Trophy Tiger Safari you will need to make travel arrangements to Dares Salaam, Tanzania. In Dares Salaam you will be met by a member of the team and transferred to your hotel (arranged by the outfitter not included in the package).
Getting to the Lodge: The next morning you will take a charter flight to the lodge (included in the package).
Departure Information: Dares Salaam for home.

Documentation Requirements:
All US citizens will require visas to enter Tanzania.

Inoculations:
Valid yellow fever inoculations are required by most countries (on return from Tanzania) please enquires with your local travel clinic.

Communication:
There is no cell phone reception in camp. We do have a camp satellite phone that is available should it be needed – this is charged at USD2 per minute. Time GMT+3

Currency:
Tanzania Shillings are the official currency. US dollars are accepted for most transactions. There are foreign exchange departments at the Airport and your hotel.

Language:
Swahili and English

Included: Meet and greet at Dares Salaam Airport, All Transfers from and returning to airport, as well as hotel to charter flight(Charter flight to Camp is 1hr45min in a Cessna Caravan comfortable and lots of space so no luggage and tackle restrictions), 5 full days and two part days fishing on the Mnyera and Ruhudji rivers, Exclusive access to 120km of waters with a maximum of 6 anglers per week, Professional guiding (1 guide per two anglers), All meals, accommodation, and all drinks when in camp. Boats and fuel (2 anglers per boat), Fishing licenses and concession fees, Tanzania Government Conservation Levy of USD150/p/d,

Not included: Flights to Dares Salaam, Visas USD 50 per person obtainable on arrival, First nights Hotel accommodation and Meals in Dares Salaam (dinner and breakfast), Drinks in Dares Salaam, Gratuities