TigerFishing
The Best Tiger Fishing Safaris in Tanzania
TigerFishing Tanzania - Fishing Safari Adventures
Tigerfishing safari to the Mnyera and Ruhudji River in South Western Tanzania - one of the finest fresh water fishing destinations in the world where monster trophy-sized Tiger Fish in the 10 – 25lb range can be caught.
Guests have access to 120 km of river, split between the two river systems with a maximum of only eight anglers per week. The trophy-sized Tigerfish that call these rivers home provide unparalleled Tigerfishing opportunities in a stunning wild and remote location.
In addition to Tigerfish, both rivers are also home to endemic species of Yellowfish and the incredibly strong Vundu.
A trip to Tanzania is undoubtedly one of the unique fishing experiences on the planet. If you are looking for your next “must-fish” destination, then Tigerfishing in Tanzania is the trip that you need to make!
The typical Tigerfishing season on Mnyera and Ruhudji river systems runs from mid-August to mid-November. It is during these months when the water temperatures rise and the clarity increases, that trophy sized Tigerfish begin to feed aggressively.
TIGER FISHING SAFARIS
7 NIGHT | 8 DAY
2026
Fishing Package: 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
Location: Mnyera & Ruhudji Rivers, Tanzania
Group Size: Maximum 8 Anglers
Fishing Package Cost
Fishing Tour USD 10,850 (per person sharing)
Return Charter Flight USD 2,100 (per person )
Total USD 12,950
Non Fishing Observer Rates:
Observer Package – USD 5,500
Observer Day Activities (Sharing) – USD 200 pp
Observer Day Activities (Single) – USD 400 pp
INCLUDES
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Transfer from airport to Seacliff Hotel on arrival
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Transfer from Seacliff to charter flight on morning of departure
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Transfer from charter terminal to airport or Seacliff on return
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Return charter flights from Dar es Salaam
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7 nights in camp and 6 full days fishing (sunrise to sunset)
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Access to 120 km of water (Mnyera & Ruhudji) + boats and fuel
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Professional guiding (2 anglers per boat)
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All meals, accommodation, water, soft drinks and limited beer
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Fishing licences and concession fees
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Tanzania Government Conservation Levy
EXCLUDES
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International flights to Dar es Salaam (available on request)
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Visas
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Accommodation and meals in Dar es Salaam pre/post tour
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Wine and spirits (welcome to bring your own duty-free preferred beverages)
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Extra Beer beyond the allocated camp allowance
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Gratuities for guides and stafF.
Day 1
Morning Charter from Dares Salaam to Camp. Welcome and briefing by head guide. 4 anglers stay at Dhala Camp, 4 Angler move to Samaki Camp. No fishing on day of arrival as guides and staff need this time. For weekly admin and maintenance. Tackle set up and camp orientation.
Day 2,3
Fish Mnyera/Ruhudji River
Day 4
Fish Mnyera/Ruhudji River –Samaki Guests return to Dhala Camp this afternoon where 8 rods are all together for dinner to share stories
Day 5
Fish Mnyera/Ruhudji River – Dhala Guests move to Samaki this morning
Day 6
Fish Mnyera/Ruhudji
Day 7
Fish Mnyera/Ruhudji – Samaki Guests return to Dhala Camp this evening- again all 8 rods are together again for the last night
Day 8
Morning admin and charter flight back to Dar es Salaam
*Travel time between camps is roughly 3.5 hours depending on road conditions. Rather than focus on the missed fishing time, we urge guests to enjoy this amazing journey through the African bush and take the time to view safari game and landscapes that are as wild as they were thousands of years ago.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFO
Arrival & Departure
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Arrive in Dar es Salaam the day before your tour starts.
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Book return flights after 15:30 on the final tour day.
Inoculations & Documents
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Yellow fever certificate: Required (check with your local travel clinic).
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Malaria prophylaxis: Recommended—consult your doctor.
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Passport & visa: Passport required; visa available on arrival.
Communication
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Cell signal: Limited in main camp; international roaming recommended.
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WiFi access: Limited in both Dhala & Samaki Camps.
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Emergency contact: Satellite phone available at camp.
Currency
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Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling.
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USD: Widely accepted at airport, hotels, and camp.
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Cash only in camp: Bring enough for tackle, drinks, and gratuities.
Safari WildLife
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Common sightings: Buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, puku, warthog, hartebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck.
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Exceptional birding: Pel’s fishing owl, palm-nut vulture, narina trogon, African finfoot, broad-billed roller, white-backed night heron.
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Birders welcome: Bring binoculars and field guides!
HERE BE MONSTERS
Tiger Fishing Tanzania - Fishing Safari Adventures
AUGUST to NOVEMBER
THE FISHING
The Tigerfishing is done off the drift with attention 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 structures mid stream to focus our attention on a specific stretch of water.
All fishing is done off 18ft aluminium boats ad are ideal for Tigerfishing the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. All boats are fitted with 15- 25 HP motors. Each boat caters for two anglers and a professional guide. Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people and the boats are equipped with first aid equipment.
The rivers are under a well-controlled fishing operation. The river systems are extremely rich in baitfish and the proper management and lack of fishing pressure has resulted in the population of Tigerfish reaching exceptional sizes with trophy-sized fish in this system above 20 lbs.
The Tigerfishing is a strictly “catch and release” operation with single debarbed hooks. No beat is fished twice in a week; areas where fish are spawning are strictly no go areas and there is no re-drifting of beats allowed. This ensures you arrive at a Tigerfish fishery that is well rested and productive.
FISHING BOATS
All fishing is done off 18ft aluminium boats ad are ideal for Tigerfishing the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. All boats are fitted with 15- 25 HP motors. Each boat caters for two anglers and a professional guide. Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people and the boats are equipped with first aid equipment.
TIGER FISH
Tigerfish (H.tanzaniae ) ranging in size from 1 to 28lbs are the main quarry. The fishing guides are pioneers in targeting tigerfish on fly, and are widely regarded as industry leaders. Over the past 10 years guiding and managing this fishery they have developed an in depth understanding of the fishery, the tigerfish, their habits, as well as tackle and tactics to successfully target these amazing fish.
YELLOWFISH
Targeting yellowfish feeding on sand banks and in the rapids offers some truly unique fly fishing. Up stream nymphing is the preferred method, with short and delicate casts needed. All guides are experts in the field, and will put you onto the fish when conditions dictate.
VUNDU
With the intense anti poaching and fishery managements practices implemented by, the vundu population on the Mnyera and Ruhudji rivers have thrived. Vundu can be targeted in specific lies on the Mnyera and Ruhudji river, however most are hooked when fishing for tigerfish. This is a real challenging fish to land due to the size and power of these river monsters.
TIGER FISHING CAMPS
This is a fishing adventure for the fishermen looking for something really different and special.
The fishing camps on the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers are expertly managed by a professional team taking care of our guests every need from beautiful meals cooked over an open fire to well-maintained fishing boats. The team of expert fishing guides make sure all guests enjoy a world class guided fishing experience. They are the best in the business!
SAFARI FISHING EXPERIENCE
The fishing camps offer the adventurous fly fisherman a uniquely African experience. The tented bush camps are erected each season, to ensure that this African wilderness is maintained as pristine as possible. The camps are rustic bush camps and the fishing and the guiding is world class. So for someone looking or a very special freshwater fishing experience, this is it!
SAMAKI CAMP
Perched on the banks of the Ruhudji River, Samaki Camp is your intimate bush retreat. Built each season, it is the smaller sister of Dhalla Camp, offering direct access to these productive waters. The camp features traditional Meru-style safari tents, all en suite, available in twin or double configurations.
The dining and bar area is nestled in the shade of the riverside forest, though most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a picturesque sandbank in front of the camp. Samaki operates without mains electricity, relying on solar power with backup generators, providing 220V when needed.
All meals are freshly prepared by the camp chef, serving wholesome bush cuisine in a mix of relaxed and scenic settings. Fresh produce is flown in weekly along with new guests, and local venison often features on the menu.
Samaki Camp offers a truly immersive bush experience, where comfort and simplicity harmonize with the wild beauty of the Ruhudji River.
DHALLA CAMP
Dhala Camp features six en-suite safari tents and a spacious dining and lounge/bar tent, complemented by an outdoor fireplace and dining area. Every tent and communal space offers breathtaking views of the river, creating a serene and immersive bush experience.
Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard and wake to the sun rising over the river, accompanied by the splashes of feeding tiger fish, all from the privacy of your tent.
Meals are served in the central camp area, which also houses a small library, comfortable lounges, electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a fully equipped fly-tying station for anglers.
The main camp serves as the hub for fishermen, combining lounge, bar, and dining areas. Just steps from the river, guests can enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks around a campfire, celebrating the day’s adventures in style.
Photo Gallery
THE RIVERS
TIGER STORIES
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 forests 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.
Dhalla Camp is when fishing the Mnyera River.
RUHUDJI RIVER
Situated in the neighbouring catchment (one valley south of the Mnyera) is this remote river with 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”.
Samaki Camp is base when fishing the Ruhudji River
BEYOND FISHING
WILDLIFE & GAME VIEWING
BEYOND THE FISHING
The prime fishing season coincides with Tanzania’s peak game-viewing months and located within a 14,000 km² private concession in Nyerere National Park, guests can enjoy exceptional game viewing and birding while Tiger Fishing.
WILDLIFE & GAME VIEWING
You will be fishing in pristine wilderness areas, not in a fenced off reserves. There are no roads, no fences, few people and the game is wild. 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 as well as Hippo and Crocodile.
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 Herons all make this riverine environment their home.
All transfers and road trips are done in open game-viewing vehicles and the drives between the camps, airstrip and sun downer spots, all offer superb game viewing opportunities, as do the boats when drifting along the river when fishing.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Payment Terms
A 50% deposit is required to secure your place, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel, medical, baggage, money, and trip-cancellation insurance is compulsory and must be arranged before departure.
Medical Evacuation
Your policy must include emergency evacuation. African Waters recommends Global Rescue for expedition cover: globalrescue.com.
Cancellation Policy
If Operator Cancels:
Choose a full refund or transfer to another available tour. If the new tour costs less, the difference is refunded; if more, the client pays the balance.
If the Client Cancels:
Written notice required; effective on receipt.
• 180 days: Deposit forfeited (unless resold, 10 % admin fee)
• 179–91 days: 70 % forfeited (unless resold, 10 % fee)
• < 90 days: 100 % forfeited (unless resold, 15 % fee)
If you don’t join, arrive late, or leave early, no refunds apply. Booking changes incur a USD 100 handling fee.
Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Full Terms & Conditions available on request.
