Tiger Stories
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.
7 NIGHT | 8 DAY - TIGER FISHING SAFARIS
Fishing Package: 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
Location: Mnyera & Ruhudji Rivers, Tanzania
Group Size: Maximum 8 Anglers
Fishng 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.
HERE BE MONSTERS
Tiger Fishing Tanzania - Fishing Safari Adventures
AUGUST to NOVEMBER
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!
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
SAMAKI CAMP
This bush camp is your base on the Ruhudji River. Built each season, it 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 Meru Safari tents, all en suite, with twin or double configurations. The dinning and bar 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 mess area at Samaki is situated in the shade of the riverside forest, although most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a beautiful sandbank in front of the camp. Samaki camp has no electricity.
Samaki Camp – Ruhudji River
Samaki Camp is a rustic bush camp on the banks of the Ruhudji River, erected each season. It comprises traditional en-suite safari tents with twin or double configurations.
The mess area sits beneath riverside forest shade, though most meals are enjoyed alfresco under the stars on a sandbank in front of camp. Samaki has no electricity but both camps operate on solar with backup generators providing 220 V power.
DHALLA CAMP
Dhalla Camp, on the banks of the Mnyera River comprising thatched chalets and a central thatched dinning, bar and lounge area, which is the base for your stay on the Mnyera River.
Each thatched chalet is a twin or double bed configurations with mosquito nets and en suite bathroom and all chalets have a view overlooking the river.
Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard, and wake up with the rising sun and splashes of feeding tiger fish, all in the privacy of your cabin.
Meals are enjoyed in the main central camp area under thatched roof overlooking the river. This area contains a small library, lounges, and electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly tying station.
The main camp area serves as the hub for the fishermen and is the lounge, bar and dining area. A few steps down to the river, sundowner drinks and snacks can be enjoyed sitting around a campfire at the end of the fishing day.
CAMP LIFE
Dhala Camp – Mnyera River
Dhala Camp consists of six en-suite safari tents and a large dining and lounge tent, complemented by an outdoor fireplace and dining area. All tents and communal areas have outstanding views over the river.
Meals are enjoyed under canvas overlooking the Mnyera. The main area contains a small library, lounge, bar, charging points for cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly-tying station.
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 your base when fishing the Mnyera River.
Mnyera River Guests have access to 40km of fishable water on the Mnyera River. Over this stretch, the river changes character dramatically—from fast-flowing rapids and forested pools in the upper reaches, to structure-rich midsections shaped by cen turies of erosion and fallen timber, and finally the deep outside bends and clay banks that define the lower sections. This incredible variety of water makes the Mnyera a true tigerfish haven. Every stretch feels different, and every day on the river brings new opportunities and challenges. While fishing the Mnyera, you’ll be based at Kilombero North Safaris’ Dhala Camp, ideally positioned to access the best the river has to offer
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 your base when fishing the Ruhudji River
Ruhudji River Set in a neighbouring catchment—just one valley south of the Mnyera—the Ruhudji River offers a very different kind of magic. Guests here have access to 80km of fishable water. It’s a shallower system, with long, sweeping sandbanks and deep, fishy bends in the lower reaches. As you move upstream, the river narrows and deepens, carving through steep banks and thick forest in a dramatic stretch known as the “gorge area.” There’s a wild charm to the Ruhudji that’s hard to put into words—you just have to feel it. While fishing the Ruhudji, guests stay at Samaki Camp, tucked deep in the heart of this remote valley.
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.
BEYOND FISHING
WILDLIFE & GAME VIEWING
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.
BEYOND THE FISHING
The prime fishing season (September–November) coincides with Tanzania’s peak game-viewing months. Located within a 14,000 km² private concession in Nyerere National Park, guests can enjoy exceptional game viewing and birding while fishing.
Common wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Birding highlights include Pel’s fishing owl and palm-nut vulture.
Safari Add-Ons
Extend your trip with an East African photographic safari. African Waters partners with exclusive camps in the Serengeti and Ruaha National Park. Non-fishing friends or family are welcome to join. Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro add-ons are also available.
The prime fishing season (September to November) at Dhala and Samaki Camps coin cides with Tanzania’s peak game-viewing months. Located within a 14,000 km² private concession in Nyerere National Park, guests will have ample opportunities to enjoy out standing game viewing and birding while fly fishing. Commonly encountered wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, numerous antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and even leopards and wild dogs. Birding is equally exceptional, with many endemic and rare species found in the region
FISHING METHODS
Most of the fishing is done while drifting, allowing you to cover prime structure along the Mnyera and Ruhudji’s ever-changing channels. These include fallen timber, long sandbanks, steep drop-offs, and rocky outcrops—classic tigerfish ambush zones. When conditions call for a slower approach, we use sand anchors or tie off to mid-stream structure to focus on specific pieces of water.
These rivers have seen very little angling pressure over the centuries, and thanks to strict management and limited access, they remain pristine and productive. With an abundance of baitfish—particularly red-finned barbs—it’s no surprise this system produces tigerfish of truly remarkable size. Fish over 15 lb are considered trophies here, but they’re not uncommon. If you think you know tigerfishing, be prepared to have your expectations reset.
BOATS
All fishing is done from 18-foot aluminium boats, purpose-built for this fishery. Each is powered by a 15–25 hp outboard and comfortably accommodates two anglers, a professional guide, and a coxswain. Boats have ample storage, dedicated seating, and carry essential first-aid equipment.
BOATS All fishing is done from 18ft aluminium boats, purpose-built for this fishery. Each is powered by a 15–25hp outboard and com fortably accommodates two anglers, a professional guide, and a coxswain. Boats have ample storage, dedicated seating, and carry essential first aid equipment.
FISHING RULES
To preserve the quality of the fishery, we ask all guests to follow a strict catch-and-release policy. Fishing is done exclusively with single, de-barbed hooks—no exceptions. Each beat is fished only once per week, and spawning areas are completely off-limits. Re-drifting the same beat is not permitted. This approach ensures that every group arrives to a well-rested river, with fish that are less pressured and more likely to eat. Your respect for these rules directly benefits the anglers who come after you.
FISHING RULES To preserve the quality of the fishery, we ask all guests to follow a strict catch-and-release policy. Fishing is done exclusively with single, debarbed hooks—no exceptions. Each beat is fished only once per week, and spawning areas are completely off-lim its. Re-drifting the same beat is not permitted. This approach en sures that every group arrives to a well-rested river, with fish that are less pressured and more likely to eat. Your respect for these rules directly benefits the anglers who come after you, just as those before you helped keep this fishery in such exceptional shape.
MEALS & DAILY RHYTHM
Camp Cuisine
All meals are freshly prepared by the camp chef, with wholesome bush cuisine served in a mix of relaxed and scenic settings. Fresh produce is flown into camp each week along with new guests, and fresh venison is often on the menu.
Breakfast to Bank Lunch: Early mornings begin with coffee, toast, cereal, and fruit before heading out. A mid-morning snack break is taken riverside, and lunch is enjoyed in a shaded, scenic spot chosen by your guide.
Evenings: Dinner is served in the mess tent or under the stars. Meals are hearty and satisfying—made in a traditional bush kitchen, yet elevated by the setting.
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 to Dares 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 game and landscapes that are as wild as they were thousands of years ago.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFO:
Arrival & Departure:
• Arrive in Dar es Salaam the day before your tour starts.
• Book return flights after 15:30 on the final tour day.
Inoculations & Documents Required:
• Valid yellow fever certificate (check with local travel clinic)
• Malaria prophylaxis recommended—consult your doctor
• Valid passport & visa (available on arrival)
Communication:
• Limited cell signal in main camp (requires international roaming)
• Limited Wifi Access in both Dhala & Samaki Camp
• Satellite phone available for emergencies
Currency:
• Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency
• USD accepted widely (airport, hotel, camp)
• Only cash accepted in camp—bring enough for tackle, drinks, and gratuities
Wildlife:
• Common sightings: buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and plains game (puku, warthog, hartebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck)
• Exceptional birding: Pel’s fishing owl, palm-nut vulture, narina trogon, African finfoot, broad-billed roller, white-backed night
heron
• Birders welcome—bring binoculars and field guides!
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.