Destination: Tengo and Samaki Camps – Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, Tanzania
Season: 1 August – 20 November
Duration: 8 nights – 6 full days fishing
Accommodation: Luxury Safari Tented Camp and Fly Camp
Group Size: Group sizes of 6 anglers – additional non anglers are very welcome

Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, Tanzania

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. Yellowfish species, Catfish, Bream and Gundu are also available for the species aficionados. Over 30 different species of fish have been identified over the last 4 seasons.  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.  Yellowfish and the impressive Gundu can be targeted specifically. Your guiding team 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 Experience
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 aluminium 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! 

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.

Your Guides:
Keith Clover and Robert Scott pioneered the Tiger fishing on these rivers in 2008.  Since then, Tourette Fishing and Kilombero North Safari’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.

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. 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.

Dinners are enjoyed in the main mess area on a raised wooden deck over looking 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.

Boats:
We use 16ft - 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 – 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.

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 riverine environment their home. Twitches bring your binoculars and guide books.

Pick up and drop off point: Dares Salaam, Tanzania

Trip Itinerary: