There are bigger fish to fry in Africa this year than Rooney and Ronaldo – tiger fish and bream to name just two. The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company (www.zambezi.com) has put together a selection of tailor made itineraries to offer the very best African fishing expeditions. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
- The Upper and Lower Zambezi Expedition from £2,875
- The Zambezi Valley River and Lake Safari from £2,845
- The Kenyan Coastal Odyssey from £876
Africa’s fourth largest river system, the Zambezi, runs through six countries and offers an unrivalled range of fishing options as well as exciting wildlife encounters. Trip highlights include Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and fishing on different stretches of the Zambezi as well as on Lake Kariba and the Chobe River. Tiger fish, yellow belly bream, three spot bream, red breasted bream, Nile bream, Kafue pike, the giant vundu catfish, chessa, nkupi, bottlenose and the Cornish jack are some of the species to look out for.
For a very different fishing experience head to Malindi on the Kenyan Coast for some of the world’s best deep sea and big game fishing. The warm Indian Ocean waters are home to a host of sport fish including sailfish, marlin (no less than three of the five marlin species are caught in Kenyan waters, black, blue and striped) and swordfish as well as game fish such as wahoo, kingfish, barracuda, yellowfin tuna and giant trevally.
The following itineraries include a variety of fishing locations based around the Zambezi Valley as well as a Kenya Coast option, ideal for beginners as well as serious anglers.
The Upper and Lower Zambezi Expedition – showcases the best of Zambian fishing, taking in three areas on the Zambezi River as well as the Chobe River, starting with the Upper Zambezi on the Namibian border, moving to Livingstone and Victoria Falls and finishing on the Lower Zambezi. A nine night itinerary costs from £2,875 per person sharing. Including all arrangements starting and ending in Lusaka, excluding international flights.
The Zambezi Valley River and Lake Safari – highlights the best fishing spots on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi, exploring the far reaches of the valley and including three nights on a private island on beautiful Lake Kariba. A nine night itinerary costs from £2,845 per person sharing. Including all arrangements starting and ending in Johannesburg, excluding international flights.
The Kenyan Coastal Odyssey – Kenya is arguably the best big game fishing destination around, with Malindi once dubbed ‘the sailfish capital of the world’. Staying in fully-staffed self-catering villas just outside of Malindi, this option is perfect for a group of family or friends. A five night itinerary costs from £876 per person sharing in self-catering accommodation and including three five-hour day fishing trips. Starting and ending in Nairobi.
Accommodation is in good quality, small camps and lodges in prime wildlife areas, perfect for fishing widows / widowers and the rest of the family. Prices include:
- All transfers
- Regional flights
- Full board accommodation (self-catering in Kenya)
- Park fees
- Fishing and activities throughout (Kenya package includes three five-hour day fishing trips)
- Excluding international flights
Fishing conditions are good year round but picking the best spot for seasonal variations will ensure the most rewarding trip.
- June to August is the best time for fishing on the Upper Zambezi as the water levels are receding and the fry that live in the grassy floodplain are being emptied into the river, causing a feeding frenzy amongst the fish.
- August to November is the best time to catch tiger fish on the Lower Zambezi and for fishing on Lake Kariba.
- Although it’s possible to catch an occasional sailfish at pretty much any time of the season in Kenya most fish are not resident but migrate through Kenyan waters, so it’s important to get your timing right. Kenya’s deep sea fishing season starts from the beginning of July through to April. The main billfish season (sailfish and marlin) runs from October to mid to late March.
For more information visit www.zambezi.com
