Gassa Camp offers one of the most original and adventurous freshwater fly fishing experiences in the world. Set on a 120km stretch of the Faro River in northern Cameroon, it is the only program dedicated to Nile Perch on fly. Remote, raw and demanding, it is a destination for anglers who want to push boundaries in true wilderness.
The Nile Perch are the headline prize, powerful fish that hit like freight trains and test every inch of your tackle. Most action comes after dark, when anglers wade shallows and cast blind under African skies, waiting for the explosion of a strike. Days bring a different rhythm. Tigerfish tear into streamers in heavy current, while Niger Barbs and Yellowfish offer visual, technical sight fishing in fast water. Three distinct species, each with their own challenge, create a program built on adrenaline.
Fishing is arranged across four rotating beats, accessed by 4×4 vehicles and guided by experienced local teams. After dark, armed scouts accompany anglers on the water, ensuring both safety and focus during night sessions.
Accommodation is in a traditional West African bush camp that delivers comfort in a wild setting. Private tents with proper beds and hot showers provide rest, while meals are freshly prepared and served communally, bringing together guides and anglers to share the day’s stories.
Book your trip today with Sportquest Holidays and experience Gassa Camp, where Nile Perch, Tigerfish and African wilderness combine to create one of the most adventurous fly fishing programs on the planet.
The season runs from January to April.
Season: January to April
Peak: February to March
Weight: 10lb to 220lb
Average Weight: 50lb
Season: January to April
Peak: February to March
Weight: 1lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: January to April
Peak: February to March
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Douala
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Douala
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Douala International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Depart Douala - Arrive Garoua
Depart Douala - Arrive Garoua
Depart: Douala International Airport
Arrive: Aeropuerto Internacional de Garoua
Transfer from Garoua Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Garoua Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, you will be met by a representative from Gassa Camp and transferred to your overnight hotel.
Shalom City Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Shalom City Hotel in a Twin Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Travel from Garoua Airport to Gassa Camp
Travel from Garoua Airport to Gassa Camp
After breakfast at your accommodation, typically around 8:00am, your representative will drive you to Gassa Camp, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours. Please note that the Nissan Patrol 4WD station wagon used for the transfer does not have air-conditioning.
Upon arrival and after settling in, you’ll meet in the dining area for a late lunch and receive a full briefing from the guides. They will then assist you with setting up your tackle, and time permitting, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy an evening session on the river.
Gassa Camp
Overnight Accommodation
Gassa Camp in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Your first two fishing days will give you a taste of what this stunning, wild and remote camp offers, as fishing for Nile Perch, on foot, in big game territory is as wild an experience as you are likely to encounter with a fly rod in hand. Add to this that the prime fishing times are sunset until dusk, when the darkness amplifies the sounds of the African night; you will undoubtedly experience a fly fishing adventure unlike anything you have encountered.
Gassa Camp
Overnight Accommodation
Gassa Camp in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
At Gassa Camp the average fishing day starts with breakfast in camp at 7.30 am. Then, at 9.00 am, you will head out to the allocated fishing area for the day in the camps 4×4 vehicles with a guide and armed game scout.
A late lunch gets taken around 2.00 pm in preparation for the evening session, and anglers are encouraged to rest, rehydrate, take a swim and relax; after all, fatigue is the last thing needed when fighting a trophy Nile Perch.
Once the sun begins to dip behind the horizon, rods will switch from the 9-weight Tigerfish outfits to the heavier 12-weight set-ups ready for, the bigger Nile Perch. The fishing for these river monsters continues into darkness before time is called around 9.00 pm each evening, when you will head back to the camp for a late dinner and some drinks before retiring to bed.
Gassa Camp
Overnight Accommodation
Gassa Camp in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days and throughout your fishing week, you’ll primarily wet a fly for Nile Perch. These fish can reach sizes of up to six and a half feet in length and are aggressive and super strong, often hitting flies with a brutal hit-and-run. The largest specimen landed on the Faro was a beast of 100kg or 220lb, but a fish of over 39 inches would be considered a trophy catch.
The species are structure-orientated ambush predators, meaning they prefer to hunt mostly at night and during low-light conditions. However, there is a range of species to keep you busy during daylight hours, like tigerfish and yellowfish.
Gassa Camp
Overnight Accommodation
Gassa Camp in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Travel from Gassa Camp to Garoua Airport
Travel from Gassa Camp to Garoua Airport
After a hearty and early breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Garoua Airport. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Please note that the transfer is in a Nissan Patrol 4WD station wagon, which does not have air-conditioning.
Depart Garoua - Arrive Douala
Depart Garoua - Arrive Douala
Depart: Aeropuerto Internacional de Garoua
Arrive: Douala International Airport
Transfer from Douala Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Douala Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you’ve arrived and collected your luggage, take a taxi (not included) for the short journey to your overnight hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind at your leisure.
Douala Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Douala Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Room only basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Douala Airport
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Douala Airport
After breakfast at your hotel, you will need to taxi (not included) back to Douala Airport ready for your flight home.
Depart Douala - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Douala - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Douala International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/01/2027 | 18/01/2027 | 10 | £8,305 | Enquire |
| 16/01/2027 | 25/01/2027 | 10 | £8,305 | Enquire |
| 23/01/2027 | 01/02/2027 | 10 | £8,305 | Enquire |
| 30/01/2027 | 08/02/2027 | 10 | £8,305 | Enquire |
| 06/02/2027 | 15/02/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 13/02/2027 | 22/02/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 20/02/2027 | 01/03/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 27/02/2027 | 08/03/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 06/03/2027 | 15/03/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 13/03/2027 | 22/03/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 20/03/2027 | 29/03/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 27/03/2027 | 05/04/2027 | 10 | £8,242 | Enquire |
| 03/04/2027 | 12/04/2027 | 10 | £8,359 | Enquire |
| 10/04/2027 | 19/04/2027 | 10 | £8,359 | Enquire |
| 17/04/2027 | 26/04/2027 | 10 | £8,359 | Enquire |
| 24/04/2027 | 03/05/2027 | 10 | £8,359 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"I was lucky enough to fish over in Egypt many moons ago for the Nile Perch on Lake Nasser and I've always wanted to do it again, but things have obviously changed there and the fishing isn't what once was. As soon as I read about Cameroon and the fishing possibilities I just had to experience it and I wasn't disappointed, it was everything I imagined and more. I had a truly fantastic week, landing a handful of cracking Nile Perch and an abundance of Tigerfish and Yellowfish, it really was superb. I'd definitely love to return again next year. "
"If you get the chance, DO IT! Gassa Camp and the country of Cameroon was a blast. Fishing in the wilds at dusk, for fish potentially over 150lb or even 200lb in weight was a crazy experience and one I'll remember for ever. I didn't manage any true giants, but I still managed some cracking Nile Perch and a mass of Tigerfish. The camp was cosy and the guides and staff were all first class. Thank you to everyone involved in making my trip possible. "
"For someone who hadn't held a fly rod in over 5 years (and never cast a 12-weight before the trip), it was kind of tricky, but with the help of the guides, I soon found my way! The fishing and the scenery was mind-blowing and this is an adventure worth taking not once in a lifetime, but as often as your busy life and/or wallet lets you go. Going once is not enough. I'm thinking of returning better prepared in the near future! "
"I'd never really thought of Cameroon as a fishing destination before, but when my fishing buddy Tim said he was thinking of going and showed me the details I didn't take a lot of persuading! I'm so glad I did, it was a fantastic week in terms of fishing, scenery, accommodation, guides and general all-round service. I've already asked him to start researching our next trip. "
"Cameroon had been on my radar for some time, I'd always wanted to catch a Nile Perch and probably as many will know, there aren't too many destinations around the world where this is possible. I travelled with my fishing buddy Louis and from the second we left our front doors to the moment we returned everything ran so smoothly. For anyone who's perhaps debating whether to travel or not, do it - you will not be disappointed. Louis has already asked me to start researching our next adventure. "
"I've just got back from a week in Cameroon at Gassa Camp; the fishing was spectacular, the setting unbeatable and the service of our head guide, was second to none. I'll definitely be going back, this is a trip of a lifetime!"
"Thanks for a great trip to the Gassa Camp in Cameroon. It was truly an awesome experience with a great bunch of guys. I can't wait to do it all again next year!"
"What a brilliant, brilliant trip. The journey was quite tiring, but that was to be expected (as it's very remote) but it was worth every minute of travelling. Big Nile Perch, multiple monster Tigerfish and a whole host of other backup species, it was superb. All the guides and staff were incredibly friendly and super knowledgeable, a credit to the operation. Thank you. "
On the Faro river during the fishing season, two separate camps operate on neighbouring private concessions. Doing this allows the camps to effectively manage over 100 kilometres of the river under a unified fishery management plan and combined anti-poaching effort.
The fishing pressure is spread over the two camps equally, and each gets divided into four beats, all rotated throughout the season to allow large area’s of rest for each section of the river. As a result, both camps never get fished simultaneously.
The Lower Camp is a small tented camp catering for four anglers, two guides and camp staff; it gets erected each season and offers guests an authentic West African safari experience.
It features a bespoke safari tent set-up with an open plan living and dining area. Each angler has their own bedroom, and each room has a double bed with a mosquito net, an en-suite bathroom with a toilet, a simple open coldwater shower, and a basin. The thatched roof mess area includes a dining room, a small lounge and a small library.
This Camp is situated in the shaded area of the riverine forest, enclosed in a natural amphitheatre, on the banks of the Faro River; it offers some great views and some exciting fishing just metres from its doors.
In conjunction with long-established conservation and hunting operators, the Upper Camp was built in the 1960s and is rustic, practical and comfortable. It borders the Faro National Pack in the Northern Province of Cameroon and is situated deep in the shade of the mature ravine forest on an embankment overlooking a broad sandy portion of the Faro River.
The Camp, inspired by local architecture and tastefully decorated with local fabrics and soft furnishings, features large rooms, brick and mortar rondavels — African-style huts — and en suite bathrooms. This haven under the trees gets complemented by a beautiful dining area, lounge, deck, and fire pit, overlooking the Faro River.
Meals get prepared by the talented Camp chefs in a simple camp kitchen. Breakfasts are continental and consist of fruit, bread, and coffee. Lunches are generally picnic-style on the river banks between fishing sessions and, along with dinner, usually consist of freshly prepared game meat with a seasonal salad and vegetables.
The Gassa Camp or Capitaine Camp is situated on the Faro River and is an incredible 310-kilometre waterway that cuts its way through the African landscape, flowing over the border of Nigeria and into Cameroon. The fishing, encompassed in a 120-kilometre section of the river bordering the Faro national park, offers a world-class and unique freshwater fly fishing opportunity to adventurous travelling anglers.
For almost a decade, our partners at African Waters had been searching for a viable Nile Perch fly fishery. Finally, in January 2018, after two exploratory trips, they came across one of the last remaining, ecologically intact Sahelo-Sudanian ecosystems, through which the Faro River flowed. Thus, after the discovery and a host of subsequent collaborations, this exciting new fly fishing programme was born.
A few years on and the Faro Fly Fishing products are not only producing some incredible fishing results, with Nile Perch to over a metre in length, but they’re also adding incredible value to the region by helping ensure a sustainable and well-managed fly fishery. In addition, it has been a key player in contributing significant funds towards conservation and anti-poaching strategies, building towards the long-term goal of facilitating and coordinating a unified and all-encompassing Faro River Basin conservation plan.
The Central African nation of Cameroon is commonly referred to as Africa in miniature, as its home to all the major climates and vegetation of the continent in one area: the coast, the desert, mountains, rainforest, and the savannah. Thus, a journey to Cameroon offers the rare opportunity to see a piece of Africa reminiscent of how the continent used to be.
Home to some incredible rivers, it’s an experience that is more about challenging your fishing ability in the wilds of the country and experiencing the African bushveld at its absolute best and not about catching fish after fish. However, what you will get in Cameroon at Gassa Camp is the opportunity to cast giant flies in the hope of catching a monster Nile Perch, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll achieve this and more. The biggest Perch taken from this stretch of river bottomed the scales out at a whopping 100kg.
Fishing for Nile Perch, on foot, in big game territory is as wild an experience as you are likely to encounter with a fly rod in hand. Add to this that the prime Nile Perch fishing times are sunset until dusk when the darkness amplifies the sounds of the African night, you will undoubtedly experience a fly fishing adventure, unlike anything you have encountered before.
The main species that travelling anglers target at Camp Gassa is, without doubt, the Nile Perch, and the fishing for these species traditionally happens in the dark. However, there is a range of species to keep you busy in the daylight hours.
The Nile Perch are native to the Congo, the Nile, the Niger, and many river basins in between. They used to be more widespread and abundant, but over the last couple of decades, severe habitat destruction and relentless overfishing have severely impacted populations around the globe.
Nile Perch can reach sizes of up to six and a half feet in length and are aggressive and super strong, often hitting flies with a brutal hit and run. The largest specimen landed on the Faro was a beast of 100kg or 220lb, but a fish of over 39-inches would be considered a trophy catch.
The species are structure orientated ambush predators, meaning they prefer to hunt mostly at night and during low light conditions. Therefore, serious Perch fishing occurs from just before sunset, about 6:00 pm, until about 9:30 pm when they really start to feed.
Tigerfish are a fantastic species to target in the morning and afternoon fishing sessions, and on the Faro River, there are three different species to target. These ferocious, toothy predators are a valuable species and worthy of targeting as a stand-alone trip – but with 1-meter long Nile Perch on the menu, they become the perfect distraction for anglers waiting for the last light.
When the sun is at its highest, and when the Tigerfish are off the bite, anglers often take the opportunity to sight cast to Yellowfish or the Niger Barb as it’s also known. This section of the river offers anglers rocky runs, deep gorges and fast riffle water, the perfect habitat for these beautiful fish. Growing to around 12lb in weight, they provide some fantastic sport.
Gassa Camp is a true multi-species destination, and to make the most of the fantastic opportunities on offer, we recommended travelling with a 5-weight, 9-weight, and 12-weight set-up each day to cover all the different species and situations on offer.
To find out more about the freshwater fly fishing in Cameroon at the Gassa Camp or the Capitaine Camp as it’s also known, visit our YouTube channel.
The average fishing day starts with breakfast in camp at 7.30 am. Then, at 9.00 am, anglers will head out to the allocated fishing area for the day in the camps 4×4 vehicles with a guide and armed game scout. The four beats available are rotated and carefully managed, and so is the angling; it’s all strictly catch-and-release fly fishing with single debarbed hooks. A small camp is built in a shaded spot on the river to ensure comfort, which acts as a base for the fishing day. For the mid-morning session, the targets are Tigerfish and Yellowfish; however, the guides may encourage some time spent dedicated to chasing Nile Perch if conditions allow.
A late lunch gets taken around 2.00 pm in preparation for the evening session, and anglers are encouraged to rest, rehydrate, take a swim and relax; after all, fatigue is the last thing needed when fighting a trophy Nile Perch. While there is still some light, the targets will continue to be Tigerfish and Yellowfish, the same way as in the morning, in the same water you’ll be fishing that evening. That allows anglers to familiarise themselves with the water & the lay of the land before nightfall.
Fly fishing at night requires casting by feel rather than sight. Standing under the stars, immersed in the sounds of the African wilderness, is a raw, edgy experience that’s wild in every sense. It may seem scary at first, but the risks from wildlife while fishing is extremely low, and the guides and staff are close at hand and run over to help the moment you hook up.
Once the sun begins to dip behind the horizon, rods will switch from the 9-weight Tigerfish outfits to the heavier 12-weight set-ups ready for, the bigger Nile Perch. The fishing for these river monsters continues into darkness before time is called around 9.00 pm each evening when anglers head back to the camp for a late dinner and some drinks before heading to bed.
I was lucky enough to fish over in Egypt many moons ago for the Nile Perch on Lake Nasser and I've always wanted to do it again, but things have obviously changed there and the fishing isn't what once was. As soon as I read about Cameroon and the fishing possibilities I just had to experience it and I wasn't disappointed, it was everything I imagined and more. I had a truly fantastic week, landing a handful of cracking Nile Perch and an abundance of Tigerfish and Yellowfish, it really was superb. I'd definitely love to return again next year.
If you get the chance, DO IT! Gassa Camp and the country of Cameroon was a blast. Fishing in the wilds at dusk, for fish potentially over 150lb or even 200lb in weight was a crazy experience and one I'll remember for ever. I didn't manage any true giants, but I still managed some cracking Nile Perch and a mass of Tigerfish. The camp was cosy and the guides and staff were all first class. Thank you to everyone involved in making my trip possible.
For someone who hadn't held a fly rod in over 5 years (and never cast a 12-weight before the trip), it was kind of tricky, but with the help of the guides, I soon found my way! The fishing and the scenery was mind-blowing and this is an adventure worth taking not once in a lifetime, but as often as your busy life and/or wallet lets you go. Going once is not enough. I'm thinking of returning better prepared in the near future!
I'd never really thought of Cameroon as a fishing destination before, but when my fishing buddy Tim said he was thinking of going and showed me the details I didn't take a lot of persuading! I'm so glad I did, it was a fantastic week in terms of fishing, scenery, accommodation, guides and general all-round service. I've already asked him to start researching our next trip.
Cameroon had been on my radar for some time, I'd always wanted to catch a Nile Perch and probably as many will know, there aren't too many destinations around the world where this is possible. I travelled with my fishing buddy Louis and from the second we left our front doors to the moment we returned everything ran so smoothly. For anyone who's perhaps debating whether to travel or not, do it - you will not be disappointed. Louis has already asked me to start researching our next adventure.
I've just got back from a week in Cameroon at Gassa Camp; the fishing was spectacular, the setting unbeatable and the service of our head guide, was second to none. I'll definitely be going back, this is a trip of a lifetime!
Thanks for a great trip to the Gassa Camp in Cameroon. It was truly an awesome experience with a great bunch of guys. I can't wait to do it all again next year!
What a brilliant, brilliant trip. The journey was quite tiring, but that was to be expected (as it's very remote) but it was worth every minute of travelling. Big Nile Perch, multiple monster Tigerfish and a whole host of other backup species, it was superb. All the guides and staff were incredibly friendly and super knowledgeable, a credit to the operation. Thank you.
With our partners, Tourette Fishing, we have put together the best Tigerfish fly fishing to be found on this planet, where fisherman have a real opportunity of landing Tigerfish of over 20lb’s. A destination that provides shots at multiple trophy fish on a daily basis, normally in fresh water this is almost unheard of.
