With our partners, African Waters, formally known as Tourettes Fishing, we’re able to offer some of the best Tigerfish fly fishing found on the planet, where the freshwater angler has the opportunity of landing trophy Tigers to over 20lb. The team at African Waters are a group of African travel fishing experts and professional guides, specialising in developing and managing boutique fishing camps in Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
They have two camps under their management, the Dhala Camp on the Mnyera River and the Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River, both found in Southwestern Tanzania. Over the past eight years, both camps have fast built reputations as some of the finest freshwater fisheries available to the discerning travelling angler. The trophy Tigerfish that call these rivers home provide unparalleled tiger fishing opportunities and are widely regarded as THE destination to target fish in the 10-25lb range.
Over the past few years, Tigerfish fly fishing has been a popular addition to many anglers bucket lists. They’re spectacular fighters, famed for their fearsome-looking sets of teeth and acrobatic fighting displays. Combine this with the fact you’re fishing amongst some of the world’s wildest and most dramatic landscapes, and you have the ultimate African fly fishing safari.
There’s no doubt that both the Mnyera and Ruhudji rivers are two of the best Tigerfish fly fishing destinations in Tanzania and Africa. The aquatic ecosystem of both is incredibly rich and packed full of baitfish, predominantly red finned barbs, one of the Tigerfish’s favourite meals. Combine this with the fact the fishery has been well managed and monitored, and the result is an unrivalled population of Tigerfish. The species in both the Mnyera and Ruhudji River obtain otherwise unheard-of sizes, so much so that Trophy fish in the system are only measured once they exceed 15lbs. Be prepared to have your Tiger Fishing paradigms shifted!
During your stay at either the Dhala Camp or Samaki Camp, set in a private game reserve, you’ll have access to over 120km of water. Much of which is virtually unfished and hardly ever see an angler’s fly or any angling pressure; just one of the reasons why the fishing stays so consistent. The rivers are littered with prime Tigerfish habitat, with fallen structures, timber, long sandbanks, steep drop-offs and rocky outcrops. All perfect places where the Tigers can hide away, ready to ambush their prey.
If you’re travelling to Tanzania to fish for the incredible Tigerfish, you’ll soon realise why the destination is considered one of the top freshwater fly fishing holidays in the world.
To help with conservation and to keep fishing pressure to a minimum, the camps run a fly fishing only operation, with single-handed 9-weight rods being the order of the day.
All the fishing is performed from 16ft Aluminium Go-Devil boats, fitted with 15–25 horsepower motors, with ample storage space and seating for three people, two anglers and one guide. All groups are guided by world-class English speaking professional guides with a wealth of experience in the safari, fly fishing, and big game industry.
The majority of the fishing is done on the drift, casting flies to any form of structure where the Tigerfish could be hiding, ready to ambush their prey. When conditions dictate, the guides also use sand anchors and tie up to structure mid-stream to focus on a specific stretch of water.
The trips are based around eight anglers, divided into two groups of four for the duration of your stay. One group will transfer to Ruhudji Camp, and one will stay on the Mnyera River. Halfway through the week, the groups will swap, so you’ll each receive three days of fishing at each camp.
For those anglers with a real sense of adventure, safari tours are available, with three, five or seven-night options to choose from; this can be timed to coincide with the migration in the Serengeti as well as Ngorongoro Crater.
Realising that not every angler has the specific tackle to go head-to-head with these African powerhouses, the camps offer tackle hire. Full Tigerfish fly fishing outfits can be hired, giving you all the exact equipment you need for a full weeks fishing.
However, if you would like to bring your own tackle, we would recommend taking two 9-weight, or 10-weight rods with a smooth dragged reel, capable of holding 350 metres of 30lb backing. Flies of all shapes and sizes work, but they all must have one thing in common; super-strong hooks. The Tigerfish are immensely strong and have powerful jaws and super sharp teeth. Couple this with their incredible fighting power and the fact you often have to stop them running into the structure; you don’t want to be messing around with delicate hook patterns.
If you like the idea of fishing lighter setups, then the two endemic species of Yellowfish found in both the Ruhudji and Mnyera & Rivers can be great fun and provide some excellent sport. Nymph fishing with a 5-weight rod and light tippets will give you a well-earned rest from casting at and playing Tigerfish. Another species that you may occasionally encounter when targeting the Tigerfish is the giant Vundu Catfish that live here; they are incredibly powerful and will test your angling skills to the max.
The two camps Dhala Camp on the Mnyera River and the Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River, give you the perfect combination of a mobile bush Camp with the comfort and expertise of a regular lodge. Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard and wake up with the sun and splashes of feeding Tigerfish, all in the privacy of your luxurious en-suite tent. Sleeping under canvas has never been this wonderful.
Located on the banks of the Ruhudji River, the camp offers three traditional Meru tents, all of which are en-suite and with twin or double sleeping configurations.
The mess area is situated in the shade of the riverside forest. Most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a beautiful sandbank in front of the camp, and prepared by the fantastic camp chef. Fresh produce is flown into camp each week, and thanks to the close relationship with a nearby hunting camp, guests can often enjoy fresh meat during their stay. Breakfast is usually an early affair with tea, coffee, toast, cereal and fruit taken before getting onto the boat. Usually, the fishing breaks around mid-morning at 10am for a snack on the river, same with lunch.
The camp consists of four separate tents with twin or double sleeping configurations. All tents are erected on raised wooden decks, each with a private viewing deck overlooking the river, and are tastefully decorated with locally made furniture and soft furnishing. All tents are en-suite.
Dinners are enjoyed in the main dining area on a raised wooden deck overlooking the river. A covered lounge and living area complete the main camp. This area contains a small library, two lounges, electric points for charging mobile phones, cameras and laptops. It also has a comprehensive fly tying station should you wish to tie some of your files.
If you’d like to know more about our destination for Tigerfish fly fishing, check out our YouTube channel.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Dar Es Salaam
Transfer from Dar Es Salaam airport to your overnight hotel
On arrival, a representative from African waters will be waiting to transfer you to your overnight hotel, a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
Overnight Accommodation: Dar Es Salam Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Dar Es Salaam airport
At the agreed time you will be transferred back to Dar Es Salaam airport, for your private charter flight to the camp.
Depart Dar Es Salamm
Arrive Ndolo landing strip
At the agreed time you will depart Dar Es Salaam via a private Cessna charter flight to the Ndolo landing strip, a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Travel from Ndolo landing strip to Dhala Main Camp
Once you have touched down on the landing strip in Ndolo you will be transferred by 4×4 vehicle to the Dhala main camp. The journey is around 20 minutes long and will take you through the bush
You will arrive at the camp around late morning and enjoy lunch and a briefing by the guides. You will then have a chance to tackle up and prepare for your week ahead. If everything is running smoothly and on time, there is then the opportunity to enjoy a half day of fishing on the magical Mnyera River.
Note: These trips are run with eight anglers, divided into two smaller groups of four. One group of four will start their week at Dhala Camp on the Mnyera River, while the other four will venture to Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River (a journey of around 3 hours). The groups get divided on arrival, but everything is fair, with all anglers enjoying three days of fishing on each waterway.
Overnight Accommodation: Dhala Camp in a twin room on a full board basis
On your first three fishing days, you will be fishing from Dhala Camp on the beautiful Mnyera River. This waterway (along with the Ruhudji River) is one of the best destinations in Tanzania and Africa for fly fishing for Tigerfish. The aquatic ecosystem of both is incredibly rich and packed with baitfish, predominantly Red-finned Barbs, one of the Tigerfish’s favourite meals. Combine this with the fact that the fishery has been well managed and monitored, and the result is an unrivalled population of Tigerfish.
The species in both the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers obtain otherwise unheard-of sizes, so much so that trophy fish in the system are only measured once they exceed 15lbs. Be prepared to have your Tiger Fishing paradigms shifted!
Overnight Accommodation: Dhala Camp in a twin room on a full board basis
Travel from Dhala Main Camp to Samaki Camp
After three days of fishing on the Mnyera River at Dhala main camp, in the morning you will be up early and transferred to Samaki Camp, to enjoy three days of fishing on the brilliant Ruhudji River. The journey time is around three hours and is a wild game drive through the bush.
On arrival at Samaki Camp, you will be straight out fishing for the whole day, experiencing your first taste of fishing on the mighty Ruhudji River. Each of the rivers you fish during your holiday are split into three beats of between 15 and 20 kilometres, and you will fish at least one beat per day. On some of the upper beats, it does entail a more extended boat trip.
Overnight Accommodation: Samaki Camp in a twin room on a full board basis
On your last fishing day, fishing day six, you will spend it once again on the banks of the Ruhudji River. Like the Mnyera River, the Ruhudji is virtually unfished and hardly ever sees an angler’s fly or any angling pressure; just one of the reasons why the fishing stays so consistent.
Both rivers are littered with prime Tigerfish habitat, with fallen structures, timber, long sandbanks, steep drop-offs and rocky outcrops. All perfect places where the Tigers can hide away, ready to ambush their prey.
Travel from Samaki Camp to Dhala Main Camp
After a full day of fishing at Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River, you will be transferred back to Dhala Main Camp to meet up with other anglers. Once you arrive you will enjoy a nice meal and your last evening at this beautiful destination.
Overnight Accommodation: Dhala Camp in a twin room on a full board basis
Travel from Dhala Main Camp to Ndolo landing strip
In the morning, once you have packed your belongings, had breakfast and settled your bills, you will be transferred by 4×4 vehicle back to the Ndolo landing strip. The journey is around 20 minutes long and will take you through the bush.
Depart Ndolo landing strip
Arrive Dar Es Salamm
At the agreed time you will depart the Ndolo landing strip via a private Cessna charter flight to Dar Es Salaam, a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Transfer from Dar Es Salamm to your overnight hotel
On arrival, a representative from African waters will be waiting to transfer you to your overnight hotel, a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
Overnight Accommodation: Dar Es Salam Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Dar Es Salamm airport
In the morning, after breakfast, you will need to take a taxi (not included) back to the airport, ready for your return flight home.
Depart Dar Es Salamm
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from 1st August – 20th November.
Season: 1st August – 20th November
Peak: September
Weight: 1lb to 27lb
Average Weight: 8lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/09/2025 | 22/09/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 18/09/2025 | 29/09/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 25/09/2025 | 06/10/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 02/10/2025 | 13/10/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 09/10/2025 | 20/10/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 16/10/2025 | 27/10/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 23/10/2025 | 03/11/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 30/10/2025 | 10/11/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 06/11/2025 | 17/11/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 13/11/2025 | 24/11/2025 | 12 | £10,870 | Enquire Now |
| 28/08/2026 | 08/09/2026 | 12 | £10,435 | Sold Out |
| 04/09/2026 | 15/09/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 11/09/2026 | 22/09/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 18/09/2026 | 29/09/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 25/09/2026 | 06/10/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 02/10/2026 | 13/10/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 09/10/2026 | 20/10/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 16/10/2026 | 27/10/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 23/10/2026 | 03/11/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 30/10/2026 | 10/11/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 06/11/2026 | 17/11/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
| 13/11/2026 | 24/11/2026 | 12 | £11,456 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation in Tanzania (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
We used these guides to fish for Tigers on the fly and cannot rate them high enough.
If you every want to fish for monster tigerish look no further, we are so glad we chose them.
Everyone rates the guides its a great outfit and everyone speaks so highly of them, we are still to receive any negative comments.
Thank you for submitting a review, we would love to see any pictures from your trip.
Peter
Certainly was the best Tigerfish fly fishing to be found on this planet. Fish with the guides at Tourette and you will be put on the fish.
Now have 20 fish landed over 20LB.
They are fish to be very proud of as I would be indeed.
So nice to hear from you and thanks for talking the time to write a review. We have enjoyed working with Tourette as they are a very professional company for us to deal with for your customers.
Tight lines Peter
Fabulous rustic African safari experience chasing one of the most awesome freshwater predators on the fly.
Fishing was challenging where strong casting skills will pay off in more approaches and hook ups.
All in all an amazing adventure.
Hi John
Was so good to catch up on the phone and congratulations on all your fish, there was some pretty impressive teeth in those beasts.
As normal thank you for the feedback and I look forward in managing your next adventure soon.
Regards Peter
We stayed at the Nxamaseri Island Lodge and were very happy with the accommodation. Our room was spacious, comfortable and very clean. It seems we were lucky to have one of the newest rooms which are monkey proof, and having experienced how cheeky and opportunistic the monkeys are it was nice not having to keep everything packed away out of their reach. The only improvement I can think of would be the installation of ceiling fans in the rooms. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food was excellent, everything being freshly cooked and plentiful.
Our visit occurred during the barbel run, which was amazing to witness. Our fishing guide, Pharecki, was great fun and so patient. His knowledge of the waterways was superb and he gave us some great fishing where we caught numerous barbels and tiger fish, although we lost many more than we caught. Those tiger fish were easier to hook than they were to get into the boat. The barbels are great fighters and we caught some good sized fish.
The variety of bird life was stunning and we saw elephants, hippos, an otter and numerous crocs from the boat, which all added to the excitement.
The organisation of the trip was very efficient and meant everything went very smoothly, so we had a lovely, hassle free break.
Thank you kindly for the feedback from you both. It was so nice to hear that you both had such a great trip, enjoying both the fishing and all the animal life. We are all looking forward in seeing some of your pictures.
Also thank you for your kind words all about Sportquest Holidays service.
Not long now until your next trip
Regards Peter
A great trip which had some best and worse bits.
The best was a very unique location, amazing fishing, first class guides.
The worst bits are the overnight hotel both on the outbound and inbound for the airport Sea View Hotel is too upmarket for fishermen, plus as its 1.5 hours from the airport too much time is wasted in transfers.
Hi Philip
Thanks for chatting on the phone and also for the feedback. I will report the points back to the operator, plus we can next time look at a lower end hotel that will be closer to the airport.
Looking forward to all the pictures.
Regards Peter
Challenge your fishing ability in the wilds and experience the African bushveld at its best. Gassa Camp in Cameroon isn't about catching fish after fish, but it will present you with 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.
