Intrepid Zambezi

Join Intrepid Fly at one of our most exciting new destinations in Zambia. The Upper Zambezi in Southern Zambia is regarded as possibly the best place to target large tigerfish and nembwe, as we all as other fresh water fish species. The area’s record (19kg tiger) was taken last year upstream from the lodge ... arguably the world record! The biggest on fly in the area is 14kg, while anglers can expect regularly to catch fish between 5-7 kg’s.

The 3 star lodge is situated in the Western province of Zambia on the Zambezi River, at Mwandi, 140 kms West of Livingstone and 60 kms East of Katima Mulilo. The lodge is easily accessible; involving a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg International Airport to Livingstone, then a transfer to the lodge. The short journey takes just over an hour from Livingstone through lush teak and mopani forest and the Zambezi floodplain vegetation. All transfers will be included in your package.

Not only does the lodge cater for keen anglers, but is also noted for being an outstanding birding area. Being within close proximity to the Chobe Game Reserve, daily excursions for non-anglers to view game is quite realistic. Here one can expect to see the big 5 and other animals.

The Lodge

The Lodge is on the banks of the Zambezi, and is owner-managed with a professional and well-qualified team on duty at all times to service client requirements. The lodge has been designed for the sole purpose of catering for all anglers needs and provides for those just looking to relax and indulge in other activities offered by the lodge such a bird watching and walks.

There are 6 double en suite thatched chalets overlooking the Zambezi, each with a private deck. Each chalet is designed with comfort top of mind, and caters for individuals as well as couples. The main complex offers excellent dining and lounge facilities, with a sun downer deck a riverside bar, a pool, a fire pit, and barbecue area with superb river views. The garden is planted with indigenous flowers and trees that attract a multitude of local birds to the camp.

Though the lodge is geared for anglers, consideration has been made for non anglers. There are various activities provided by the lodge: Birding, tree spotting, photography, river and sunset cruises, mokorro rides (African dug out canoes), as well as cultural visits to the local village. On special request day trips can be arranged to the surrounding game reserves.

The lodge is equipped with 5 boats ranging in size from 12’ to 26’ geared for angling. The larger boat is perfect for a sun downer cruise. The experienced guides will be responsible for taking the guests our each day in search of fish. Should you not wish to fish, you will still be able to enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna. There is exceptional bird watching, however not much game is seen on the banks in this region, as it is largely subsistence agricultural land.

Fishing

Though there are numerous lodges in the area, this particular one was built in 2003 due to the productivity of the stretch of river it over looks. The fishing on the Upper Zambezi River is some of Africa's finest, offering anglers a chance to fish in this pristine habitat for a number of African game fish. All of the fishing will be done from boats that focus on holding spots along the river known by the guides. There is no bank fishing as there are has numerous crocodiles and hippos, not to mention other predators that may pass though the region. Shackletons caters for fly-fishing and conventional methods, and has a wide range of equipment available for spinning. Tackle can be purchased at the lodge but we recommend that the guests bring what they intend on using. The lodge practices strict application of catch and release.

Main fish species that will be caught are 8 lb tiger fish - as seen opposite:

• Tigerfish
• 3 spot bream
• Nembwe – yellow bream
• Pink and green happy
• Red breast bream
• Green headed bream
• Thin faced large mouth
• Hump backed large mouth
• Brown spot tilapia
• Barbel – sharp tooth catfish

Boats

1. 26 foot, twin engine Pelican cruiser for larger parties of fishermen
2. An 18 foot twin engine aluminium monohull fully equipped for fly fishermen
3. A 12 foot Jetflite single engine for two anglers
4. 2 Piranha sport fishers for 3 anglers per boat
5. The choice of boat will depend on the target species of fish chosen by the angler

Season

Though the lodge is open all year, the high season for the game fishing is from May till October, with the latter months being better as the water levels have receded. This is highly dependent on the floodwaters that come down from the Luwa Plains and northern Barotseland in Zambia. The fish concentrate in the channels targeting bait fish as they are washed off the planes as the flood recedes, then congregate in holding spots along the banks known by the guides.

Tackle

Though the lodge supplies conventional fishing gear, the guests are encouraged to bring their own. The guests will be expected to bring their own fly fishing equipment. This will include the basics (Rod, reel, lines and flies). A selection of flies and lures has been recommended below. If members of the party would like, Intrepid Fly can arranged a fishing hamper that should suffice for the weekend. (This is not included in the quote).

Please refer to the list below for suggested equipment. The flies are a suggestion to cover most of the conditions. The guides will have a surplus of flies should the recommendations not be sufficient. The lodge also sells flies, lures and basic tackle. Should you have any preferred flies, please bring them along.

Suggested Tackle for Fly Fishing for Tigers

For all your fishing requirements, please contact us so that we can assist you in your selection. Intrepid Fly can source all equipment at a competitive price, or call us to arrange for you to visit a shop we recommend close to you (SA only).

General Information