Below are a few fishing lodges that are totally worth taking a peek at if you are into fishing the wilds of Africa. From luxury to rustic charm, each will provide you with a unique and, often unexpected, experience that differs significantly from the typical African safari jaunt. Chasing the hot fishing spots won't have you missing out on wild encounters with the local animals, but will give you a different perspective of this country based around water that flows like life-giving blood in one's veins. Fishing in Africa is quite often overlooked, but for those souls chasing a fishing trip with a difference, when it's possible to catch that fish of your dreams, check out the lodges below:
Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Self-proclaimed as 'wildly luxurious', Thorntree River Lodge is strategically situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia. Its landscape will take your breath away as you mellow out with a gin and tonic in hand, gazing over the mighty Zambezi River on a wooden deck late in the afternoons, accompanied by the grunting and snorting of wallowing hippos. It's the essence of Africa, showcased in the elegance and charm of the local culture, through private eight-tented suites and four family-tented configurations, complete with their own plunge pools, plus indoor and outdoor bathrooms, offering an unparalleled African experience. Titled a 'bush camp', it is anything but. From safari drives to visiting local villages, having decadent spa treatments, or grabbing a fishing rod to try your hand at catching a goliath tigerfish, Thorntree River Lodge will not disappoint.
Azura Retreats, Mozambique
To chase the big game that darts around the Indian Ocean, head to Azura Retreats for an encounter that will give you bragging rights of catching the big one, a Black Marlin. Other species to be caught in a catch-and-release manner include hooking up tuna, sailfish, bonito, mackerel, wahoo, barracuda, and giant trevally. From reef fishing to open water encounters, with opportunities to dive in crystal clear waters, Benguerra Island is the place to be. Azure Retreats offer two incredible, totally individual escapes where you can unwind in total bliss under panoramic African blue skies. It's barefoot decadence at both of the retreats: Azura Benguerra Island and Azura Marlin Beach. From dinners and picnics on the golden sand watching the sun slowly sink into the far horizon, to days spent in a lazy haze or filled with exhilarating events such as whale spotting, horse riding, fishing, dugong spotting, island drives, or rejuvenate your being as you spend shameless hours in the spa.
Wild Waters Lodge, Uganda
Dramatically perched on a rocky granite apron of a private pinnacle amid the white rapids of the River Nile, Wild Waters Lodge is totally unique. It can only be reached via boat, and the adventure begins from the moment you step onto this serene, craggy island. To fish here, you will have to bring your own gear, but it will be worth hanging out with the locals who know all of the good spots for hooking tilapia or Nile perch. Other adventures include white-water rafting that will make your heart miss a beat or two, horse riding, or, for the adrenaline junky, there is bungee jumping. A bird watcher's paradise, you can peer through binoculars at over 1000 different bird species, from cuckoos and turacos to eagles and hawks, soaring in the expansive blue skies. A boutique and personal stay, Wild Waters Lodge offers only ten individual timber-floored luxury suites that are hugged by the rainforest on the shoreline of the river. The lodge's dominant feature is the incredible cantilevered swimming pool that juts out into the raging river.
Majestic Rivers, Tanzania
A rustic lodge of character and charm that is for the dedicated fisherperson wishing for an experience totally out of the ordinary. Situated in the famous Selous Reserve of Tanzania, Majestic Rivers is a world apart from the ordinary. The Kilombero River, with its sandbanks, waterfalls, rapids, and islands, is the lifeblood of this pristine area. A seasonal camp, it's open from June to February due to the annual rains. Protected from the heat of the day, six African boho chic tents are perched beneath trees, offering uninterrupted views over the Kilombero River. Comfy with all of the services required for an adventure in the wild when fishing is the ultimate aim, do not come to Majestic Rivers if you are looking for tantalizing spa treatments unless they are of the falling into the river rapids kind. This is all about fishing, with the added thrill of a possible encounter with some dangerous game. The camp is totally safe from any hungry predators, such as hippos and crocodiles. Game drives and walking safaris can be organised, if desired, but you will likely see more creatures drinking from the river as you fish. Each day will bring the chance of catching one of over 15 species swimming around these waters, from parrotfish and tilapia to the mind-boggling African Mottled eel that can weigh up to 20 kilograms. And, of course, there is a chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime when you hook onto the Tanzanian Blue Tiger Fish.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
