Think of Africa, and most people zoom in on the idea of seeing the Big 5. At the same time, some souls are seeking a different thrill—the solitude, the quietness, the whisper of a fishing line being flicked in a fluid motion, watching the line unfurl as if dancing to a silent tune to tease the glassy surface of a river, and the tingle of expectation when a fish flashes like silver as it takes the lure of an artificial fly. It's a feeling like no other for many who go on a roller-coaster ride, from excitement to devastation, in a full-blown tantrum if the fish escapes.
Africa offers fly fishermen the chance to indulge their passion in distinctly different regions. Below are some of the best places to bend your elbow in that perfectly smooth and powerful cast:
Mozambique
If you want to hear your reel sing chasing bonefish that run hard and fast to really get the feverish pitch of 
adrenaline happening, then head to the Bazaruto Archipelago, where the big ones can be found. There are plenty of species to hook in this area and in the Vilanculos Archipelago region—kingfish, queenfish, tarpon, and various trevally species. Here you can shore fish, fish from a boat, or stand in rivers and estuaries admiring the view. Known as the fly-fishing capital of Africa, the Indian Ocean is the playground for big game fishing.
Kenya
Pristine rivers and streams meander through the Aberdare National Park. There are also the freezing cold glacial lakes of Mount Kenya National Park, where trout bite during the cooler months, making it an ideal destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts. In these wondrous highlands of incredible beauty, located approximately 193 km north of Nairobi, big brown and rainbow trout put up a fight that will get the heart pumping with excitement. The dry seasons, from January to February and June through September, are the best months to catch that lifetime fish, and local guides can lead you straight to the best spots.
Tanzania
Breath-taking scenery and incredible wildlife are a bonus when you take to the rivers in Tanzania. A top destination for anglers chasing the thrill of trying to land the massive creature with razor-sharp teeth, the tiger fish. With some tigerfish getting as big as 10 kg, they are a feat to land due to their fighting prowess, power, and speed of hitting the line—blink and it may be gone. Vundu catfish and yellowfish can also be found in the remote rivers of Mnyera and Ruhudji in southwestern Tanzania.
Namibia
One of the least populated countries in the world and known for its iconic sand dunes, Namibia offers exceptional fly fishing in the mighty Zambezi River, where you can encounter the fearsome tigerfish and other species. The best time to cast a line is during the warm months of September to December, when water levels are optimal and fish are actively feeding in the water. Conservation is a high priority on Namibia's agenda, so ensure you have the correct permits and are aware of the relevant regulations. Catch and release is a fundamental practice for maintaining fish populations. With its diverse ecosystem, fly fishing in Namibia is a unique experience.
Botswana
Don't throw a line in the water in Botswana without obtaining the local permits required, which can be obtained from the lodge you are staying at or through local authorities. Then the Okavango Delta will be your fishing paradise. Head to the massive deltas of Botswana's permanent water camps in the Panhandle region, where the Okavango River flows into the Guru and Chania Rivers in the Aberdare National Park. This vast inland Delta is a mecca for fishermen of all levels. You can chase species such as bream, bass, catfish, and the iconic trophy, the tigerfish. Fly fishing here, whether from the shore or in a boat, is an exhilarating adventure that is hard to top due to the natural world surrounding you.
Uganda
There's more to Uganda than the incredible mountain gorillas—there is Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Sustainable fishing is a top priority, with anglers encouraged to use catch-and-release techniques in this prime fishing area, where permits are required. Expect to hook up Nile Perch, catfish, and tilapia in a frenzy of fun all year round.
Luxury fishing lodges can be found throughout Africa, offering knowledgeable guides, well-equipped boats, and excellent fishing equipment. This means you don't have to stay 'fishy' at the end of the day, but can relax in decadent luxury and dine to the sounds of the wildlife under a black sky.
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.
