Fishing & Water Sports

Deep Sea Fishing

Tanzania; Zanzibar & Mafia & Kilwa

Fishing is an integral part of African culture, in a world where self-sufficiency is at the heart of the economy you can witness many fishing boats bobbing against the flaming sunrise and the sparkling Indian Ocean. Off the beautiful island of Zanzibar the sea life is abundant, rich and satisfying. Fishing enthusiasts will be in their element as they sail out to the midst of the deep green waters and cast their lines to catch some spectacular fish.

Pristine Waters

Many of the waters around the southern tip of the Island, between Mafia Island and Latham Island are practically untouched with only a handful of locals taking to the seas with their nets in hand. This means there is plenty to go around and it’s very rare you will step foot on land without a trophy to show for your big day indulging in deep sea fishing.
Year Round Feasts of The Sea

From dazzling Striped Marlin to Yellowfin Tuna, Shortbill Spearfish, Boardbill and Sailfish – these are just a few of the floundering friends that swim beneath the green surface of the waves. Whilst there are endless opportunities to fish throughout the year, there are two main fishing seasons that throw up big game fishing opportunities. The Yellowfin Tuna season runs from August until October and then the Marlin season is at its best between December and March. However the Boardbill and Sailfish are up for grabs all year.
The real challenge of the day could be trying to catch one of the fastest fish in the sea, the Wahoo fish. This slippery sea critter travels at an amazing speed of 85km per hour and is a real test of a fisherman’s prowess.

Tag and Release Policy

Unless you manage to catch a record breaker or the first ever fish of your life many companies encourage a catch and release method. This ensures the water stays full of life for everyone to enjoy without damaging the delicate eco system of the Indian Ocean.

A Truly Rewarding Experience

There is nothing more rewarding than drifting out onto the blue horizon as the sun gleams of the surface of the water and the silence of nature envelops you. Sea birds call from overhead and dive at the waters in the hopes of catching a silvery scaled fish for breakfast. The soft breeze caresses your skin and as you cast your line out you understand the true meaning of rest and rejuvenation.

Yet despite the calming nature of deep sea fishing there can be moments interspersed with high action where plenty of energy is needed. For example if you happen to snap a lone Barracuda on your line, the big fish is sure to strike hard and throw itself out of the water in a panic, causing your line to stretch taut and all your strength will be needed to reel it in.

River Fishing

Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, Tanzania

You want to catch a tigerfish of a lifetime? Simply put: The Mnyera and the Ruhudji rivers is the best it gets. This is the only destination on the planet where you can target tigerfish that consistently reset the bar as to what is possible tigerfishing.
In the past, trophy tiger fish have been classified as fish above 10 lbs. This bench mark has been shattered with the average fish in this system coming home at just under 8lbs. Here fisherman have a real opportunity of landing tiger fish of over 20lb’s, with shots at multiple trophy fish on a daily basis In fresh water this is almost unheard of. Now combine this fact with the speed, strength, aerial antics and aggressive nature of the tiger fish, and dump it all in two rivers flowing through one of the words last true wilderness areas, home to big game, and then you may begin to get an idea of just how unique the twin fisheries of the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers really are.

The Fishing Experience

The majority of the fishing is done off the drift. Here our attentions are focused on the river structure which comprises logs, long sand banks, steep drop-off’s and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate we also make use of sand anchors and tying up to structure mid stream to focus our attention on a specific stretch of water. All fishing is done off 16ft aluminium boats.
This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries. KNS and TF have strict fisheries and anti poaching controls in place to ensure that this system remains as pristine as it was 100 years ago. The system is also extremely rich in bait fish (predominantly red finned barbs). The combination of these factors has resulted in this population of tiger fish obtaining otherwise unheard of sizes. Trophy fish in this system are measured above 20lbs. Be prepared to have you fly fishing paradigms shifted!

Water Sports

Tanzania; Along the Mainland Coast & Zanzibar

Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Parasailing in Tanzania has much to offer. Coco Beach, Bagamoyo, Pangani, Paje, Jambani, Nungwi, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Matemwe… The names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Tanzania’s most alluring surfing destinations, all packed into one country. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these nine alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to surf in Tanzania. If you are lucky you can windsurf, kitesurf or parasail beside the reef accompanied by dolphins and a wide variety of species while glancing at the sea bed through the turquoise colour waters. Off the water relaxing on Zanzibar’s quiet beaches makes an ideal choice for a romantic windsurfing, kitesurfing or parasailing holiday.