As the morning mist drifts off the tea coloured water, the deep rumbling of a Hippo interrupts the concentration of two anglers and their guide as they slowly drift down the weeded edge of the island. The anglers pick up, cast and strip to the instruction of there companion until suddenly the serenity of the picture is completely shattered. 50 yards away the water erupts in a shower of spray, as a blur of red, yellow and silver fury comes crashing back down to the surface…….

There are few experiences in this world that can rival an African dawn, especially when holding a fly rod on the Zambezi River, in search of arguably the fiercest fresh water gamefish, Hydrocynus vittatus - the mighty Tigerfish!
Fishing for a creature which over time has been moulded out of pure aggression and speed on the Zambezi River is an experience not for the faint hearted. As the fish hits your fly, adrenaline is instantly injected into your system making the next few minutes anything but a gentle stroll in the park. It’s a fix you just have to try!

Camp Chawalo - The Lower Zambezi
The lower Zambezi River offers anglers the opportunity to fish for Africa’s premier freshwater game fish, the Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus), in some of Africa’s most majestic scenery. This particular area is known as the Zambezi River Valley and has proven to be one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations for Tigerfish. The lower Zambezi starts below the famous Victoria Falls from where it flows below Lake Kariba through the Zambezi Valley and into Cahora Bassa.  The valley is rich in birdlife with over 300 species being recorded making it a birders paradise. This largely undisturbed environment also plays host to unique flora such as the majestic Baobab trees that line the river banks. The lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s famed wilderness areas, so throwing a mighty-fly-crippling species like the Tigerfish into the equation and the results are sure to make it a trip of lifetime!

Over the years we have fished and guided the length of the Zambezi River searching for an affordable yet exclusive destination which offers anglers the opportunity to target trophy size Tigerfish. Chawalo Concession covers the beautiful western corner of Mozambique, with the camp situated on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, approximately 13km downstream from the town of Zumbo, and roughly 15km downstream from the confluence of the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers. This area is unique in that it offers anglers the opportunity to fish the river, the delta where the river spills into the lake, or the lake itself. The maze of channels and structure offer anglers infinite opportunities to target trophy size Tigerfish irrespective of weather conditions or water levels…and the concentration of trophy size fish is legendary to say the least.

The Fishing
The area covers the headwaters of Lake Cahora Bassa, where the mighty Zambezi River slows down and spreads out into various channels which run into the lake, some of them varying in width from 100m to 2km. Huge islands of up to 100 hectares which are covered by reed beds are also situated in the main channel, these form large floodplains, with the edges providing ideal cover for baitfish and hence attract large numbers of Tigerfish. The channels between these islands are also made up of huge glides which are interspersed by sandbars and various other forms of structure, again creating ideal Tigerfish habitat. This truly unique section of water has formed a prime Tigerfish feeding ground.

Further upstream the river forms a gorge with very little structure and lower downstream the dam has no flow, concentrating the huge numbers of feeding Tigerfish in the area around Chawalo. Best of all, there are no long boat rides required to get to the fishing grounds! Eighty percent of the fishing sessions are conducted within five kilometres from camp. There are four brand new boats in camp customized for fly fishing and fitted out with all the necessary technology and gear to make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

All the fishing is done from boats, firstly allowing anglers the opportunity to drift and fish through some of the most spectacular scenery Africa has to offer, and secondly due to numerous hippos and crocodiles which call this section of the Zambezi home.

Lodge
Chawalo will cater to a maximum of eight fishermen at a time. All clients are accommodated in thatched chalets containing en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, ceiling fans and mosquito nets. All the rooms have electric lights which are powered by solar-panels. Full housekeeping is included in the lodge services, this includes daily laundry.

The spacious rooms each have twin ¾ beds, mosquito nets and overhead fans.  A large dining area forms the backdrop for many memorable evening meals. Chawalo has a well stocked bar, a comfortable lounge area and dining room which is situated in the central area of the camp.  There is also the added bonus of a splash pool for those wanting to refresh themselves before the next fishing session. Meal times revolve around the fishing sessions, with pre-packed sandwiches being the norm when heading out early. On returning from the morning session anglers will receive a tasty brunch/ lunch. Dinner is held in the dining room where delicious three course meals are served.

Getting There
Based on a standard seven day package – guests travelling from or through South Africa will depart from Johannesburg International Airport on a scheduled flight to Lusaka, followed by a forty five minute charter flight onboard a Cessna Caravan to Luangwa Feira. A Chawalo Safaris boat will transfer you across the Luangwa River into Mozambique where guests will clear customs at Zumbo. The last leg of your journey is a ten minute boat ride further downstream to the lodge.

If you would like more information on CampFlyCastaway Chawalo please contact us.