Destination Overview
Destination: Kwanza River Lodge
Country: Angola
Saltwater: Inshore fishing
Capacity: 6 per week
Season: Early April to Late August
Specialties: Inshore fishing
Species: Dorado (Saltwater), Tarpon, Threadfin Tuna

Kwanza River Lodge

The Kwanza River is the fourth largest river in Africa, flowing through Angola in West Africa and eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. This area is hardly visited by western world tourists and fishermen as access to this part of Angola was previously extremely difficult due to the lack of infrastructure. Recently however, this area has changed into a premier fly fishing destination. This majestic river, together with its inshore and offshore fisheries is tempts the fishermen with large amounts of gigantic tarpon as well as a variety of other world class game fish. Giant African threadfin tuna, Atlantic jack crevalle and pelagic species like dorado, sailfish and wahoo are just some of the numerous species fly fishermen are likely to come into contact with.

The Kwanza River is an enormous jungle river with a large tidal influence. During the month of August shoals of giant African threadfin tuna visit the lower reaches of the river, allowing anglers a small window to target these mysterious trophy sized fish. The threadfin are extremely powerful, making them a worthy advisory to the fisherman and a great addition to your species list. The Kwanza Tarpon Lodge boasts three IGFA world records for these exciting game fish.

From November to April on the Kwanza, large numbers of tarpon can be located in this immense water system. Fishermen target tarpon on an outgoing tide as the water recedes, forcing baitfish and crustaceans from the safety of the mangroves into the main channel where the tarpon await their arrival. During outgoing tides numbers of large tarpon feed heavily while rolling and splashing on the surface – an anglers dream! The magnificent "Silver Kings" are found throughout the entire estuarine system of the Kwanza, from the river mouth to as far as 80km up river. However the biggest attraction of the area must be the dorado. From February to April huge shoals of dorado congregate under the floating weed beds washed out of the Kwanza river and it is not uncommon for a boat to land 40+ fish a day! Most of the fishing around the Kwanza River is done from the smaller tender boats due to the thick vegetation that lines the banks of the deep and strong flowing river. The added bonus of using these tender boats is the maneuverability and the ease of positioning it offers. Two anglers fish per boat and are accompanied by a guide and a skipper. Other exciting species such as jack crevalle, Indian mirrorfish and giant barracuda can also be targeted in the lower reaches of the Kwanza.

Kwanza Tarpon Lodge is built on stilts near the the mouth of the Kwanza River. It has a central restaurant with a full bar catering to ten luxury bungalows. All bungalows are built to blend in with the natural environment while ensuring a comfortable stay in a picturesque setting. Kwanza Tarpon Lodge has 6 double en-suite bungalows and 4 en-suite two room family bungalows all with private verandas for enjoying an afternoon sunset.
Client Comments:
I honestly didn’t think Tarpon would be as big as they are here – AM, UK

Travel Tips:
Angola is 1 hour ahead of GMT and flying time from London is approximately 8 hours plus transfer time.

Visa's are required for British passport holders.

Please contact Aardvark McLeod with any questions or for booking information.