Gassa Camp in Cameroon welcomed its first guests in January 2019. The focus back then was very much on the ability to confidently target and land trophy Nile perch on the fly in a pristine riverine environment. There is little doubt that the fishery has set the benchmark when it comes to fly fishing for Nile perch on the African continent.
Five years later, looking back on the 2024 season, it is evident that Gassa Camp has developed into far more than a Nile perch fishery. It offers arguably the most diverse freshwater fly-fishing experience on the African continent. On average days, guests are armed with 7 or 8 wt rods rigged with floating lines and surface flies to target three species of tigerfish (much of this being by sight), 3 to 5 wt rods rigged with 12 ft leaders and size 14 nymphs to sight fish for trophy Niger barb, and finally, 12 wt rods to fish for Nile perch, both sub-surface and off the top.
Enhancements to Gassa Camp
As the understanding of the fishery has improved, so have the facilities at Gassa Camp. It remains a small seasonal tented camp, erected from scratch each year, catering to a maximum of 20 rods (five weeks of four rods each). Camp comprises four single tents, a beautiful alfresco lounge and dining area, hot showers, flush toilets, and Starlink WiFi for 24/7 communication, all combining to ensure a bespoke wilderness camp experience with just the right amount of comfort and familiarity. The small team of professional guides, camp staff, and game scouts ensure you are well looked after for the duration of your stay.
Head guide, Blaede Russel, gives a tour of Gassa Camp in this video.
A glimpse into West African savannah
A trip to Gassa Camp offers a glimpse into one of the last remaining intact West African savannah ecosystems. The aquatic and terrestrial habitat surrounding Gassa Camp is as diverse as the fly fishing opportunities. The 75000ha concession is home to iconic West African game, primates, and birds (including leopard, lion, forest buffalo, and giant eland), as well as an almost aquarium-like river system.
This video offers a peak into the unforgettable experience offered in this West African wilderness.
2025 season availability
18 – 26 January: 4 rods
14 – 22 February: 2 rods
22 February – 2 Mach: 4 rods
14 – 22 March: 4 rods
22 – 30 March: 4 rods
2026 season availability
11 – 19 January: 4 rods
1 – 9 February: 4 rods
8 -16 February: 4 rods
1 – 9 March: 4 rods
8 – 16 March: 4 rods
Gassa Camp Fishing
The Cameroon fishing experience is about the whole adventure and encounters with a few great fish in a special place. It’s not about heaps of easy to catch fish. It’s about casting giant flies in the hope of catching a metre long perch, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll achieve that and more. The biggest perch landed on fly has bottomed out a 100kg scale.
Serious perch fishing takes place almost exclusively at night. Night fly fishing has its charm and is very much a part of what makes the fishing even more unforgettable. Standing under the starlight, alone in the African wilderness, is a raw experience that’s wild in every sense. It may seem scary at first, but the risk from wildlife while fishing is extremely low and the guides and staff will be close at hand and run over to help the moment you hook up to a fish.
The daylight fishing hours are spent chasing other species among which are abundant tigerfish. These very aggressive fish grow to at least eight kilogrammes. The water is very clear, so often you will be sight fishing. One of the other rewarding species is the Niger barb. These eat a well presented dry fly or nymph but are temperamental and a handful when hooked on the light tippet. Other species that take a fly include cyprinids, tetras and numerous species of catfish. Anything can happen during your time on the river.
Cost: US$7,950 (2025 rates)
Includes
Return regional flights from Douala to Garoua, meet and greet on arrival.
Transfer from Garoua airport to hotel
One night accommodation in Garoua on arrival
Return transfers from Garoua hotel to camp
7 nights accommodation, all meals once in camp.
Tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, limited beers in camp (four beers/person/day)
African Waters guide and trip leader (two guides per group of four anglers)
Fishing permits
Game Scouts, conservation and anti-poaching levies
Excludes
International flights to and from Douala
Visas – these must be obtained before departure (roughly €100)
Meals in transit (Douala and Garoua – roughly €30 in total)
Wine and spirits (please bring your own)
Beers above the allocated four per person per day
Accommodation and meals in Douala should it be required on Monday night
after arriving back from Garoua (we can arrange to book this)
Transfers in Douala (should you be required to spend a night on your way
out. We can assist in arranging this)
Fishing tackle
Guide and camp staff gratuities
If you would like to hold space or get more details, please contact Charlotte Chilcott. Alternatively call the office on to +44(0)1980 847389 for more details. Charlotte’s trip report is available HERE.
More about the author, Charlotte Chilcott.