Shangaa Camp
Shangaa Camp is a seasonal, expedition-style setup located on a secluded peninsula overlooking the vast expanse of the Nyerere Dam, in the heart of Nyerere National Park. The newly formed
Tanzania is an exciting African fly fishing destination, offering adventurous anglers the chance to pursue powerful tigerfish in remote and untouched wilderness settings. While the country is famous for its incredible wildlife and iconic safari landscapes, its rivers are home to some of the finest freshwater fly fishing on the continent.
In south-western Tanzania, the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers have gained an international reputation as some of the most consistent trophy tigerfish fisheries in Africa. Flowing through remote miombo woodland, these pristine freestone rivers offer a true wilderness fishing experience, with anglers targeting aggressive predators from aluminium boats while drifting banks, structure and current seams.
The fisheries are carefully managed on a limited-rod basis, with typically no more than eight anglers per week fishing long, rested beats. This approach, combined with strict catch-and-release practices and conservation partnerships with local communities, helps maintain exceptional fish populations and protects these remarkable river systems for the future.
Tanzania offers a rare combination of world-class tigerfish fishing, remote wilderness and a genuine sense of exploration. The Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers provide opportunities to encounter some of Africa’s largest tigerfish, with fish in the 10–20lb range common and specimens exceeding 25lb recorded each season.
Fishing is highly visual, with anglers casting large baitfish streamers on intermediate or sink-tip lines towards riverbanks, submerged structure and fast-flowing current seams. The explosive takes, blistering runs and sheer power of tigerfish make them one of the most thrilling freshwater species to pursue on fly.
Beyond the upper river systems, the confluence of the Mnyera and Ruhudji forms the Kilombero River, which eventually joins the Luwengu and Rufiji River systems flowing through Nyerere National Park. This predator-rich downstream fishery remains relatively unexplored and offers exciting potential for future adventures.
Tanzania is best known for its exceptional tigerfish fishing, but its rivers and waterways support a range of exciting African freshwater species.
Key species include:
Aardvark McLeod has extensive experience arranging specialist fly fishing holidays to Tanzania’s tigerfish destinations. We’ve fished these waters ourselves and understand the unique requirements of travelling to remote river systems and work closely with trusted local operators to ensure every element of your adventure is carefully planned. We can work hand in hand with our sister company, safari specialist Ganders Travel, to create bespoke itineraries combining fishing and safari for anglers wishing to an extra dimension to their fly fishing holiday.
Shangaa Camp is a seasonal, expedition-style setup located on a secluded peninsula overlooking the vast expanse of the Nyerere Dam, in the heart of Nyerere National Park. The newly formed
Not only is the fishing good on Lake Nyerere, the fishery itself is something rare these days; it’s not been subject to commercial netting and has been barely touched by angling pressure of any kind.
The fisheries of the Mnyera and Ruhudji River in south west Tanzania have a well deserved reputation as two of the finest freshwater fisheries available to the adventurous travelling angler in search of trophy tigerfish.