Fothergill
Fothergill is a classic tented safari camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, within Zimbabwe’s magical Matusadona National Park. Visitors will find a wonderful range of land and water-based activities
Zimbabwe offers an exciting fly fishing experience, combining remote wilderness, dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to target some of Africa’s iconic freshwater species. While the country is best known for its tigerfish fishing, Zimbabwe offers a variety of environments, from the vast waters of Lake Kariba to the legendary Zambezi River, providing anglers with different styles of fishing and unforgettable encounters.
The Zambezi River, which forms Zimbabwe’s northern border, is one of Africa’s most famous waterways and offers excellent opportunities to target tigerfish in a spectacular wilderness setting. The river’s powerful currents, rocky channels and productive banks create ideal habitat for these aggressive predators, with anglers often fishing from boats and casting large streamers towards structure, current seams and areas where baitfish gather.
Lake Kariba provides a completely different style of fly fishing. This vast lake environment sees tigerfish patrol submerged structure, river mouths and open-water bait concentrations. Anglers explore the lake by boat, casting towards drop-offs, submerged timber and productive areas where predators are likely to be hunting.
It is the variety of opportunities that typify Zimbabwe as a fly fishing destination. The Zambezi River offers a traditional African tigerfish experience, with fast-flowing water, rocky channels and current breaks creating exciting opportunities to target these powerful predators. The river’s changing conditions require anglers to adapt their approach, reading the water carefully and presenting flies effectively around likely holding areas.
Lake Kariba provides a contrasting challenge, with a vast underwater landscape where understanding structure, depth and baitfish movements is key. Successful fishing often involves working drop-offs, submerged timber and river mouths with large baitfish patterns retrieved quickly through productive water.
Tigerfish are renowned for their aggression, speed and aerial displays, making them one of the most exhilarating freshwater species to pursue on fly. Typical catches on Lake Kariba are in the 8–17lb range, with larger fish encountered, while the Zambezi River offers the chance to connect with powerful fish in a classic river environment.
Beyond fishing, Zimbabwe’s safari reserves are home to all of Africa’s major wildlife species and offer a wealth of superb camps and lodges from which to enjoy this incredible wilderness.
Zimbabwe is best known for its tigerfish fishing, but its rivers, lakes and connected waterways support a variety of exciting freshwater species.
Key species include:
Aardvark McLeod has extensive experience arranging specialist fly fishing holidays throughout Africa, including tigerfish adventures on Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River and Lake Kariba. Our sister company and safari specialist, Ganders Travel, can also advise on all aspects of a safari holiday in Zimbabwe.
Fothergill is a classic tented safari camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, within Zimbabwe’s magical Matusadona National Park. Visitors will find a wonderful range of land and water-based activities