Zambezi

[Sungro]

I really want to go to the zambezi river, it is one of my biggest dreams and desires, it would be a fantasy becoming real if i can go but, is it worth the money and effort? Please give some advice or personal exsperience on this following questions:


1 Where does one go on the Zambezi river it is 3000km long if I am not wrong so it is a hard decision to make.

2 What lodges is affordable and has good fishing, luxury

I heard the barotse flood plains is a good place to fish. Can Wild Fly Travel organize something? does any one have experience with them?

And last but not least what time of year is the best to fish?

Sorry for all the questions, would really apreciate your replys it would be a great honor to go

 

[Ed0101]

Sungro,

If there were definitive answers to your questions it wouldn’t be fishing and for every question the a many answers. The Zambezi is a fantastic river with many great fishing areas. I have fished the Barotse and if your budget can stretch that far I would recommend it. The Lower Zambezi is always good ether on the Zim or the Zambian side, between Kariba and Cahora Bassa. Both of those dams also produce huge fish so it’s all about what you are looking for and what you can afford.

Barotse opens up in the next month and produce quality fish until the rains start towards the end of the year. The lower is best from when the water starts to warm in September until the water is muddied with the rains in November. The middle Zambezi, between Katima and Vic falls, is also fantastic and possibly the easiest and most economical to reach from South Africa. This area can provide great fishing most of the year.

So do your homework and decide where to start, but be warned that once you have been there you will not stop thinking about the next time.

To wet you apatite see my report from the Barotse last year http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=74027&forum_id=34&page=1

 

 

[L Hooker]

I've fished numerous place on the Zambezi I really enjoyed Sekoma Lodge caught some excellent fish there my biggest tiger there last year was 13.5 pounds, going to Shakeltons this year in July. Best time of year to fish this stretch of the Zambezi usually May June July, largely depends on water levels and you would want to time your trip when the water is draining of the flood plains. When the water drains of the flood plains into the Zambezi it brings with it all the juvenile fish which results in a feeding frenzy. Best way to get into fish is look out for the egrets, wherever they are the fish are usually there as well catching the bait fish!

 

[Patrys02]

Every section of the Zambezi, upper, middle and lower have different peak fishing times of the year and different ways of fishing. The best is to choose a section of the river you would like to go and start planning for that specific section. and yes, the Zambezi is always worth the money even if you dont catch trophy fish. I think one of the biggest mistakes guys make when going to the Zambezi for the first time, they book at Lodges which have a special package, however it is not in the peak season. so you spend alot of money and return from the Zambezi disappointed.

 

[yacoob]

The Zambezi is amazing. i've been there twice, and planning my third trip right now.We stayed at SEKOMA lodge, a magnificent, breathtaking island in the middle of it all. Both times i went was in august and i can assure you, if you go around that time of the year, you WILL catch those elusive tigers. I caught them to my hearts content.
The staff and owner of the Sekoma lodge make your stay an absolute pleasure, very helpful and experienced guides take you out on the river. They even prepare your rig for you if you want.

it's absolutely true what one of the previous posters said, once you leave there, you cant wait to return.

 

[lebaka]

suppose it all depends on how many $ u want to spend barotse and the others one see's on the tv shows i think would be on the high end.
we did a self drive to island view tiger lodge we camped but they have chalets the fishing is very good but not baroste standards a cheaper way to do it

my choice for money not being a issue would be barotse or cahorra  

 

[Northwards]

My dad's going up to Lukulu in June for 3 weeks on the river if any one wants to go with.
He grew up in the region so he knows the river well. He's looking for one more guy to go along. Going to be an AWESOME trip!!
If youre keen give him a call 0834512951
Cheers