Mwambashi River Lodge- Zambia

Dates available throughout 2008

Mwambashi River Lodge:
This lodge accommodates 16 guests and is situated 31 km into the Lower Zambezi National Park. Mwambashi is a "bush lodge" with the accommodation being Meru style tents (with en-suite facilities) on raised wooden platforms, each with a private verandah commanding breathtaking views overlooking the Zambezi River.

Only guests staying at Mwambashi are eligible to fish stretches of the river within the National Park, and because of this the fishing is spectacular. Where else in the world can you game view and fish simultaneously, sometimes just yards from a herd of elephants!

The lodge has a plunge pool which offers clear views out across the Zambezi River.

Activities, led by knowledgeable guides, include game viewing and bird watching in the National Park together with motorboat, walking, fishing and canoeing trips. Game drives are arranged to suit clients but generally leave very early in the morning in order to capture animals at first light.

Fishing at Mwambashi:
For angling enthusiasts this is a perfect tiger/vundu fishing location. For the uninitiated the tiger fish is probably Africa's finest and most awesome game fish. For sheer aggression, pound for pound, it must rank as one of the world's most powerful freshwater species and the Zambezi is full of them! The tiger possesses a ferocious set of 18 large, triangular razor-sharp teeth enclosed in a bony head and has black/blue lateral tiger stripes with bright yellow & red caudal fin.

Tackle required -

Tiger:
5/0 & 6/0 wide gape hooks for drifting Chessa fillets. Also required 2 x SSG swan shot
Rods:
2lb test curve spinning rod with fixed spool combo or bait caster with multiplier & 30lb braid.

Vundu:
Rods: 9' uptide boat rod with multiplier reel (ABU 7000 ideal), with 30lb mono or 50lb braid.
Hooks: 8/0 & 1-3oz bombs.
Trace: 3' long 50lb. nylon covered wire to alleviate bite-offs from tiger fish.
In the interests of conservation the lodge operates a catch-and-release programme

A typical day would be as follows: up at dawn for tiger fishing - back to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a further tiger fishing session until lunch time. Afternoon siesta prior to a mid afternoon to dusk tiger/vundu fishing session.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Depart Heathrow Airport 19.15 - British Airways overnight direct flight to Lusaka
Day 2: Arrive Lusaka 06.15. Once customs and immigration formalities have been completed and visas purchased you will be transferred by light aircraft (half hour
journey) to Mwambashi River Lodge situated on the banks of the Lower Zambezi river. Afternoon guided fishing. Overnight all-inclusive tented accommodation.
All meals, laundry, drinks, guided fishing included

Day 3: All day fishing - all-inclusive accommodation - Mwambashi River Lodge
Day 4: All day fishing - all-inclusive accommodation - Mwambashi River Lodge
Day 5: All day fishing - all-inclusive accommodation - Mwambashi River Lodge
Day 6: All day fishing - all-inclusive accommodation - Mwambashi River Lodge
Day 7: All day fishing - all-inclusive accommodation - Mwambashi River Lodge

Day 8: Morning fishing session and breakfast at the lodge. Approx mid-day transfer by light aircraft back to Lusaka, and on to Chaminuka by road (approx. 1 hour journey), for overnight twin room dinner/bed/breakfast accommodation. Afternoon game drive on the Chaminuka private reserve or a fishing session on the property's dam in front of the lodge.

Day 9: Early start! Depart Lusaka at 08.45 - direct day flight, arriving Heathrow 17.55

Cost - (subject to availability) £1,950 + airport taxes, per person (sharing) - subject to alterations to flight schedules.

Cost includes:
International & charter flights, all transfers, drinks, laundry, dinner bed & breakfast accommodation at Chaminuka, all-inclusive Mwambashi River Lodge accommodation, fully guided fishing and National Parks fees.

Cost excludes:
Airport taxes, visa fees, travel insurance and Zambia Departure Tax (US$20.00 - subject to change), gratuities.

Clothing:
Shorts & t-shirts, wide brimmed hat, polarised sun glasses (2 pairs), binoculars, high factor sun screen, lip balm, swim wear, insect repellent, anti malaria course, torch, camera, film, spare batteries.

Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date of your holiday.

Visa:
You will require a visa for entry into Zambia - this you can obtain when you arrive at Lusaka airport - approx. US$40.00 (subject to change)

Departure tax:
You will have to pay US$20.00 (subject to change) departure tax when leaving Zambia - please have this ready in notes.

Insurance:
Travel insurance is essential.

Prime season:
August, September & October are considered the best months for tiger fishing. At this time of year it is very hot in the Zambezi valley.