Looking for a fishing adventure that’s truly untamed? Look no further than the legendary tigerfish—Africa’s apex freshwater predator. With razor-sharp teeth, blistering speed, and a ferocity that rivals the piranha, Hydrocynus vittatus isn’t just a catch. It’s a conquest.
The Tigerfish delivers explosive action and stories you'll relive for years. Its silver-striped body and fire-red fins are more than striking—they’re the mark of an unforgettable fight.
Join Garreth and Craig in chasing one of Africa’s most iconic game fish. Because this isn’t just fishing—it’s Tiger fishing.
for any angler seeking serious freshwater action. Known for their razor-sharp teeth, brute strength, and lightning-fast strikes, these predators promise an adrenaline-packed fishing experience.
Habitat: Primarily found in the rivers and lakes of Sub-Saharan Africa—most notably the Zambezi, Congo, and Okavango systems. They prefer fast-moving, oxygen-rich waters with plenty of cover for ambushing prey.
Identification: Silver body with dark vertical stripes - Bright red or orange fins - Proportionally large, interlocking teeth.
Behaviour: Tigerfish are aggressive, schooling hunters that often strike in coordinated groups. Larger individuals tend to be more solitary. They’ve even been recorded catching birds in flight—so beware, nothing is truly off the menu.
Best Techniques: Fly Fishing: Streamers that mimic baitfish Lures: Spoons, crankbaits, and surface poppers.
Tactics: Focus on early morning and dusk when activity peaks. Strong wire leaders are essential given their toothy bite.
Top Tip: For maximum success, match your gear to the fight—sturdy rods, quality reels, and quick reflexes are your best allies against this African powerhouse.
Zambezi, Okavango & Congo RIVER SYSTEMS
Teeth designed
for shredding
Insanely aggressive
Fly, spoon
or popper
YOUR GUIDES
Craig’s connection to the wilderness runs deep. Raised on farmlands nestled in South Africa’s Hottentots Holland mountains, he spent his formative years outdoors—fishing, hunting, and living in rhythm with the natural world. His love of the sea led him to the South African Navy, where he served as an Executive Officer and later specialized in Mine Countermeasure Diving and Demolitions, earning advanced maritime safety certifications along the way.
Driven by a thirst for exploration, Craig has led multi-day fishing and 4x4 overlanding expeditions across some of the most remote terrains in Southern Africa. He is known for designing bespoke corporate excursions that blend adventure, introspection, and real-world takeaways. As an advanced fishing instructor with decades of knowledge, Craig brings not only technical expertise but also a strategic mindset honed through years of planning high-impact corporate retreats.
At the heart of it all is Craig’s passion for fly fishing and environmental stewardship. He champions conservation through action and lives by the mantra of catch-and-release only. As a business owner and facilitator of wild fishing safaris, he understands the demands of modern life—and sees every journey as an opportunity to reset, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Garreth Coombes is a proud South African with an adventurous spirit and a heart that beats for wild waters. With over 30 years spent chasing the legendary tigerfish, he's not just an expert—he’s a storyteller, a mentor, and a true ambassador for Africa’s great rivers. Whether it's mastering a perfect cast on the upper Zambezi or navigating the untamed beauty of the lower Zambezi, Garreth’s guided countless anglers through exhilarating encounters with one of the fiercest freshwater predators on the planet.
Blending deep local knowledge with boundless passion, Garreth creates unforgettable experiences in some of Africa’s most breathtaking—and often untouched—environments. If you're seeking not just a fishing trip, but a wild-hearted adventure led by someone who lives and breathes it, you’ve just found your guy.
Step into the legacy of Africa’s great explorers. Experience the unfiltered beauty of vast open landscapes, untouched wilderness, and wildlife that has roamed freely for millennia. In this extraordinary corner of wild Africa—where four countries converge along the mighty Zambezi River—you’ll find a fishing sanctuary like no other.
Here, your rivals are fish eagles overhead, 12-foot Nile crocodiles on the banks, and the occasional bull elephant charging through camp. This isn’t a journey for the faint of heart—but if you’re up for it, our team’s deep knowledge of the river and years of bushcraft experience will ensure you land fish daily, without exception.
We offer a fully guided, tailor-made fishing safari, meticulously designed around your group’s needs. From custom itineraries to on-the-ground flexibility, no request is too ambitious. You'll enjoy a true wilderness immersion—complete with golden sunrises, fiery sunsets, and starlit evenings around the outdoor Boma, where fine wines and rich bushveld cuisine await.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting for the first time, our guides will advise you on the right gear, tackle, and technique. Each guest receives a personal set of Zambezi-tested clousers and spinning jigs, perfected over two decades on the river. And should you need equipment, we’ll happily guide your selection to match both the fish and the terrain.
This is more than a fishing trip—it’s an adventure to awaken your wild side and leave you with stories that last a lifetime.
Craig Hunter
Garreth Coombes
YOUR LODGES
Welcome to Sekoma Island Lodge, your gateway to one of the most electrifying tiger fishing frontiers on Earth. Set within the legendary Mambova Rapids—where Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia converge—this is more than a destination. It’s a battleground for freshwater predators.
The Hunt: Brace yourself for high-octane action as you battle ferocious tiger fish in the wild waters of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. Their teeth are razor-sharp. Their runs are explosive. Their fight? Unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or chasing your first strike, our expert guides will get you on the fish—and keep your adrenaline spiking.
The Wild Between Strikes: Between casts, immerse yourself in a haven of birdlife, ancient trees, and the untamed rhythm of the bush. Watch fish eagles spiral overhead. Hear the distant grunt of hippos. Feel the pulse of Africa in every breeze.
The Stay: When it’s time to recharge, retreat to comfort without compromise:
8 Twin Luxury Tented Chalets (Max 16 guests) with spacious en-suite bathrooms and river-facing decks
2 Family Units (Each sleeps 4 – Max 8 guests), perfect for shared adventures
Each tented suite blends safari charm with modern ease—canvas walls, timber floors, and the soft glow of lantern light. Step outside at dusk and sip a cold Mosi as the sun bleeds gold across the Zambezi. The horizon stretches wide. The moment lingers.
The Flavour: Fuel your adventure with hearty, home-style meals made fresh daily:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Snacks and refreshments throughout the day
Expect a fusion of local ingredients and international comfort—think grilled game meats, garden-fresh salads, and delicious desserts. Meals are shared in our open-air boma beneath the stars, where stories flow as freely as the drinks.
The Soul of Sekoma: At Sekoma, the vibe is pure wilderness soul with a pulse-pounding twist. It’s where the fish bite hard, the sunsets burn bright, and the memories run deep.
Sekoma Island Lodge:Fish Wild. Rest Easy. Come Alive on the Zambezi.
Welcome to Ilombe Island Lodge, your exclusive gateway to Africa’s wild heartbeat. Nestled among the Mambova Rapids on Zambia’s legendary Upper Zambezi River, this boutique five-tent retreat invites a select few to experience fly-fishing at its most exhilarating—surrounded by astonishing wildlife, breathtaking sunsets, and barefoot luxury under the stars.
Fly-Fishing Where Legends Are Made: Set out with skilled guides and purpose-built river boats to hunt the fierce, acrobatic tigerfish—an angler’s dream and a freshwater predator without equal. Every cast on these storied waters is a step deeper into untamed Africa.
Wildlife Encounters at Every Turn: Ilombe is where the river and the bush come alive together. Keep an eye out for crocodiles basking along the banks, hippos grunting in the shallows, and herds of elephants and buffalo gathering at the water’s edge. Overhead, fish eagles cry while kingfishers and bee-eaters dazzle the skies. It’s not just a fishing trip—it’s a front-row seat to nature’s theatre.
Intimate Island Living: Five raised twin-bedded tents, each with en-suite bathrooms and sweeping river views, promise restful nights and peaceful mornings. Wake to birdsong, end your day with a cocktail on the deck—Ilombe offers a rhythm of life that restores body and spirit.
Alfresco Dining & Unmatched Hospitality: Expect full-board gourmet meals crafted with local ingredients, served under starlit skies or beneath a shady thatched boma. After a day on the water, cool off in the pool or gather around the firepit with a chilled drink in hand and stories to share.
Stay Connected—Or Don’t: With high-speed Wi-Fi available in camp, you can share your adventures—or simply unplug and let Africa take the lead.
Reconnect, Restore, Rewild: Whether you’re casting a fly at sunrise, tracking game from the boat, or soaking in the golden glow of dusk with nothing but the sound of the river around you, Ilombe Island Lodge is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A call to slow down, tune in, and connect with what truly matters.
Welcome to Zambelozi Lodge, a secluded island retreat carved into 25 km of the unspoiled upper Zambezi—a premier destination for world-class tiger fishing. Feel the surge as a 17 lb tiger fish explodes from swirling rapids beneath your line. This isn’t just a fishing trip. This is a number fishery—and the numbers are thrilling.
Tailored for both fly and lure purists, we host just 8 anglers at a time, with only 2 per boat, ensuring an experience that’s as intimate as it is electrifying. Our custom boats feature spacious casting decks, ideal for precision, power, and unforgettable hook-ups.
And when the lines are reeled in, Zambelozi reveals its quieter magic.
Indulgent Comfort in the Wild: Retreat to your private river-facing chalet, where contemporary elegance meets natural textures—think polished teak, handwoven linens, and wide-screen views of the river itself. Slide open the doors to your deck at sundown, where a canvas of amber sky melts into the mighty Zambezi. The only soundtrack? The distant rumble of hippos, the rustle of mopane leaves, and the fizz of your sundowner.
Breathe deep. Unplug. Let the moments stretch.
Whether you’re reclining poolside with a chilled Mosi in hand or gathered around the fire pit under a diamond-spilled sky, every element has been designed for effortless connection—with yourself, your fellow adventurers, and the pulse of Africa herself.
A Feast for the Senses: Evenings bring the allure of bushveld cuisine—a soulful fusion of traditional Zambian flavours and modern flair. Think flame-grilled game cuts, freshly baked bread, garden-grown sides, and stories traded over slow drinks. Meals are served al fresco beneath ancient trees, or in our open-air boma—where the wild and the refined converge.
All of it—the adventure, the comfort, the cuisine—is part of our fully inclusive experience. Because at Zambelozi, your only job is to fish hard—and unwind harder.
Zambelozi Lodge: Where the Zambezi roars, the tiger fish strike, and wild luxury is yours alone.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege."
Dr Livingston