African Zambezi Adventure Fishing Vacation

Trip Summary

Trip Introduction

On the banks of the Zambezi, close to the confluence with the Chobe, lie Sekoma and Ilombe Island Lodges. A "Robinson Crusoe" island, it teems with indigenous fauna and abundant flora and boasts more than 70 different fish species.

The waters surrounding Sekoma Island are only navigable by mokoro (dugout boat) except the northern point area which has been converted into the Lodge's harbour and clients, therefore, have total exclusivity.

From the lodges there is a mouthwatering choice of fishing in the Zambezi and Chobe rivers as well as the Kasai channel, providing a range of magnificent fishing opportunities.

With an infinite diversity of flora and fauna around every corner, this river is a professional and amateur photographer’s dream. Crocodile, buffalo, antelope, birds and (occasionally) lions roam the banks of the Chobe and hippos are hiding around every corner.

After a hard day on the water, enjoy a sun downer drink whilst watching elephants drinking from the nearest sand bank, under an African sunset.

The Fishing

Each boat has its own guide and will always have a cooler box stocked with cold drinks. Boats normally leave the lodge around 5.30-6.00am, but you can arrange specific times with your guide to suit your needs. The hottest hours of the day are between midday and 2pm-3pm, so anglers are encouraged to rest at the time, especially during the sweltering months of September and October. Boats will leave again from 3pm onwards and stay on the water until sun down.

From the lodges there is a mouthwatering choice of fishing in the Zambezi and Chobe rivers as well as the Kasai channel, providing a range of magnificent fishing opportunities.

Sekoma Lodge operates from the Zambian side of the Mambova Rapids on a stretch of river that experiences an annual flood. This flood brings growth and replenishment to the system.

Every year the Chobe and Zambezi floods onto its many floodplains, creating self-sustaining stocking. Tiger Fish use these flood plains as their breeding grounds

It is an ideal venue for the adventurous angler, whether a conventional lure or fly angler. Tiger fish, large tilapia, colourful bream species, catfish and African pike can be caught here. The hard-fighting tiger fish, which is world renowned for its fierce, acrobatic fight, has earned the reputation of being one of the world’s toughest freshwater fish.

Techniques vary, with fly and lure fishing being the predominant methods used. The largemouth bream and tilapia species, namely the Nembwe (Olive or Yellow Belly Bream), Thinface largemouth, Humpback largemouth as well as Three Spot and Redbreast tilapia take artificials and flies readily. Anglers can also probe the lesser visited backwaters and lily-padded lagoons in search of the many vegetarian species of bream, like Greenhead tilapia and Pink happies.

Tigers are caught mainly by fly and lure fishing, but in April when the river is higher and often coloured, the lodge does allow some bait fishing with circle hooks and fish baits.

Angling on the main river is with either fibre-glass bass boats or spacious aluminium boats, which have been modified for fly fishermen with snag free carpeted decks. Sekoma and Ilombe have eight boats in their fleet which are powered by 55hp motors. Boats can take two fly anglers or three or four lure anglers at any time.

In the low water season, from mid-September onwards through to December, anglers are able to access the untouched rapids and riffles around the island with canoes as well as the main river – a definite must.

The Accommodation

At Sekoma there are 8 twin and 2 four sleeper tented suites. Ilombe has 5 twin tents and each can be easily converted in to one queen-size double or two singles. All ‘Safari-style’ tents have twin beds, en-suite bathroom facilities and are raised on wooden decking, each with their own breathtaking view of the Zambezi River.

At Sekoma, there is a main Boma (Place of Fire), where sometimes guests dine under the stars alongside the river. At night whilst eating dinner or having a drink around the fire, the atmosphere is echoed by owls calling and hippos doing their grunting and snorting. The Boma also has a fully stocked bar and there is a second fireplace close to the communal area where guests can sit around in the winter, warming their hands while waiting to start the day’s fishing.

Ilombe has a spacious communal / dining area, lounge and wooden deck with built-in fire place, that extends out to Zambezi River. In the communal area we have a fully stocked bar and wicker sofas to relax on.

Breakfasts are served from 5.30am onwards, but a packed breakfast can be arranged to take with you on the boats. Lunch and dinner are served in the communal area or around the Boma/Braai pit in the evenings.

Travel Plan