Tigerfishing Safari - Tanzania
Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers Combo
Fly Fishing Combo - Two Rivers and Two Camps
Over the past five years, the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers in southwest Tanzania have become recognized as the go-to destination for tigerfish in the 10-to 28-pound range. Fly Fishing only. African Waters is now the owner/outfitter of Tourette's Tigerfishing Camps. You'll spend three full days fishing each river with exclusive access to almost 75 miles of water and a maximum of eight anglers per week.
2026 Rate: $10,850 per person + $2,100 domestic air charter for 7 nights / 6 days guided fishing.
Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers:
On both the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers, anglers have the chance of landing tigers up to 28 pounds, with daily shots at multiple trophy fish. Tigerfish are renowned for their speed, strength, aerial antics, and aggressive nature. In the past, trophy tigers were classified as fish weighing over 10 pounds. Here, tigers average just under 8 pounds, shattering this benchmark.
These two rivers flow through one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. Dhala, the main camp on the Mnyera River, and Samaki Camp on the Ruhudji River offer the adventurous fly angler the ultimate African fly fishing safari. Guests have access to over 120km (74.56 miles) on two adjacent rivers, 7 km (4.35 miles) of rapids, and a unique camping operation that allows you to fly fish remote stretches of these unspoiled rivers.
Mike Sadar's with Large Tigerfish
• All fishing is strictly catch-and-release with single barbless hooks.
• No beat is fished twice in one week. Areas where fish are spawning are strictly no-go areas.
• No re-drifting of beats is allowed.
You'll drift fish a majority of the time. The river structure comprises fallen timber, sandbanks, steep drop-offs, and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate, they also use sand anchors and tie up to the structure midstream to focus on a specific stretch of water.
This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries and, with African Water's controlled fly-fishing methods, will continue to be so. The system is also extremely rich in baitfish—predominantly red-finned barbs. The combination of these factors has resulted in tigerfish attaining sizes otherwise unheard of. Trophy tigers in this system have weighed up to 28 pounds.
Lisa Sadar with Tigerfish
A Typical Fishing Day:
6:00 a.m. - Enjoy a light breakfast. Shortly afterward, you'll travel by water to your assigned fishing area for the day.
10:00 a.m. - Take a coffee and snack break on the boat.
Midday - Enjoy a riverside lunch in a shady spot selected by your guides. Lunchtime is the hottest part of the day, and fishing activity usually slows. For anglers fishing closer to camp, lunch will be served back at camp.
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Fishing resumes until sunset. All guides and anglers must return to camp by sunset, usually around 6:00 p.m. If you're fishing a beat farther from camp, you will need to end earlier to allow for a safe return before nightfall.
The Fishing Program
Fishing Season: runs from August through November, 16 weeks.
Group Size: The group size is limited to eight anglers per week, with four per group divided between the two rivers and camps.
Guides: International English-speaking guides who collectively have over 4,000 days on these waters.
Methods: You'll mainly be drift fishing, focusing on river structure—logs, long sand banks, drop-offs, and rocky outcroppings.
Species: Tigers, yellowfish, catfish, Vundu (the air-breathing catfish), bream, and gundu. Their guides have identified over 30 fish species.
Boats: 18-foot aluminum boats with 15-to-25-HP motors. There are two anglers per boat, a professional guide, and a coxswain (deckhand). Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people. All boats are fitted with line-stripping bins and equipped with two-way radios and first-aid equipment.
Fishing Equipment: Fishing equipment is not included in the package. Rod and reel rentals are available for $100 per person per week (excluding fly lines, which may be purchased at the Camp). A tip breakage fee of $30 applies. A rod breakage is subject to a $100 fee. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
Fitness Level: The fishing is boat-based, so the Camps are suitable for 95% of people who are fit enough to travel by boat.
Bob Daly with Tanzania Tigerfish
Upstream Nymphing for Yellowfish
Dhala and Samaki Camps:
Dhala Camp on the Mnyera River: Four tents with twin beds. Each tent has a private view of the river and an ensuite bath with a toilet and shower. Dinners at the Dhala Camp are enjoyed in the main dining area on a raised wooden deck overlooking the river. There is a comprehensive fly-tying station.
Samaki Camp on the Rhudji River: This rustic bush camp is comprised of traditional Safari tents, all ensuite, with twin or double beds.
Electricity: The camps operate on a combination of solar power and a backup generator, providing 220V electricity throughout. Tanzania uses Type G power sockets with three square pins. They recommend bringing your own international adapter kit to ensure you're fully prepared.
Interior of Dhala Tent
Meals: Their amazing camp chef prepares all meals. The kitchens are basic, with cooking done over wood-fueled grills and ovens. Fresh produce is flown into camp each week with the group. Due to the close relationship with a nearby hunting camp, guests can enjoy fresh venison during their stay.
Beverages: Soft drinks and bottled water are provided. Alcohol is limited to four beers per person per day ($5 per bottle after that) and two bottles of wine with dinner per party.
Communications: There is limited 3G mobile reception at Dhala, and limited Wi-Fi for emergencies at both camps. A satellite phone is available for emergency use. The fee is $5 per minute for outgoing calls and $3 per minute for incoming calls.
Power: You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter. Our confirmation packet provides detailed information.
Covered Lounge Area at Dhala
View of the River and Nightly Fire
From Dar es Salaam, you'll take a one-hour and 45-minute charter flight and then a 15-minute Jeep ride to the Camp.
Getting to the Camp:
U.S. citizens will need a passport and Visa to enter Tanzania. (Visa $100).
1.) You’ll fly to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. An African Waters staff member will greet you at the airport and drive you to The Seacliff Hotel. (The hotel night is not included in the package.)
2.) The following morning, at 7:30 a.m., a representative will meet you at the hotel and drive you to your charter flight. You’ll take a one-hour and 45-minute flight in a Cessna Caravan to the Dhala Camp. (There is a luggage weight limit of 20 kg/44 pounds (best to use soft duffel-style bags) and 5 kg/11 pounds for carry-on for the charter flight. The charter flight is not included in the package.)
3.) From the landing strip, it is a 15-minute jeep ride to camp.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1 - Morning Charter from Dar es Salaam to Camp. Welcome, and a briefing by the head guide.
Four anglers stay at Dhala Camp, and four anglers move to Samaki Camp. No fishing on the day of
arrival, as guides and staff need this time for weekly administration. Tackle setup and camp orientation.
Day 2 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
Day 3 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
Day 4 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Samaki Guests return to the Dhala Camp this afternoon, where all 8 anglers will be together for dinner and stories.
Day 5 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Dhalla Guests move to Samaki Camp this morning.
Day 6 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji.
Day 7 - Fish Mnyera or Ruhudji. Samaki Guests return to the Dhala Camp. All 8 anglers are together for the last night.
Day 8 - Morning admin and charter flight to Dar es Salaam.
Please Note:
Travel time between camps is roughly 3.5 hours, depending on road conditions. Rather than focus on the missed fishing time, try to enjoy this adventure through the African bush, with possible game viewing and landscapes that are as wild as they were thousands of years ago.
2026 and 2027 Packages
2026 USD Rates:
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Group Size: 8 anglers per week.
Season: August through November
Two anglers per boat:
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
(Fishing is 5 full days and 2 half days)
$10,850 per person
+ $2,100 roundtrip domestic air charter = $12,950 p.p.
Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500 per person
+ $2,100 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,600.00 p.p.
2027 USD Rates:
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Group Size: 8 anglers per week.
Season: August through November
Two anglers per boat:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
(Fishing is 5 full days and 2 half days)
$11,500 per person
+ $2,250 roundtrip domestic air charter = $13,750 p.p.
Non-Angler Companion:
$5,500 per person
+ $2,250 roundtrip domestic air charter = $7,750 p.p.
The Packages Include:
• Meet and greet at Dar es Salaam Airport
• Ground transfers between the hotel and the domestic airport
• 6 days guided fishing
• 7 nights at Camp
• All meals at camp
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Four beers per person per day
• Two bottles of wine with dinner per party of four
• Daily laundry service
• Fishing licenses
• Concession fees
• Tanzania Government Conservation Levy
• 16% Tanzania Tourism VAT.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare• International flights to and from Dar es Salaam
• Charter flight between Dar es Salaam and Camp
($1,895 p.p. in 2025)
• Visa fees
• Entry fees upon arrival
• Meals, beverages, and first-night hotel stay in Dar es Salaam
• BYO liquor from duty-free
• Spirits and wine in camp
• Beer, $5 per bottle over the allotted daily limit
• $100 rod and reel rental, optional, and excludes fly lines
• Fishing tackle
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• $5 per minute for outgoing satellite calls
• $3 per minute for incoming satellite calls
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance, such as Global Rescue
• Mandatory Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
AFRICAN WATERS POLICIES:
Mandatory Medical Evacuation Insurance: All clients must have adequate medical insurance that covers medical evacuation from the point of injury. We strongly recommend you obtain this through Global Rescue.
Mandatory Travel Insurance: You are required to obtain travel insurance that covers any costs incurred due to flight or trip delays for any reason, lost or damaged luggage, and trip cancellation.
Indemnity Form: A release of liability is required for this adventure. Please be aware that all guests will be required to sign and return the African Waters Indemnity Form prior to the trip, and there will be no exceptions to this.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due within 10 days of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival.
CANCELLATION PROCEDURES:
Cancellation by African Waters:
• In the event of the tour being canceled, the client may choose a full refund or, alternatively, any other tour that African Waters is in the position to offer. If the price of the alternative tour is less than the original tour booked. The difference will be refunded to the client. If the alternative tour is more expensive, then the client will be liable for the additional cost.
Cancellation by Client: Notification of cancellation must be in writing and is effective as of the date it is received by African Waters. Should a person cancel a tour and cannot find an immediate replacement:
• If African Waters has more than 180 days’ notice, the deposit is forfeited unless dates can be resold, in which case a 10% admin fee will apply.
• If African Waters has between 179- and 91-days’ notice, 70% of tour costs are forfeited, unless dates can be resold, in which case a 10% admin fee will apply.
• If African Waters has less than 90 days notice 100% of total fare is forfeited unless dates can be resold, in which case 15% admin fee will apply.
• Once the deposit is received, all revisions are subject to a $100.00 handling fee.
• If you fail to join a tour, or join after departure, or leave prior to its completion, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
Flight Disclaimer: African Waters, its agents and affiliates, take no responsibility for change in international and local flight schedules. At the time of quote, all flight charges, island fees and government taxes are correct but nonetheless are subject to change without prior notice.
Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue (medical evacuation coverage). Visit our Travel Insurance page.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit Card: A 2.5% convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions.
2.) Check: Please include your invoice number in the memo.
Mail checks to Fishing with Larry
P.O. Box 419
Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer: Send money electronically. Typical fees are approximately $15–$30 for domestic transfers and $45–$50 for international transfers.
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
4. Please review our Travel Terms & Disclaimers prior to submitting your deposit.
