ZIMBABWE | ZAMBEZI RIVER
Fishing
the Zambezi
WHERE TO CATCH THE ACTION IN ZIMBABWE WRITER: WILD ZAMBEZI PHOTOGRAPHY: TIGER SAFARIS, SPURWING ISLAND, FINS FISHING SAFARIS, TAFIKA FISHING SAFARIS
he hot spring-summer months of September, October and November provide the best sport-fishing along the Zambezi River—especially for those wanting to pit their strength and skill against the fierce-fighting African tiger fish. The wonderful, wild stretches of this river, a shared border between Zambia and Zimbabwe (including the inland sea of Lake Kariba), have become a favourite for sport-fishermen and women from all over the world. They also provide excellent opportunities for recreational fishing holidays and family getaways. This isn’t surprising—for two main reasons. Firstly, this part of Southern Africa has one of the best climates in the world. During the best fishing months, the sun shines every day and a cool breeze on the river or the lake cools the heat as daytime temperatures rise. Evenings are balmy and sublime. Secondly, much of the Zambezi River frontage (especially within Zimbabwe) lies within wilderness and wildlife areas which are protected either as national parks or protected safari areas. So, while you are out enjoying your fishing in the best climate in the world, you can also have the most wonderful wildlife sightings.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE | ISSUE 17 | NOVEMBER 2020–APRIL 2021
THE FISH OF THE ZAMBEZI
The African tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is a voracious predator which attacks with vigour, hence the huge, sharp teeth, and this makes for exciting sport. They prey mainly on other fish, but there are records of them jumping out of the water after swallows passing in flight! Their beautiful, heavily-scaled, silvery bodies are strongly marked with horizontal black stripes and their fins are a deep orange-red colour. They are usually caught using live bait or lures, but are increasingly sought after by experienced fly-fishing enthusiasts. As they grow larger, these fish are difficult to land
