For the best in Tiger fishing, Mafigeni fishes in the north eastern region of Namibia and because of its location can be considered as a Chobe / Victoria Falls destination. At the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers lies Impalila Island, which is also the meeting place of four countries,

namely, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The fishing lodge is on this island, overlooking the Chobe River. The nearest town is Kasane in Northern Botswana and the Victoria Falls are only some 80 kilometers downstream.

The fishing lodge is a luxury tented lodge accommodating a maximum of sixteen people in twin bedded large Meru tents, each with cupboards, tables, electric lights etc, its own private thatched en-suite bathroom and balcony. All tents overlook the Chobe river, with the main lodge buildings being built over the river and consisting of a lounge, bar and separate dining room, all under thatch and situated under large shady trees.

The Lodge offers a variety of activities.

Game viewing by boat into the Chobe National Park where huge herds of elephants come down to drink together with an extensive array of other game such as buffalo, giraffe, kudu, water buck, puku, lechwe, impala, baboons, etc. The evening boat trip, with quiet sundowners on the river surrounded by elephants is an unforgettable experience.

Excursions by Mekoro (dugout canoe ) into the small islands which exist in the Chobe River and form part of the rapid system. The experienced polers are also knowledgeable in all the various bird species to be found during the trip. This is subject to river conditions.

Guided walks on the Island are very interesting as there is a varied ecology and the villages offer an insight into traditional African life. From the top of an ancient Baobab tree one can view the meeting place of the four countries.

Bird watching is a year round pleasure with over 400 recorded species and a combination of waterbirds and good dry land birds on the island. It is an excellent place to see all the summer migrants from September through to March.

Fishing for Tiger fish and Bream in both the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. There is access to over 100 kilometers of rivers providing excellent fishing in what is undoubtedly the premier Tiger fishing water in Africa. The Lodge is particularly renown for the quality of its guides and their success in landing Tigerfish, especially when fly-fishing. High quality tackle is available for guest use without charge as is expert tuition in the art of fly fishing. We have fishing access to over 30 kilometers of Chobe River, over 120 kilometers of Zambezi River and many many kilometers of waterways in the Kasai wetlands. Each of these areas offers a different fishing experience. The Chobe is a smaller graceful river with deep pools and a lot of still water combined with a series of rapids and white water in front of the Lodge. It has firm banks and is bounded on one side by the Chobe National park where in the evenings vast quantities of wild animals , especially elephants, come down to drink. The Zambezi is a large free flowing river with areas of wide and deep water, fairly swiftly flowing , and

the home to the large Tiger fish. It has essentially reed banks but interspersed are wonderful white sandbanks for the crocodiles and hippos to rest on.

The wetland areas are quiet and full of exceptional bird life. Indeed this whole Chobe area is the birding hotspot of Southern Africa. Here one catch African Pike as well as the more sedentary species of bream.

The major fishing attraction is Tiger fish. These legendary fighters are equipped with an extraordinarily large tail and a specialised bone structure allowing them to accelerate like a rocket and hit your bait like no other fish of equal size. Their teeth are formidable and they prey on other fish up to 40% of their own weight. They grow up to 10 kilograms in weight but even two kilogram specimens fight like champions.

Tiger are essentially a summer fish being more active in the warmer water so the traditional season is September through to January. The rivers are low and clear during this period. Fishing for the big ones is done by trolling artificial lures such as Rapala Super shads or drifting small fish as bait. Fly fishing is rapidly growing and the rapids opposite the Lodge offers probably the finest Fly fishing waters in Africa. Tiger fish are predatory taking prey up to 40% of their own weight and in our area can reach up to 20 lbs. We use mainly artificial lures, either trolling behind the boat or spinning. For trolling we use mainly Rapala 14cm Magnums or Super shads as lures with 18 inches of flexible 30lb wire trace and mono filament line of about 30lb breaking strain. Eight or nine foot rods with Shimano 40000 reel or equivalent. For spinning we use six foot rods , 18lb line and Mepps or Effzett spinners or equivalent. We also drift small fish as dead bait on 6/0 hooks with wire trace on the trolling rods. We have plenty of equipment for guest use but by all means bring your own.

Bream, we have four major species of predatory bream and four of a more sedentary varieties, are essentially winter fish coming on in about April and running through to September. The Nembwe, Three Spot and Thin Face bream are great fighters and usually caught on artificial lures such as Rapala Fatraps. They go up to 3.0 kgs in weight and are extremely good to eat. Other species such as the Pink and Green Happys and Redbreast are often caught on worms. Catfish or Barbel are caught all year round on a wide range of baits and lures. They go up to 15 kilograms and are seriously difficult to land, especially on light tackle. The variety of waters available and types of fish keeps anglers busy for a full five day trip. The key to success is competent and experienced skipper / guides , of which there are five at the lodge. We have six custom made fishing boats each with 75hp motors and equipped with all the necessary quality fishing tackle for clients use. We fish up to three maximum per boat and only two for fly fishing.

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