Tigerfish safari Gambia

The fresh water regions of The Gambia River on the West African Coast is the new destination for travel Sport Fishing. In the heart of Gambia, this truly African setting is home to Tigerfish and a number of other noted hard fighting fresh water fish and a host of localised species which include: Fishing in the Gambia for Tiger fish, Vundu Catfish, Sharptooth Catfish, African Pike, Characins, Threadfin Salmon and many more. The lure of Gambias fresh water is the totally unspoilt nature of this huge stretch of river, untouched by commercialism, this area offers a taste of the real africa. Here fish species can live out their natural life cycle without the fear of interaction with the man made modern world.

The cream of the crop is most definitely the Tigerfish, everything you have heard about them is true. They are a truly fearless predator, but this does not make them easy targets, on the contrary, the dental armoury with which they rip apart even the largest bait fish also aids them in escaping even the most well presented hook. These fish are not for the faint hearted or the easily defeated, they are superb acrobats and supreme athletes, putting even the legendary tarpon to shame whilst throwing every ounce into their aerial displays in an effort to dispense with your hook.

Anglers prize these fish above many others, and for good reason, they are a true test of your skills and just to see what one of these fish can do to a lure, a fly or a live bait proves conclusively that those teeth are not just there for decoration.

The lure of the fresh water is the totally unspoilt nature of this huge stretch of river, untouched by commercialism; this area offers a taste of the real Africa. Here fish species can live out their natural life cycle without the fear of interaction with the outside modern world.

These areas anything from 150 to 300 miles up the River Gambia, are steeped in colonial history and are criss crossed by the traditional African trade routes. At present its main visitors are a few tourists and local traders but the locals themselves are starting to see a new breed of visitor arriving in the form of the traveling angler, the species specialist looking for these elusive sporting fish in remote and natural environments as yet untouched by the Anglers hook.

Available as a 5 DAY TRIP as part of your package holiday or a holiday in its own right.

Suggested itinerary for 7 day trip

Day 1:
Depart from the UK flying out to The Gambia (5 hours flight time) to Banjul Airport with World Sport Fishing. Upon arrival at Banjul Airport normally around 3pm we take a Coach Transfer of approximately 20 mins to the Main Barra ferry. Here we cross the majestic Gambia river (20 min). We are met on the other side by our driver and we cross the border into french Senegal . After about 35 mins we arrive at Domaine de le Palutuvier. This is a beautiful camp in the heart of the Sine Saloum national park. Here you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and we spend an overnight in their comfortable air conditioned lodges.

Day 2:
We set off early for the main part of the journey, approximately 6.5 hrs, we will make the occasional stop on route as we pass through the different provinces of Senegal, traveling through open African Bush and farmlands as we follow the river inland to the majestic Niokola Koba national park in Eastern Senegal. Once we reach the fresh water regions of the River you will notice the banks of the river turn lush with sub-tropical riverine forest and dense foliage. We should arrive just after lunch at either Campement de Wassadou or Hotel Simenti dependant on where the best fishing is at that time. On arrival at the camp (mid afternoon), anglers will be allocated their accommodation and time to cool-off from the drive before lunch is served at the camp restaurant. Hopefully there should be time for an afternoons trolling before dinner and bed.

Day 3:
This area offers 2 types of fishing, trolling and float fishing live baits which targets the larger fish (6-20lbs) in the deeper runs, and spinning and flyfishing on which we hit the smaller fish (1/2lb to 4lbs) in the faster shallower water. This area literally teems with millions of Tilapia, perfect prey to make small Tigerfish into big ones, also the catfish in this area are highly active, freely taking lures and baits almost anywhere in the river, even on the surface. Tigers will attack most things, just to see what they are, but they do have a great knack of escaping, and their acrobatic fight quite frequently ends up with your lure landing in an adjacent bush. But what they you lose in missed hook ups you make up for in number of hits.

Day 4:
Tiger Fishing, one afternoon we have the chance to take an afternoon game drive to photograph some of the fantastic local big game in their natural habitat, there is even the chance to see an elephant if you are lucky

Day 5:
Tigerfishing

Day 6:
Early Breakfast and we set off on our return journey back to Domaine de le Palutuviers at around 4pm.

Day 7:
Breakfast in the hotel and then time for last minute swim before your transfer back to the airport for your return journey to the UK.

The Camp
The Safari Camp is set on the banks of the meandering river Gambia. Deep in the African Bush, this peaceful location provides a perfect base for the adventurous angler. The camp offers comfortable accommodation each comprising twin bedded rooms with ceiling fans. Both are fitted with locally made bamboo furniture, a fresh water shower and bathroom facilities. (Electricity is supplied mornings and evenings).

Enjoy a refreshing cool drink by the fresh water swimming pool and soak up the tranquil atmosphere whilst your breakfast and evening meal are served by the friendly staff who are keen to make your stay at the camp a memorable occasion.

Before dinner from the Hotel Simenti veranda you can look along the sandbars to see basking crocodiles and wallowing hippos. Numerous different deer, warthog, African hunting dogs and many beautiful birds flock to river every evening. This really is an unspoilt paradise.

At Twilight, the River Banks come alive with the barking calls of Baboons, which echo over the water as family groups can be sighted congregating in the treetops. The bird life is breath-taking, flocks of native African species sore across the river heading for their nighttime roosts. An orchestra of frogs reaches its crescendo as the sun sets.

This trip is unforgettable, it is the opportunity to experience first hand really wild fishing, in an area that really lifts your soul. The nature is breathtaking and unspoilt, come and see it soon because there is not much of it left that you can get.