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"Creeps and idiots cannot conceal themselves for long on a fishing trip." John Gierach

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The Fishing Report

The Archive: Rio Azul, Imbabala Safari Lodge, Chile, New Zealand, Lake Tanganyika, Bassas da India, Des Roches Island, Farquar aboard the MV Illusions, Barotse Tiger Camp, Chawalo, Neptune Warrior - Trident Tested, Ngwezi Houseboat - Okavango,

Old Mondoro Bush Camp

Although it was a great Tiger fishing trip, what I remember most is the Ellie that stuck his tusk through the window of my room and literally over my bed while I was having a quiet siesta during the fiercest heat of the day...

This unique small Safari camp situated in the game rich Lower Zambezi National Park offers the opportunity of communing with nature on a grand scale at the same time as indulging in the search for the double digit striped water dogs that inhabit this broad section of the Zambezi. Old Mondoro has recently returned to the Cummings family stable which also consists of their flagship property, Chiawa Safari Lodge some way up river. It’s a simple camp with none of the fancy extras so prevalent at safari camps these days, theres no plunge pool for instance, so we swam in the river (keeping a sharp lookout for flat dogs) no masseuse, no air con, not even glass in the windows, but that’s what makes it great. It’s a bit like camping with an en suite bathroom. The sights, sounds and smells of the bush pervade every waking moment, even on the water, and one feels more alive at a place like this, and very much a part of the food chain, somewhere near the middle. The food is also simple but delicious and the drinks always ice cold. The resident herd of around 40 ellies which is in camp daily simply become part of the family, although the staff in camp do keep an eye out for the odd bull who can be a little less friendly...

Its not often on a fishing trip that the first cast yields a 10 pound Tiger, but that’s what happened to Alan Cowley as he let a big clouser drift down on the current from the bank of one of the many islands around this section (do check for Buffalo before walking around) I picked up a nice sized Nembwe at the same spot, which apparently didn’t count for points as we were targeting Tigers. We were there in September and found most of the good fish were hanging close to the structure and not on the drop offs as they do in the upper reaches of the Zambezi. In all we landed 3 fish over 10 pounds and a number of the more feisty 8 and 9 pounders. Alan lost his brand new Sage rig overboard when he slipped, much to his chagrin, but against all odds our local skipper dredged it from the river on a conventional rig 24 hours later and arrived beaming at breakfast to hand it over…. After Al tipped him the smile stayed put.

Each time we visit and fish this fantastic section of the Zambezi with its

prolific wildlife, so unaffected by the boats on the water, we come away vowing to return. It does cost more than other areas, but it must be remembered that these camps can only operate for around 6 months a year due to the rainy season.

WildflyTravel.com has a special offer for the whole camp (10 pax) at Old Mondoro from R19000.00 pp sharing for the 1st week of November 2010. This would be ideal for couples who love the bush and birding and represents a 30% discount off the normal rate.

Get some mates together and fish the Lower Zambezi National Park, you wont be sorry!