Tanzania : Mwangaza Hideaway

  • Location
  • Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania
  • Type of fishery
  • Saltwater offshore, inshore and estuary
  • Season
  • Open year round, best fishing is October - July
  • Accommodation
  • Rustic African style bush lodge
  • Getting there
  • International flight to Dar-es-Salaam, charter flight to Kilwa Masoko
  • Related articles
  • Where Giants Still Roam, Deep, Down and Dirty, Where Kings Reign

The Kilwa area has earned a reputation as THE place to target really big giant trevally and dogtooth tuna, and many trophy-sized specimens are taken here each season. Situated on the edge of the world famous Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania, Mwangaza HIdeawayoffers a true taste of all things African and is the ideal getaway for the travelling fisherman and non-fisherman alike. It is situated on magnificent mangrove waterways, and from this ideal location, one has easy access to a variety of fishing as well as numerous other activities. From world-class fishing to game viewing, traditional dhow cruises, exploring the ancient ruins, diving and snorkelling or just taking it easy in the relaxed atmosphere, Mwangaza Hideaway has it all.

The accommodation

Mwangaza Hideaway is an affordable lodge in perfect surroundings. It consists of four chalets, each with a full queen size bed and two single beds. In addition to the chalets, the "Dhow House" has two rooms and can accomodate a family or four guests. The rooms are not airconditioned but they catch the breeze and are open and cool. There are fans in each room and mosquito nets on every bed. The dining area and bar surround a freshwater swimming pool from which guests can enjoy the spectacular African sunsets.

The fishing

The prime attraction is the large numbers of big GT's that abound on the inshore reefs, and these monsters can be regularly taken on fly and spinning gear, both on the surface and deeper down. The fish average at around 20kg (44lbs), and the biggest specimen to date is a whopping 57 kg!

Fishing outside the reefs and on the deep drop-offs one can hook into big GT's, dogtooth tuna, jobfish, snapper, king mackerel and a variety of kingfish (trevally) species. Sailfish, wahoo and dorado are common and close to the lodge. Marlin are also found in the area, and specimens of 200kg have been landed to date. Most species of feeding gamefish can be caught on the surface, using trolling techniques, or by spinning or fly-fishing to the visible fish from a drifting boat. The lodge runs a variety boats, operated by experienced South African skippers.

For the light tackle enthusiast, there is fun fishing to be had from a boat in the estuary mouth, in the estuary itself, wading the shallow flats inside the main reef, as well as on the many islands close to the lodge. The estuary is home to species such as river snapper, queenfish, barracuda and a variety of kingfish (trevally).

Other activities

One of the draw cards of Mwangaza Hideaway is the variety of other activities it offers its guests. The lodge has a swimming pool and sun deck and there are great beaches and snorkelling available close to the lodge. Just across the waterways are some of the most well preserved Arabic ruins on the east coast of Africa. This World Heritage Site is definitely worth a trip with a local guide. Guests can travel the magnificent mangrove channels, visit the hippo pools or limestone caves or do some bird watching. SCUBA diving is also available and there are kayaks at the lodge for guests use.. There are local markets in the smal colourful town of Kilwa Masoko. A boat trip to the gleaming white sands and crystal clear water of a large sheltered lagoon to the north of Kilwa is a fantastic way to spend the day with a picnic and some cold drinks!

Please contact us for more information on fishing the Kilwa area.