Whether you’re looking to go on a fishing trip with friends, family or your significant other, you don’t have to say goodbye to a little bit of luxury just because your fishing rod is your best friend. From the bush to a houseboat, there’s a fishing trip just waiting for you. Here’s a round-up of some of South African’s finest fishing holidays.
Shayamanzi Luxury Houseboats – Pongola, Northern KwaZulu-Natal
There’s a good chance the idea of spending your days relaxing on a houseboat has at least crossed your mind, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend a fishing holiday. Shayamanzi Luxury Houseboats offer the only game-viewing and tiger-fishing houseboats in the country, so you really are in for a spectacular and unique experience. The vast Lake Jozini near Pongola in Northern KwaZulu-Natal is the third largest lake in the country and is an immaculate setting for an unforgettable expedition. In fact, Lake Jozini is also home to tiger fish – a ferocious and aggressive freshwater angling game fish – which makes fishing here an adventure.
Your fishing trip will also double up as a game ‘drive’ since the Lake is bordered by the Pongola Nature Reserve and the Pongola Game Reserve. Sightings of everything from giraffe and hippos to elephants and rhinos are by no means few and far between.
When you’re not fishing on one of the quiet tender boats, you’ll be back in your home on the water, either relaxing in your room overlooking the lake, in the common lounge area or sitting in the jacuzzi while sipping on a sundowner.
For more information and prices, visit www.shayamanzi.co.za
Walkersons Hotel & Spa – Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Hailed as the fly-fishing capital of South Africa, Dullstroom is, without a doubt, one of the best trout-fishing spots in the country. You’ll find it difficult to walk around the quaint country town without seeing trout on the menu, a fishing shop every few meters or other fishing enthusiasts. Plus, you’ll also find the five-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa.
Walkersons is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, picturesque country settings, luxurious comforts and, most importantly, a number of well-stocked trout dams. In fact, Walkersons itself has 14 dams and small lakes for the exclusive use of their guests, and a range of equipment for hire should you need, as well as highly skilled staff to offer you plenty of tips and tricks to catch those fish. While you can enjoy year-round fishing, July to September are the best months to really receive a top-quality experience.
Choose to stay in either the hotel or one of their comfortable cottages. There are also other activities on offer like horse riding, whiskey or gin tasting, and golf. End your day with a scrumptious meal at Walkersons’ Flying Scottsman, headed by an award-winning chef and serving only the finest ingredients.
For more information and prices, visit www.walkersons.co.za or call 013-253-7000.
Dundi Lodge – Augrabies Falls, Northern Cape
Located near the magnificent Augrabies Falls you’ll find the beautiful Dundi Lodge – the starting point for your tailor-made ‘extreme fly-fishing’ trip. This quiet, tranquil venue in the Kalahari offers stylish private suits as well as a stunning manor house with three en-suite bedrooms, as well as fabulous fine dining.
Not only do you have the Augrabies Falls to visit, but the Orange River will become your playground. Team up with Dundi Lodge’s sister company, Kalahari Outventures for a fishing trip of a lifetime. While the three- to four-day fishing trips on the Orange River are the most popular, you can go on anything from a one-day outing to a six-day-long trip. The stunning landscapes will undoubtedly bring you newfound appreciation for our country, and you can even plan a trip to Namibia depending on your length of stay.
Or you can opt to move on to Dundi Lodge’s sister lodge Tutwa Desert Lodge to end off your holiday with a spectacular bush experience.
For more information, visit www.dundilodge.co.za and www.kalahari-adventures.co.za
Words: Tamlyn Cumings. Images: Supplied.
