Redcliff Zambezi Lodge in Zambia

Last Updated:
20-Oct-2007

Fishing
Redcliff Zambezi Lodge and surrounding area are best known for superb tiger-fishing, with the tigerfish being rated one of the strongest fighters kilogram for kilogram. Redcliff's fishing licence covers all its guests.

Some of the best catches have been made close to 'home' off the jetty just below the lodge itself. Some of the other fish found in local waters include Cornish Jack, bottlenose, silver catfish, bream and vundu - over 30 species in all. Fly-fishing for Zambezi tigerfish has become an increasingly popular activity. Tigerfish of 4-7 kg are commenly caught. It is no wonder that the Lower Zambezi is regarded as a premier fishing destination.

The lodge supports a catch-and-release policy, but concessions are made for trophy fishing and special fish dinners. [Best period] [Boats]

One-Day River Excursion (Including Fishing)
Travel upstream on the Zambezi River into the scenic Mpata Gorge, accompanied by our experienced guide. The magnificent surroundings are ideal for fishing, photography and game viewing. Elephant, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and birds are abundant in this area. Lunch is usually served on the riverbank in a shady spot.

Bird-Watching
Birders will revel in the abundance of avifauna, including the majestic Fish Eagle for which the area is so well-known. More than 500 indigenous bird species abound and migrating birds from the northern hemisphere settle in the area to breed during the summer months. Rare species that have been spotted in the area include the Tiata Falcon, Angola Pitta and Pel's Fishing Owl. The Lower Zambezi is truly a birdwatcher's paradise. [Best period]

Game Viewing - General
Day trips into the Lower Zambezi National Park expose visitors to four of Africa's 'Big Five' - lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard. These are the animals which most visitors to Africa seek out. For the more discerning game viewer, large herds of zebras and the occasional leopard sighting provide greater excitement, as do the numerous other antelope and more elusive species such as the wild dog. [Best period]

Two-Day Game Walk
The Lower Zambezi National Park's flood plains are visited by boat via the Mpata Gorge. Game walks, under the guidance of our guide and a Zambian Wildlife Authority game scout, are undertaken during the afternoon of Day 1 and morning of Day 2. Many species wildlife species can be seen in this very remote area. Great photographic and bird-watching opportunities. [Best period]

One-Day Slave Trail
Boat excursions may be undertaken to the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers where three countries meet: Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This area was the site of a major slave trading post of yesteryear. Our guide will explain the history of the area. Remnants of slave-holding pits and a slave market as well as the original auction tree can be seen. There was a small 16th Century Portuguese settlement in the same area. David Livingstone arrived in 1856.

Cultural Tours
Half-day walking safaris are tailor-made, during which guests can experience an authentic African village and meet the local headman. Unlike dedicated tourist villages, this is an actual functional village where the realities of the African way of living may be observed. Guests are entertained by the village Children's Choir and dancers. A fee of US$10 is levied per person, which includes a donation to the community.

Customised Day Trails
Guided day trails can be undertaken along the river shore area or into the more densely vegetated hinterland. Duration of the trials is customised according to the ability of the guests and weather conditions at the time. These could include:

One-day game excursion to Lower Zambezi National Park
Cultural village walk (1/2 day)
Hiking trails in the vicinity of the lodge

Boats
Two pontoon boats and four speedboats are available for your use. Guests are always accompanied by an experienced guide on all water excursions.

Sunset on the water is a magnificent experience along with the sounds of the wild, which only Africa can provide.

Best Periods to Visit

Tiger-fishing	July to November. Weather warm to hot and dry. Water is clear.
Fly-fishing
Bird-watching	November to March. Hot with occasional thundershowers that last for 1-2 hours only, usually at night. Various migrating birds from the Northern hemisphere settle to breed.
Game viewing / walks	April to November. Dry, warm days with cold nights.

Special Items to Bring
It is recommended that the following items should be brought along:

Sunblock
Mosquito repellent
Appropriate footwear, clothing & hat

info@redcliff-lodge.com

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