Fly fishing Cameroon Africa destination is one of the last remaining ecologically intact West African savannah habitats through which the Faro River flows. It encompass a geographically special 120km section of the Faro River bordering the Faro National Park. This allows us to offer a world-class and unique fly fishing product to adventurous anglers. The combination of pristine riverine and terrestrial ecosystems makes this area one of the last relatively untransformed representations of Sahelo-Sudanian ecosystems left on the planet. What better place to fo fly fishing Trophy Nile Perch in West Africa

The Faro Fly Fishing product is now adding incredible value to the area by helping to ensure sustainable and well-managed fly fishing. Most importantly, it is contributing significant funds towards conservation and anti-poaching strategies in the area.

SOME IMPORTANT BACKGROUND INFO

Most rivers and lakes in tropical Africa contain Nile perch, they have a range of about 8 million square kilometres within 25 African countries. The Nile perch evolved as a riverine species and can grow to over 200 pounds; it’s one of the world’s freshwater giants. Sahelo-Sudanian Savannah Zone is habitat for Nile perch, these are water courses that run high and murky during the rainy season. They almosst stop flowing during the dry season. The geographical and seasonal conditions make perch extremely vulnerable to overfishing by an exploding human population, some of the poorest people in the world. 95% of indigenous wildlife and fishes have been removed; vegetation and soils of the delicate eco-systems are significantly compromised. Therefore as a result, conservationists currently label much of the savannah habitat endangered to critical.

A journey to Gassa Camp’s Fly fishing Cameroon Africa is the opportunity to see a piece of Africa that is an extremely rare representation of how vast areas of the continent used to be, it’s literally time travel.

Only a healthy habitat will have good fishing

Africa sights and sounds flooding the senses followed by painfully schooled in a Nile perch’s brutal hit-and-run is a one of a kind fishing experience.

Your presence will be making a direct contribution to the protection and management of this extremely high-priority conservation area.
Therefore you get more from the Cameroon fishing experience, it is as much about the adventure, encounters with a few great fish but also in a very special place. It’s not about heaps of easy to catch fish, it’s about casting giant flies in the hope of catching a meter long perch. There’s an excellent chance you’ll achieve that and more. The thing is there’s always a chance for a real monster; the biggest perch taken from the river that we’ve seen bottomed-out a 100kg scale!

Night fly fishing

The serious perch fishing takes place almost exclusively from just before sunset until about 22:00, In other words it’s night fishing. Night fly fishing has its own charm, and is very much a part of what makes the fishing even more unforgettable. It does freak a few people out, but it should be said that one quickly learns to time one’s casting by feel rather than sight, and thus one usually casts better. Standing under the starlight, alone in one’s own world, immersed in the sounds of the African wilderness, is a raw, edgy experience that’s wild in every sense. It may seem scary at first but the risks from wildlife while fishing are extremely low and the guides and staff will be close at hand and run over to help the moment you hook up to a fish.

Daylight fly fishing

Daylight fishing hours will be spent chasing other species. There are abundant tigerfish and the West African or Sahelian tigerfish (Hydrocynus brevis), which is one of three tigerfish species in the river, are very feisty fish that grow to at least 8kg. The water is clear to crystal clear and so one will often see the tigers and many of the other fishes. One of the most challenging and rewarding species is the Niger barb (Labeobarbus bynni occidentalis), that will eat a well presented dry fly or nymph but are very temperamental, and a handful when a big one is hooked on the light tip pets it takes to attract an eat. Amongst the rest of the fishes there are other species that take a fly,
which include other cyprinids (e.g. Labeos), tetras and numerous species of catfish, so during any time on the river, anything can happen making it an exciting fly fishing frontier

FLY FISHING & CONSERVATION

All Fly fishing Cameroon Africa guests to the area can be assured that they are contributing valuable resources to allow us and our partners to protect one of the last remaining West African Savannah habitats and the fauna and flora it is home to. Funds from fly fishing tourists are dedicated to the private conservation efforts such as the Faro Conservation Association and private anti-poaching teams employed throughout the year, as well as various government departments responsible for the longterm protection of this area.

FISHING METHODS

All fishing is done on foot. All fishing is with single de-barbed hooks only, this is because strictly catch and release fly fishing for conservation purposes.

Perch

Fishing for Nile perch, on foot, in big game territory, is as wild an experience as you are likely to encounter with a fly rod in hand. Added to this, the prime Nile perch fishing times are sunset until 21h30 when the sounds of the African night are amplified by the darkness, which means most anglers will be experiencing a fly fishing trip like none they have encountered before. Fishing is with single handed, 12wt 9ft rods. Intermediate and sink-tip lines, and 0.8/9mm leaders are the suggested tackle set ups.
The deep pool and gorge refuges are the perfect hiding and feeding grounds for Nile perch, this is because the river levels drop dramatically over the dry months from December to April. Perch are structure orientated ambush predators and prefer to hunt mostly at night and during low light conditions.

Tigerfish

Guests target tigerfish in the daytime morning and afternoon fishing sessions, this is because it fits ideally around prime Nile perch fishing sessions. Fishing floating lines and surface flies, as well as sink tip lines and tigerfish baitfish patterns is standard practice.

Yellowfish (Niger barb), tetra and Labeo species

The periods of highest sun, at the end of the morning sessions, and start of afternoon session, are used to sight-fish in rocky runs,
deep gorges and fast riffle water. Fishing is technical and all sight-fishing. 5wt Rods, floating lines and a selection of dry flies and nymphs are the typical tackle. Niger barb up to 20lb have been sighted, with the biggest one landed to date on flying weighing just over 8lbs. Labeo species up to 8lb ,and African large-scale tetra up to 2lb, make up the rest of the usual sight-fishing targets.
The Faro River is a true multi-species destination, with anglers rigging 5wt, 9wt and 12wt gear each day, this is because they need to cover all the species and situations on offer

THE AVERAGE FLY FISHING DAY

The average Fly fishing Cameroon Africa day starts with breakfast in camp at 07h30. At around 9h00 the group and their guides, accompanied by armed game scouts head out in a 4×4 vehicle to the allocated fishing area for the day. The mid-morning session targets tigerfish and yellowfish,
with a little time dedicated to nile perch fishing if the conditions and water dictate. The group returns to the riverside base at around 1400 for a late lunch, siesta, rehydrate, and swim.
The group will generally head out again at around 16h00. The afternoon session will be tigerfish hunting in the deeper water. You’ll be fishing the same evening and allows for the angler to familiarise themselves
with the lay of the land of the river section they will be fishing into the night.
Once the sun gets low to the horizon, and in preparation for the start of the Nile perch bite, anglers will switch from the 9wt tigerfish outfits to heavier 12wt outfits and much bigger, water-pushing flies. Fishing for Nile perch continues into the darkness. Your guide will generally call lines up at around 21h00 / 22h00 each evening, whereafter you will return to camp for a late dinner and some drinks before heading to bed

Fly fishing Nile Perch in the Cameroon

Accommodation – CAMP LIFE

Gassa Camp is on the Faro River which is roughly in the center of a 75 000ha private concession. Therefore it is the perfect base from which to access the fertile waters of the Faro. What better way to enjoy a classic Fly fishing Cameroon Africa safari.
Gassa Camp comprise of 4 single meru tents, each with a private view of the Faro River. The living area is the heart of the camp. It’s made up of a 8m x 6m Bedouin tent, with a comfy lounge and dining area. There is an open air fireplace around which drinks and stories are shared each evening. Coffee is enjoyed each morning while listing to the sounds of the awaking African bush.
Gassa Camp ablutions consist of two outside shower and bathroom facilities made up of two flush toilets, two basins and two showers. They have hot and cold running water, with great pressure.
Lighting in the camp is 220v through generator, as well as battery and inverter set ups. There are charging points in the main living area, and the option to connect to satellite WiFi for those who require it.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

• VISA’S cost about €100. We will provide the necessary letter of invitation for your visa application
• INOCULATIONS & MEDICATIONS – Yellow fever inoculation & malaria prophylaxis required.
• COMMUNICATION – Satphone for emergencies & limited wifi. No cell reception.
• CURRENCY – The Central African Franc CFA. Euro and USD widely accepted. You will not need any local currency when in camp, because there is nothing to spend your money on. You can change € or USD for CFA when you land in Douala or in Garoua, for in-transit expenses
• 50% DEPOSIT UPFRONT, BALANCE PAID 12 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

Fly fishing Cameroon Africa – TRIP ITINERARY

SUNDAY

• Arrive Douala, connect to Garoua. Depart Douala @ 16h00.. Arrive Garoua @ 18h15.
• Internal flights covered in tour costs.
• Transfered to a local hotel by the driver and AW representative.
• Overnight in Garoua which are single rooms.
• Overnight accommodation cost included.
• All meals are at your own expense.

MONDAY

• Breakfast at your own expense
• 4 – 5 hour drive to camp.
• ettle in to your accommodation
• Meet in the mess area for a late lunch
• Full tour briefing by your guide.
• After lunch set up your tackle
• Evening fishing session if time allows.

TUESDAY TO SUNDAY

6 fishing days

MONDAY

• Breakfast served.
• 4 – 5 hour transfer to Garoua.
• Flight from Garoua to Douala, included.
• Guests depart Garoua @ 18h15, followed by arrival in Douala @ 20h50. International flight home, or overnight in Douala for connection on Tuesday.
• Tour Ends.

PRICE INCLUDES

• Return regional flights from Douala to Garoua + Meet and Greet on arrival.
• Transfer from Garoua airport to hotel
• One night accomodation in Garoua on arrival
• Return transfers from Garoua hotel to camp
• This includes 7 nights camp accomodation, all meals, served alfresco by the camp staff
• Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks. 4 beers per day.
• African Waters guide & trip leader is provided at 2 guides per group of 4 anglers
• Fishing Permits
• Game Scouts + Conservation & Anti-poaching levies

Price Excludes

• International flights to & from Douala
• Visa’s
• Transit meals in Douala & Garoua
• Wine and spirits
• 4 beers allowed per day
• Accomodation and meals in Douala on return
• Transfers in Douala (if you spend a night on your way out. We can assist wth arrrangements)
• Fishing Tackle
• Guide & Camp Staff gratuities

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