A2A Safaris - fishinghttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/fishingenFrom the Dam to the Frying Panhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-dam-to-the-frying-pan<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The gentle waves of Lake Malilangwe are home to hippos, crocodiles, terrapins and monitor lizards, as well as a variety of fish and water birds. During the summer months, elephant breeding herds regularly swim at the top end of the lake and guests at <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a> enjoy the open water during regular sunset cruises. Another activity that provides hours of entertainment for visitors to this beautiful little corner of Zimbabwe, is a fun afternoon of fishing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16035" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_1-1024x314.jpg" alt="Fishing at Malilangwe Dam | Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="314" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_1-1024x314.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_1-300x92.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_1-768x236.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>The remote tranquility of the African bush probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the perfect fishing spot. Experienced anglers will know, however, that fresh water and peaceful surroundings are all that’s required for the ideal fishing conditions, as there’s more to fishing than catching fish.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16036" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_2-1024x314.jpg" alt="Fishing at Malilangwe Dam | Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="314" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_2-1024x314.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_2-300x92.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_2-768x236.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>Having said that, the thrill of dropping in a lure and landing a fish cannot be denied and is the goal of any fishing expedition. Luckily, Lake Malilangwe boasts excellent game fishing throughout the year, and guests regularly catch tiger fish, bass, bream (tilapia) and catfish. The Singita field guides and trackers also thoroughly enjoy a day out on the water, and use it as an opportunity to indulge their passion for fishing as well as show you how the locals catch fish, using plants found in the area.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16037" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Fishing at Malilangwe Dam | Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="1024" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-150x150.jpg 150w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-300x300.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-768x768.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3-360x360.jpg 360w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>Within a couple of hours, you’re bound to have a few fish in the net and what better way to celebrate than enjoying your catch for dinner? The kitchen team at the lodge love to cook with fresh, local ingredients and it doesn’t get much better than a gleaming silver fish caught that very day. The next challenge is deciding how to cook it – whole on the braai? Added to a seafood curry? Or expertly filleted, dusted with seasoning and flash-fried in a cast-iron pan for maximum flavour.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16039" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_5-788x1024.jpg" alt="Fishing at Malilangwe Dam | Singita Pamushana" width="788" height="1024" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_5-788x1024.jpg 788w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_5-231x300.jpg 231w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_5-768x998.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_5.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px" /></p>
<p>Shane Ellis, head chef at Singita Pamushana Lodge, has a simple but fabulous recipe for fresh fish that is dusted with paprika before being grilled and dressed with a squeeze of lime, a punchy salsa verde and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. The dish is served on a bed of couscous and roasted vegetables, with a shard of crispy fish skin for added texture. Doesn’t it sound delicious!?</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16038" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4-1024x682.jpg" alt="Fishing at Malilangwe Dam | Singita Pamushana" width="1024" height="682" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4-1024x682.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fishing_4.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p><em>Home to one of the highest concentrations of the endangered black rhino as well as fourteen species of eagle, the <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-pamushana/" target="_blank">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a> is known for its magical sandstone outcrops, mopane forests, and majestic baobab trees. Malilangwe is also an area where you will find over 100 rock art sites that date back more than 2000 years. Experience the magic of this pristine piece of Africa by watching <a href="https://vimeo.com/90021074" target="_blank">this short film</a> about Singita Pamushana Lodge and its surroundings.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/experience/from-the-dam-to-the-frying-pan/">From the Dam to the Frying Pan</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div></div>Mon, 30 May 2016 08:00:05 +0000Anonymous1979 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-dam-to-the-frying-pan#commentsRubondo Island National Park in pictureshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-national-park-pictures<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4 style="text-align:left;">By Ryan Green</h4>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3679-edit.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1887" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3679-edit.jpg?w=592&h=237" alt="IMG_3679-Edit" width="592" height="237" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Although this magical island in Lake Victoria doesn’t have the teeming herds and ravenous predators found just to the north on the fabled plains of the Serengeti, it has a wealth of biodiversity to discover. In the company of a remarkable guide like Habibu Kissio and his acolyte Elisante, the secrets of the water, forests and skies are revealed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3556.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1883" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3556.jpg?w=611&h=462" alt="IMG_3556" width="611" height="462" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Taking a walk into the forest is like entering another world that lives in the verdant shadow of the canopy.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3539.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1880" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3539.jpg?w=469&h=620" alt="IMG_3539" width="469" height="620" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Giant trees fighting for sunlight in a slow-motion battle are forced to grow buttresses to support themselves in the shallow, loamy soil.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3541.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1881 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3541.jpg?w=483&h=640" alt="IMG_3541" width="483" height="640" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">Strangler vines use their hosts to reach the sun, eventually smothering them.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3521.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1878 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3516.jpg?w=462&h=659" alt="IMG_3516" width="462" height="659" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-1879" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3521.jpg?w=329&h=218" alt="IMG_3521" width="329" height="218" /></a> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3495.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1876" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3495.jpg?w=300&h=215" alt="IMG_3495" width="300" height="215" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">If you look closely enough, the forest is full of life and colour, from beetles to emperor moth caterpillars and millipedes.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3672.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1885 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3672.jpg?w=494&h=374" alt="IMG_3672" width="494" height="374" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3509.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1877 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3509.jpg?w=499&h=725" alt="IMG_3509" width="499" height="725" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
</p><p style="text-align:center;">When cut correctly, the water vine releases pure, cool water.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3674.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1886" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3674.jpg?w=516&h=252" alt="IMG_3674" width="516" height="252" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Venturing out of the forest and onto the lake, another world of life is revealed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8079.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1891" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8079.jpg?w=522&h=349" alt="LF6F8079" width="522" height="349" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A leviathan slips off Croc Island.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8092.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1892" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8092.jpg?w=526&h=349" alt="LF6F8092" width="526" height="349" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Cormorants below a moody sky.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8098.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1893" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8098.jpg?w=534&h=355" alt="LF6F8098" width="534" height="355" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">An Open-Billed Stork dries its wings, flanked by an egret and cormorants.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8110.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1894" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8110.jpg?w=482&h=534" alt="LF6F8110" width="482" height="534" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A tiny crocodile rests in the shoreline vegetation.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8134.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1895" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8134.jpg?w=495&h=688" alt="LF6F8134" width="495" height="688" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Small islands become heronries teeming with activity.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8160.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1896" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8160.jpg?w=501&h=341" alt="LF6F8160" width="501" height="341" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A magnificent Palmnut Vulture.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3703.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1888" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3703.jpg?w=330&h=210" alt="IMG_3703" width="330" height="210" /></a> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3551.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1882" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3551.jpg?w=280&h=210" alt="IMG_3551" width="280" height="210" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Expert guide Habibu Kissio is equally comfortable on land and water.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3717.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1889" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3717.jpg?w=505&h=345" alt="IMG_3717" width="505" height="345" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The local bushbuck are unconcerned by human presence.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3611.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1884" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3611.jpg?w=587&h=444" alt="IMG_3611" width="587" height="444" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">With its easy, laid-back charm and gentle atmosphere, Rubondo is a place that revitalises, while still retaining the spirit of discovery and adventure.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1874&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/photography" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Photography</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div></div>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 08:13:54 +0000Anonymous1230 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-national-park-pictures#commentsA Magic spell on Rubondo Islandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-magic-spell-rubondo-island<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4>By Eric Frank</h4>
<p>Rubondo Island National Park is an example of the foresight and visionary genius of late President Julius Nyerere — the man who led Tanzania to independence and onwards to become one of Africa’s leading conservation economies. Nyerere’s commitment to preserving the nation’s natural heritage is evident in the splendour of the country’s national parks and also in the preservation of the enormous natural wealth that lies above and below the waters of Lake Victoria — Rubondo Island National Park. The flight between Mwanza and Rubondo Island is approximately 25 minutes and in that time one can only marvel at the vast expanse of water and many islands that pass below the aircraft’s wings.</p>
<p>Sitting in front with the pilot is a must when you come in to land on the island. The approach to the airstrip, which looks like an extended cricket pitch carved out of the jungle, is over the lake and the touchdown is an unexpected jolt that leaves you wondering if you have just had a near death experience. Isn’t this just what you would expect when setting off on an adventure into the unknown?</p>
<p>Habibu Kissio—the senior guide at Asilia’s Rubondo Island Camp is at the airstrip to meet my wife, Tertia and myself and after a glass of chilled bubbles we leave for the camp that is only a few minutes away. The rocky road winds through a dense, dark forest that is constantly cut back to prevent it from taking over the road. In a shaft of light that breaks through the forest canopy we see a bushbuck ewe lift her head to watch us pass. On arrival at the camp we are met by Henk and Janine the camp’s managers, and shown to our chalet.</p>
<p>The large bedroom looks out over what appears to be a well-manicured lawn and then onto the shimmering surface of Lake Victoria. A small dhow and motorboat sway gently at their moorings and the water lapping at the shore sounds like we’re at the seaside. The only difference is that each wave looks and sounds exactly the same as the previous one. As we are escorted back to the chalet after dinner that night we discover that the team that keep the lawn trimmed weigh in at about a ton each, grunt continuously and have a reputation for killing more humans than any other animal on the planet. Fortunately they ignore us and we slip into the room as quickly as we can.</p>
<p>A golden peach-coloured sunrise introduces the new day. And it’s magnificent. The lake is flat and glassy—perfect for a cruise to get a closer look at Rubondo’s famous birdlife and crocodiles. Habibu meets us at the beach after breakfast. He introduces us to Deus the skipper of the boat. Deus is a rehabilitated poacher and therefore knows the waters around Rubondo Island intimately. Habibu tells us we are heading off to a bay where many species of birds gather and en route we’ll stop off at Crocodile Island. As we approach this nondescript rocky outcrop, some distance from the shore, the mother of all crocs oozes itself into the water, heads towards us and then quietly disappears under the surface. Tertia immediately moves towards the middle of the boat and I imagine she is thinking that falling overboard at that moment would dramatically cut short any plans she had for the future. The thought of it makes me shiver and I squeeze her hand reassuringly. The crocodiles virtually lie on top of each other and I can find no rational reason why so many should gather on this barren pile of rocks so far from the shore. Judging by their leering looks and toothy smiles, I speculate that they come here to hang out, soak up the sun and look as disgustingly evil as they possibly can.</p>
<p>Some time later, as we slowly cruise along the shoreline, I am amazed at the diversity and amount of birds we see. Egrets are by far in the majority, but we also see African Darters, Open Billed Storks, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles and some migrating European Bee Eaters that have stopped over on the island to rest. Habibu is an excellent guide. Both Tertia and I only have a rudimentary knowledge of birds and he succeeds brilliantly in getting us interested in learning more about them. I am particularly fascinated to learn that the male fish eagle is smaller than the female and that his call is more hysterical and high-pitched. In no time I can able to identify which is which by ear.</p>
<p>Before coming to the island I was asked to photograph the Camp’s new tree house that was soon due to be launched in the media. The cherry on top was that Tertia and I would also be the first guests to spend a night there. Getting to the tree house is easy. You simply walk to the end of the beach and follow a path that takes you to a wooden walkway. The walkway leads you up a gentle slope along the side of a hill and onto a wooden deck with safety railings and a generous canvas canopy. A king-size bed draped with a silky mosquito net holds centre-stage and the surrounding views of the forest canopy and Lake Victoria are exquisite. A woven wooden screen, that also serves as a headboard, separates the en-suite bathroom and flush toilet from the sleeping area. The bathtub is a showstopper. Made entirely out of gleaming copper, it looks as if it could have been created for the likes of Lady Gaga. Set against a wall of hand-packed rocks, the bathroom area seamlessly merges with the surrounding hillside environment. Hot and cold water can be accessed via a showerhead as big as a soup plate or vintage brass taps. As the sun sets I manage to photograph as much of the tree house as I can. In doing so I realise that a photograph will never do justice to this fantastical out-of this-world place. Then dinner arrives, with chilled sparkling wine, a full moon and a symphony of night sounds. In the very early hours of the morning I wake up to the sounds of branches breaking nearby. Elephants? Before I know the answer I drift off to sleep again.</p>
<p>My father was a keen sport fisherman and his love for things piscatorial lives on in me. Therefore, it goes without saying, that the thought of catching one of Rubondo Island’s monster-sized Nile Perch was high on my agenda for this trip. Once again Habibu, Deus and I set off, this time for Rubondo’s renowned fishing grounds. The most common technique for catching Nile Perch is to troll large colourful lures, normally used to catch tuna, about 20 metres behind the boat as it cruises at a slow speed. In no time the rod next to me bucks and bends. As I strike and set the hook, Deus cuts the engine. Unfortunately, the action is short-lived and the fish throws the lure and joins the legions of other fish I have failed to land successfully. Some time passed before we caught two reasonably sized fish in quick succession and released them back into the water. Then things went quiet, very quiet. The rolling of the boat, the reassuring rumble of the motor and the sun on my back conspired to lull me into a state of semi-conscious slumber. Suddenly Habibu shouted “fish!” I snapped upright and grabbed the bending rod. This time there was real weight at the end of the line and it didn’t budge. I turned to Habibu and suggested we had snagged a rock or a submerged tree. He half-smiled and in his quiet, soft-spoken manner reassured me it was a fish. Then all hell happened at once, the rod nearly leapt out of my hands and line peeled off the reel at a blistering pace. “Fish my arse,” I yelped. “It’s a bloody battle tank!” Bringing the fish to the boat took time and when I eventually caught sight of it I gasped. It was monstrous! With a lot of effort we hauled it onto the boat where it was measured. I asked Deus and Habibu to hold it so that I could take a photograph. It is probably the best bad picture I have ever taken because I simply couldn’t get back far enough to fit all the stars of the show into the frame. (Habibu my friend, I sincerely apologise for cutting off the top of your head). We then released the fish back into the water and I did the first thing real men do under such circumstances —I had a beer!</p>
<p>Supplies destined for Rubondo Island Camp are delivered weekly in Muganza the nearest mainland town to the island. These are then fetched by boat and brought back to the camp. Asilia owns a vegetable garden in Muganza and a local gardener grows fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits for the camp’s kitchen. Tertia and I decide to join Michelle Attala on an excursion to the garden and, because Saturday is market day in the town, we’ll explore that too. The boat ride is relatively short and we’re there in no time. The vegetable garden is larger than I imagined and the soil is dark and rich. Despite the fact that most of the crops are not ripe and ready to be harvested we still manage to collect tomatoes, lettuce, parsley and rocket. The Saturday market however is an entirely different experience. It appears that few foreigners visit Muganza and Tertia, who shows more than a passing interest in purchasing some wax print fabrics, is a hit with the fabric stall owners. Shopping in an African market takes decisiveness. If you show uncertainty you will be bombarded with a host of new options to buy and your entire purchasing strategy falls apart. On occasions when this happens, Tertia suddenly (and very dramatically) asks me what I think. This draws the attention of the stall owners onto me. While I ponder, fuss and compare the merchandise she uses the time to make up her mind. Finally we leave the market with two lengths of fabric and head back to the boat. It is our last day on Rubondo Island and tomorrow Tertia flies home and I leave for Olakira Camp in the northern Serengeti.</p>
<p>We spent a magical week at Rubondo Island Camp. The location and accommodation is perfect for exploring the island and the management and staff are warm, welcoming and helpful. Rubondo Island National Park covers an area of 457 km² (including the main island, surrounding water and 11 small islets). 85% of the island is covered by dense forest and the balance comprises of savannah, papyrus swamps and open woodland. Wildlife includes elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, sitatunga, bushbuck, suni, wild chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys and over 200 species of birds.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/untitled.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1838" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/untitled.png?w=547&h=282" alt="Untitled" width="547" height="282" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A one-ton lawnmower and manure spreader</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/darter.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1829" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/darter.png?w=544&h=323" alt="darter" width="544" height="323" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> The African Darter (a rare visitor to Rubondo Island)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/sunrise.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1836" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/sunrise.png?w=546&h=204" alt="sunrise" width="546" height="204" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Early morning view of Lake Victoria from our bedroom</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/chalets.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1827" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/chalets.png?w=542&h=305" alt="chalets" width="542" height="305" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Rubondo Island Camp Accommodation</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bee-eaters.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1826" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bee-eaters.png?w=552&h=390" alt="Bee eaters" width="552" height="390" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">European Bee Eaters</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fisheagle.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1831" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fisheagle.png?w=552&h=298" alt="fisheagle" width="552" height="298" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Heroic Fish Eagle</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/stork.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1835" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/stork.png?w=554&h=436" alt="Stork" width="554" height="436" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The amazing Open Billed Stork (the gap in his beak helps him crush freshwater mussels)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/croc.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1828" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/croc.png?w=557&h=256" alt="croc" width="557" height="256" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Butter couldn’t melt in that mouth</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/perch.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1834" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/perch.png?w=550&h=371" alt="Perch" width="550" height="371" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Habibu, Deus and the Battle Tank</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tree-house.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1837" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tree-house.png?w=558&h=352" alt="tree house" width="558" height="352" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Tree House bedroom</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bath.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1825" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bath.png?w=399&h=494" alt="bath" width="399" height="494" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Tree House en-suite bathroom and tub</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/muganza.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1833" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/muganza.png?w=402&h=491" alt="Muganza" width="402" height="491" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Muganza photographic studio</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fabric.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1830" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fabric.png?w=416&h=307" alt="fabric" width="416" height="307" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Fabric emporium</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/garden.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1842" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/garden.png?w=435&h=289" alt="Garden" width="435" height="289" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Asilia Vegetable garden</p>
<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1823&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div></div>Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:22:48 +0000Anonymous1115 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-magic-spell-rubondo-island#commentsChasing monsters of the deep at Rubondo Islandhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/chasing-monsters-the-deep-rubondo-island<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4>By Ryan Green, Travel Writer</h4>
<p>The pristine equatorial forests of Rubondo Island in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria are an untouched tropical paradise. Brightly coloured birds and butterflies flit through the understory below gigantic trees, elephants move like grey ghosts through the forest and Africa’s rare and elusive sitatunga antelope is often glimpsed in the papyrus thickets while primates chatter from the canopy above.</p>
<p>Not only is this a naturalist’s utopia, but the waters surrounding the island are a sport fisherman’s dream. The protected waters of the Rubondo Island National Park are an important breeding ground for Nile Tilapia and Nile Perch, a huge predatory fish whose legendary status immediately gets every angler’s pulse racing. No longer a well-kept secret amongst those in the know, Rubondo is now attracting sport fishermen eager to do battle with these monsters of the deep that can grow up to two metres long and weigh in excess of a hundred kilograms. Those to whom the sound of a screaming reel is the ultimate adrenaline rush are speaking of Rubondo in reverential terms, where the size of these fish is held in equal esteem to their fighting ability, and taking them on is a challenge not to be taken lightly.</p>
<p>Allow this video to whet your appetite for the ultimate in freshwater fishing adventures, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime to Rubondo Island!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"></span></p>
<iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fObYNUyaekL?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><p></p>
<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1676&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div>Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:52:56 +0000Anonymous994 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/chasing-monsters-the-deep-rubondo-island#comments