Ndole Bay Lodge
Zambia
Accommodation
Lakeside Lodge
Season
September – May
Species
Tanganyikan Perch, Tigerfish, Nkupi
Fishing Style
Spinning, Trolling, Fly Fishing,
Ndole Bay Lodge 🇿🇲
Ndole Bay Lodge is a remote lakefront fishing lodge on the Zambian shore of Lake Tanganyika, just outside Nsumbu National Park. The lodge provides access to one of Africa’s most unusual freshwater fisheries, where anglers can target Tanganyikan perch, giant cichlids, tigerfish and a wide range of species found nowhere else. The combination of clear tropical water, rocky shorelines, deep drop-offs and nearby wilderness makes Ndole Bay a distinctive fishing destination, with elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife regularly seen around the lake and national park.
Tanganyikan perch are the main target. Closely related to nile perch, these powerful predators inhabit deeper rocky areas and steep underwater structure, with fish exceeding 100 pounds possible. Tanganyikan perch are generally targeted by trolling deep-diving lures, jigging or casting lures, using tackle strong enough to control a large fish close to rocks and drop-offs. Opportunities for giant cichlids, commonly called nkupe or emperor cichlids, along with tigerfish, and several other perch and cichlid species.
Giant cichlids offer a different style of fishing and may be found feeding in groups around baitfish near the surface. They can be targeted with lures and fly tackle, producing aggressive takes in the lake’s clear water. Tigerfish are less numerous than in the major Zambezi fisheries, but they are encountered along rocky shorelines and can provide fast, explosive action when conditions are right. Rare captures can include also golden perch and goliath tigerfish, although these should be considered occasional rather than regular targets.
The main fishing season runs from September through April. Anglers fish aboard purpose-built boats, normally with two anglers per guide during the program. Fishing takes place both near the lodge and inside Nsumbu National Park, where rocky headlands, deep water and protected bays provide some of the strongest opportunities.
Ndole Bay Lodge is set directly beside Lake Tanganyika and offers a selection of thatched chalets surrounded by tropical gardens and beach. Accommodation ranges from deluxe beachfront chalets and a two-bedroom beachfront suite to standard garden and single chalets. All permanent accommodation has private bathroom facilities, mosquito nets, fans and solar lighting.
The beachfront chalets have private verandas facing the lake, while the larger beachfront suite has two bedrooms, separate bathrooms and a shared lounge. Standard garden chalets provide simpler accommodation slightly farther from the water. The exact room category included in a fishing package should be confirmed at the time of booking.
The main lodge has a dining room, cocktail bar, swimming pool, small gym and massage area. Meals combine local ingredients, fresh fish and international dishes, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included during the lodge stay. Dietary requirements can normally be accommodated when provided in advance. Laundry is included with most chalet categories, and full-board anglers have complimentary use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Ndole Bay Lodge is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika in far northern Zambia, near the town of Nsumbu and immediately outside Nsumbu National Park. The lodge is remote, and reaching it requires a domestic flight and a long ground transfer, or a private charter flight.
The standard fishing itinerary begins with an international arrival in Lusaka. Anglers then take a scheduled domestic flight from Lusaka to Kasama, followed by an approximately five-and-a-half-hour four-wheel-drive transfer to Ndole Bay. The package includes return transfers between Kasama and the lodge.
Alternative routes include travelling by road to Mpulungu and continuing by speedboat, or chartering directly to Chisala Airstrip near Nsumbu National Park. Self-driving from Lusaka normally requires two days, and a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the final gravel sections.
Anglers should allow a night in Lusaka before the domestic flight and may require a night in Kasama on the return journey. Exact domestic flight and transfer timings should be confirmed before international flights are booked.
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $3,990.00 per angler
What’s Included:
- Six nights of lakefront accommodation at Ndole Bay Lodge
- One night of accommodation in Kasama
- Dinner during the Kasama stay
- Airport transfer in Kasama
- Four full days of guided fishing
- Approximately eight hours of fishing per guided day
- Two anglers per fishing boat
- Fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Fishing equipment
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Ndole Bay Lodge
- Return transfers between Kasama and Ndole Bay Lodge
- Nsumbu National Park fees
- Angling fees
- One non-fishing activity day
What’s Not Included:
- International flights to and from Zambia
- Domestic flights between Lusaka and Kasama
- Accommodation and meals in Lusaka
- Bar charges and alcoholic beverages
- Specialist personal fishing equipment
- Additional fishing or lodge activities outside the itinerary
- Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
- Visa and entry costs
- Personal travel, medical and evacuation insurance
Day 1: Travel to Ndole Bay Lodge
Take the morning domestic flight from Lusaka to Kasama. On arrival, meet the transfer vehicle for the approximately five-and-a-half-hour drive to Lake Tanganyika. Check into the lodge and enjoy dinner overlooking the lake.
Days 2 and 3: Guided Fishing
After breakfast, depart for full days of fishing on Lake Tanganyika. The guides select areas and techniques according to the target species, weather and recent activity. Fishing may include trolling or jigging for Tanganyikan perch, casting for giant cichlids or searching rocky shorelines for tigerfish.
Day 4: Activity Day
Take a break from fishing to enjoy one of the other activities available around the lodge and Nsumbu National Park. Options may include snorkelling, kayaking, a wildlife cruise, a guided walk or a visit to the Kala Bay sand dune.
Days 5 and 6: Guided Fishing
Return to the lake for two further full fishing days. Anglers can continue focusing on trophy Tanganyikan perch or vary the program with lighter lure and fly fishing for cichlids, tigerfish and other species.
Day 7: Return to Kasama
After breakfast, leave the lodge for the return transfer to Kasama. Check into the included accommodation for the night, with dinner provided.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kasama Airport for the scheduled flight to Lusaka and the onward international journey.
What is the best time to visit?
The main fishing season runs from September through April. Conditions and fish activity can vary across the season, so dates should be selected according to the preferred species and methods.
What species can anglers target?
The primary species are Tanganyikan perch, giant cichlid and tigerfish.
Which fishing methods are used?
Trolling, spinning, jigging and bait fishing are commonly used for tanganyikan perch and other deeper-water species. Fly fishing and lighter lure fishing are better suited to giant cichlids, tigerfish and surface-feeding species.
Is fishing equipment included?
Yes. Fishing equipment is included. Anglers who prefer particular rods, reels, flies or lures should bring their own equipment, as specialist tackle availability at the lodge is limited.
How many anglers fish from each boat?
The standard package is based on two anglers sharing a boat and guide. The lodge has several boats of different sizes, and the vessel used depends on group size, weather and the planned fishing area.
Is the fishing catch and release?
Catch and release is encouraged, especially for large tanganyikan perch and other trophy fish. Selected smaller fish may be retained and prepared for dinner when permitted.
Can anglers combine fishing with wildlife activities?
Yes. Wildlife viewing is carried out by boat or on foot rather than by vehicle, and anglers may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and numerous bird species.
Is the lodge in a malaria area?
Yes. Anglers should obtain current medical advice about malaria prevention, vaccinations and other health precautions before travelling to northern Zambia.
