Africa - Cameroon

FARO Sportfishing - FARO SAFARIS

Special Offers available

Full Service Booking - Personal Trips

The Faro River is a true multi-species destination, with anglers rigging 5wt, 9wt and 12wt gear each day to cover all the species and situations on offer.

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 as 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.

Wildlife Conservation trough Fly Fishing

“We have been searching for a suitable Nile perch fly fishing fishery for almost a decade. In Jan 2018 we lead the first of two exploratory trips to what we consider are one of the last remaining, ecologically intact, West African savannah habitats – and through which the Faro River flows. The discovery and subsequent collaborations that we have established with key concession owner, Xavier Vannier, encompassing a geographically special 120km section of Faro River, bordering the Faro National Park, 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.”

– TOURETTE FISHING

The Faro River Basin and

the Faro Conservation Association (AFC)

The Faro Fly Fishing product is now adding incredible value to the area by helping to ensure sustainable and well managed fly fishing is able to contribute significant funds towards conservation and anti-poaching strategies in the area and build towards the longterm goal to facilitate and coordinate a unified and all-encompassing Faro River Basin conservation plan.

The revitalization of the Cameroonian-registered NGO, the Faro Conservation Association (AFC), starting in 2019 is one of the first steps to achieving this goal. All fly fishing 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 & 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.

The Lodge

This area offers adventurous fly fishermen a unique glimpse into an almost untouched West African savannah environment. Signature game such as Lord Derby eland, north western buffalo, western roan, Kordofan giraffe, western hartebeest, red river hog, elephant, western kob, red flanked duiker, colobus monkey, western lion and leopard, hippos and crocodiles, amongst others, are found in our operational areas. Although not a game viewing destination, many of these animals and their signs are seen on a daily basis when driving between camp and the fishing beats.

ACCOMODATION

The permanent camp, run in conjunction with long established conservation and hunting operator, Faro Safaris, is situated in the deep shade of mature riverine forest. The camp is inspired by local architecture and the rooms are large, open rondavels, tastefully decorated with local fabrics and soft furnishings. Bathrooms are en suite. This haven under the trees is complimented by a beautiful dining area, lounge, deck and fire pit overlooking the Faro River.

Meals are prepared by the talented camp chef in a simple camp kitchen. Continental breakfast, eggs and tea/coffee are taken before heading out from camp each day. Lunches are generally picnic style on the river banks between fishing sessions.

The Fishing

ALL FISHING IS DONE ON FOOT – STRICTLY CATCH & RELEASE – FLY FISHING ONLY – SINGLE DE-BARBED HOOKS ONLY

The fishery is divided into set beats. These are rotated and managed to ensure sustainable and consistent fishing results.

Please respect these rules, they are in place to ensure you experience the best trip possible.

Nile Perch

Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) are arguably one of Africa’s greatest fly fishing targets. Habitat destruction and all forms of over-fishing has severely impacted the distribution and density of Nile perch populations today. One of the largest fresh water fish on Earth, it reaches sizes of up to 2m, weighing up to 200kg’s. We consider trophy fish as fish over 100cm TL, with fish up to 162cm being taken on fly thus far.

Tigerfish

Guests target tigerfish in the daytime morning & afternoon fishing sessions, leading away from, and up to the 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

The periods of highest sun, at the end of the morning sessions, and start of afternoon session, are used to sight-fish to yellowfish 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 9 kg’s have been sighted, with the biggest one landed to date on flying weighing just over 3,5 kg’s. Labeo species up to 3,5 kg’s, and African large-scale tetra up to 1 kg, make up the rest of the usual sight-fishing targets.

Average Fishing Day

The average fishing 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. A simple base is set up in a shaded spot on the river bank. The mid-morning session is generally spent targeting 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 14h00 for a late lunch and a siesta, where anglers are encouraged to rest, rehydrate, and swim in order to be revived and fresh for the afternoon session.

The group will generally head out again at around 16h00. The first part of the afternoon session will be spent hunting tigerfish 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 each evening, whereafter you will return to camp for a late dinner and some drinks before heading to bed.

Trip Itinerary

SUNDAY: Arrive in Douala, connect to Garoua. Depart Douala around 16h00, arrive Garoua around 18h15 (internal flights covered in tour costs) where you will be met by transfer driver and Tourette Fishing representative and driven to a local hotel. Overnight in Garoua, single rooms (overnight accommodation is covered in tour costs). All meals are at your own expense.

MONDAY: Breakfast (own expense), followed by 4-5 hour drive to camp. Settle in and then meet in the mess area for a late lunch and full tour briefing by your guides. Tackle set up after lunch. Evening fishing session time allowing.

TUESDAY to SUNDAY: 6 fishing days

MONDAY: Breakfast, followed by 4-5 hour transfer back to Garoua. Regional flight from Garoua to Douala (covered in tour costs). Depart Garoua @ 18h15. Arrive Douala @ 20h50. Connect to international flight home, or overnight in Douala for connection on Tuesday. Tour Ends.

The Wildlife

The TEAM

AFRICAN WATERS (former known as TOURETTE FISHING)

African Waters is a dedicated team of African fishing-travel experts and professional guides. We specialise in developing and managing unique fisheries in Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Based on sound fishery management protocols, community benefaction projects, and stringent conservation practices, all guests can be assured their visit is contributing to the longterm protection of these wild places, and benefaction to the rural communities with whom we work.

FARO SAFARIS

Since 1971, four generations have succeeded each other with the ambition to make FARO SAFARIS a leader in the West African Safari industry. Thanks to our comprehensive knowledge, extensive field experience, rigorous anti-poaching efforts, cutting edge game management and our boundless passion, we are the keepers of a great diversity of wildlife and pristine habitat. In Cameroon, our longterm-monitored sanctuaries are the last refuges of a world of shrinking wildlife heritage.

“ Our unfailing ambition is to contribute to the longterm conservation of the habitat, fauna and flora in the Faro Valley through sustainable tourism in the form of fly fishing, fair-chase hunting and eco-tourism. “

Xavier VANNIER

SEASON

January - April

RATES

USD 9,750 for a 7 nights stay with 6 fishing days

Included

Return regional flights from Douala to Garoua + Meet and Greet on arrival
Transfer from Garoua airport to hotel
One night accommodation in Garoua on arrival
Return transfers from Garoua hotel to camp
7 nights accommodation + all meals once in camp
Tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, limited beers in camp (4 beers/person/per day)
African Waters guide & trip leader (2 guides per group of 4 anglers)
Fishing Permits
Game Scouts + Conservation & Anti-poaching levies

Not included

International flights to & from Douala
Visa's - these must be obtained before departure (roughly EUR 100/approx. USD 110)
Meals in transit (Douala & Garoua - roughly EUR 30/approx. USD 33 in total)
Wine and spirits (please bring your own)
Beers above the allocated 4 per person per day
Accomodation and meals in Douala should it be required on Monday night after arriving back from Garoua (we can arrange to book this)
Transfers in Douala (should you be required to spend a night on your way out. We can assist in arranging this)
Fishing Tackle
Guide & Camp Staff gratuities

SPECIAL OFFER FOR FFTC MEMBERS

10 % discount

Trip Details

VISA’S – are required by most nationalities, this is for guests own expense (roughly € 175). We will provide the necessary letter of invitation for your visa application.

INOCULATIONS & MEDICATIONS – Valid yellow fever inoculation and inoculation card is required to travel. Please consult your local travel clinic if you don’t have an inoculation travel card. Cameroon is a malaria area. Consult your doctor for suitable prophylaxis.

COMMUNICATION – There is no cell reception in camp. There is a sat-phone for emergencies and satellite wifi connection for guests own expense (€ 50 / week).

CURRENCY – The Central African Franc CFA is the local currency, although Euro at € 1 : CFA 650 and USD at USD 1 : CFA 586 are widely accepted. You will not need any local currency when in camp. You can change limited amount of € or USD for CFA when in Douala or Garoua for in-transit expenses.