DESTINATIONS

	UGEZI-CAHORA BASSA
	General Info
	Cahorra Bassa at 270 km long is roughly the same size as Kariba. Kariba has many lodges and a great deal of fishing pressure, Cahora Bassa remains virtually unfished, having been protected first by a civil war and now by its remoteness. From the wall the first 30 km of Cahora Bassa lies within a deep gorge before opening out into the main lake. For reasons of distance and also because the high surrounding mountains offer protection from strong winds, most fishing is done within this gorge and the various shallower bays running off it. Situated not far from the town of Songo near the dam wall, Ugezi Tiger Lodge started life seven years ago as a small tented operation and has grown to become the attractive lodge that it is today, offering packages ranging from full board accommodation in aircon stone-and-thatch chalets, to camping in a pleasant wooded area near the lake shore
	Fishing
	Tigerfish to 14 kg have been caught, though half that size should be considered a good specimen. The lake also contains various bream species, including Mossambica, three-spot and red-breast, plus catfish and their man-sized cousins the vundu. The other-worldly Cornish Jack and smaller members of the bottle-nose family are also present, as are chessa and nkupe, both of them small-mouthed, rough-scaled and extremely hard fighting fish.
	Accomodation
	Ugezi offers packages ranging from full board accommodation in air-conditioned stone-and-thatch chalets, to camping in a pleasant wooded area near the lake shore, with running water, electricity and flush toilets. Ugezi is on a steep, rocky and forested hillside, with the main bar/dining lodge about 40 metres above water level around a large baobab, and the various chalets both above and below this main structure. There is satellite television, and a small swimming pool. Steps link the various levels to the little harbour directly beneath the lodge, but the steepness of the setting makes Ugezi a difficult destination for the old or unfit.
	Location
	Ugezi is situated not far from the town of Songo near the dam wall.
	Season
	All species can be caught throughout the year, though tiger in particular will be less active between May and July. Strong winds can blow between mid-July and September. Phil rates Jan-March as the top tiger months, though during Nov-Feb air temperatures are very high, sometimes over 40 degrees C. Cahora Bassa differs from Kariba in that no bush was cleared before the lake filled, thus one is always fishing over submerged forest. This is good for the fish but can make life difficult for anglers, especially during the hot summer months when the fish go deep.
	How to get there
	Charter flying to Songo, just 10 km from the lodge, is an option (Songo airstrip is 1150 metres, paved). The lodge then collects you at the airport, starting from R275.00 to R70.00 pp return for the road transfers. There is no scheduled flight to Songo, but one can fly Mozambique’s National Airline (LAM) via Maputo to Tete, 150 km from the lodge, where Ugezi again collects you. Flying with LAM is the most affordable option, and is now very convenient without over night stays in Maputo a requirement. Should you wish to over night in Maputo this is also an option. Driving 1 600 km from South Africa on tar roads all the way is also possible, the route being through eastern Zimbabwe into Mozambique, and then left off the Tete road; beware of potholes, especially if towing. The tar ends within 2 km of the lodge.
	Other activities
	Birdwatching
	Length of stay
	LENGTH OF STAY There is a minimum of four nights stay at Ugezi. We will tailor-make your package according to the flight schedules when flying with LAM from Johannesburg to Tete (via Maputo). A minimum of four nights is recommended. Most people tend to stay for a week.
	Capacity
	Twelve serviced chalets with camping facilities also available. The Lodge can accommodate up to sixty eight guests plus campers.
	Rates
	We recommend the fully inclusive packages for Chalets 3 and 6 (with aircon) and Chalets 7;8;9 and 10 (with one separate bedroom and aircon). Rates range between R2, 000.00 per night to R950.00 per night – includes meals and guides boating (excludes bar and fuel). Note: With the various options, costing a package becomes fairly complicated. We suggest that rather than trying to work it out yourself, you tell us your group size, number of nights required, and let us give you a fully inclusive package cost. Based on a seven night fully inclusive package, cost indicators are R 13, 200.00 per person sharing (2 x anglers; 7 x nights includes flights with LAM from JHB, transfers, all meals and skippered boat – does not include departure taxes R2,650.00 pp or fuel or bar). BOAT COSTS: Ugezi now has a number of boats, each with local driver. Most speak English, and are fairly knowledgable. Hire tackle is available (rates T B A) BUT we always recommend you take your own tackle. Boats carry basic tackleboxes. Bait in the form of earthworms and wet/dry kapenta is usually available though the lodge charges you for bait supply. Boat rates are included in the “fully inclusive” package rates that we sell. Boats vary from size and price R900 – R1400. Note: All the above rates EXCLUDE fuel used, at +- R25.00 per litre for petrol and oil which you settle at the lodge. Please contact us or your local travel agent for tailor-made up to date package rates.
	Special Notes
	The dam wall is only 5 km from the lodge by boat, but an 8 km drive over winding mountain roads. The lodge can arrange road trips to the dam wall, and within the next year plans to also have a fly-camp and boat(s) established on the spectacular river some 60 km downstream from the wall, thus being able to offer packages combining both lake and river fishing.