African Waters: Pioneering African Fishing Experiences
Rael Zieve: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Keith Clover, co-owner of African Waters, a premier fishing charter company across the African continent.
Rael Zieve: Hi Keith, welcome to the show.
Keith Clover: Thanks for having me, Rael.
The Birth of African Waters
Rael Zieve: Tell us about African Waters and how it started.
Keith Clover: African Waters was founded in 2008 by Rob Scott and me. We both studied BSc degrees at the University of Natal, sharing a passion for African fishing, mobile safaris, and conservation. After university, we noticed a gap for guided sport and fly fishing across Africa. Combining our scientific background with tourism experience, we created African Waters to offer bespoke fishing in Africa, blending fly fishing with conservation and ecotourism.
What Sets African Waters Apart
Rael Zieve: Why choose African Waters over competitors?
Keith Clover: We encourage healthy competition because a strong industry benefits African fisheries and conserves habitats. However, we stand out by offering unique, guided experiences at exclusive lodges with a maximum of eight guests per trip. Our intimate approach combines world-class African fishing with immersive wildlife encounters, creating a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Prime Fishing Locations Across Africa
Rael Zieve: Where do you operate?
Keith Clover: We run fishing camps and lodges in various regions:
- Orange River, Namibia/Kalahari ā Wilderness multi-night trips.
- Makhangoa Community Camp, Lesotho ā Year-round operations.
- Dhala and Samaki Camps, Tanzania ā On the Mnyera and Ruhudji rivers within a 14,000 kmĀ² game reserve.
- Sette Cama, Gabon ā In Loango National Park.
- Gassa Camp, Cameroon ā A seasonal camp from January to April near the Faro National Park.
We briefly operated in Sudan’s Nubian Flats but paused due to civil conflict. We hope to resume by 2025 or 2026.
Ecotourism and Local Community Impact
Rael Zieve: How does African Waters give back to local communities?
Keith Clover: Our low-impact, high-value tourism model directly benefits communities and ecosystems. For example, in Lesotho, guests pay a bed levy that funds local projects like solar lighting for 75 households and building a bridge for the Makhangoa school. In Gabon, 70% of Sette Cama’s staff are locals. We also conduct ecological initiatives such as turtle research and anti-poaching patrols, ensuring African fisheries and wildlife thrive.
The Accommodation Experience
Rael Zieve: What kind of accommodations do guests expect?
Keith Clover: Comfort is key, though we prioritize the experience over luxury. In Gabon, we offer air-conditioned en-suite rooms, while in Tanzania, guests stay in safari tents with en-suite bathrooms. Lesotho features traditional rondavels with fireplaces and clawfoot baths. Across locations, we ensure exceptional service and comfort without excess.
African Fishing Conservation Over Profit
Rael Zieve: It sounds like you’re deeply invested in conservation.
Keith Clover: Absolutely. Our goal is to preserve Africa’s fisheries and wilderness. Without sustainable tourism, these areas face threats like deforestation and poaching. Our projects ensure these habitats generate income through fishing in Africa, conserving spaces that would otherwise be exploited.
The Future of African Fishing Tourism
Rael Zieve: How do you see African fishing tourism evolving over the next decade?
Keith Clover: Post-COVID, the demand for authentic, bespoke African fishing experiences is growing. People crave unique adventures, and African Waters delivers exactly that. I foresee continuous growth in ecotourism, with travellers seeking intimate, immersive experiences like fishing along the Nile River or exploring river Tanzania lodges.
Exciting Adventures and Challenges
Rael Zieve: Any fun or memorable stories from your expeditions?
Keith Clover: In our early days, Rob and I chased rumours of fisheries on tight budgets. One standout trip was to Congo’s Odzala National Park, where we lived in a dugout canoe with pygmy trackers searching for Goliath tigerfish. Moments like these define our journey and passion.
Rael Zieve: Have you ever landed a Goliath tigerfish?
Keith Clover: Not yet, but Rob has! He caught one in Congo in 2012, and again this year in CAR. The Goliath is elusive, but the pursuit keeps the adventure alive.
Closing Thoughts
Rael Zieve: Thank you for sharing your incredible journey. Before we wrap up, listeners, do not forget to enter our prize giveaway ā a fishing cap and sunshade shirt from African Waters!
Interested in finding out more aboutĀ great dealsĀ to Fish in Africa, please feel free to emailĀ rael@wildsunsets.travelĀ or check out some of our specials atĀ www.wildsunsets.travel