Nqabara Eco River Lodge

Giant Trevally at Nqabara eco river lodge

Kob – Garrick – Grunter – Estuary Species

SEASON: Warmer months (Open year-round)
DURATION: 3 Nights ideal
GUESTS: 2-4

There aren’t many fishing destinations where anglers can enjoy the exciting opportunities of two adjoining rivers and an expansive estuary that meets the warm Indian Ocean. Prolific birdlife and a wide range of fish species congregate year-round at the scenic junction of the Nqabara & Nqabarana rivers that meet a stone’s throw from the Lodge.

Fishing at Nqabara Eco River Lodge

FISHING THE RIVERS

The two rivers are quite different offering unique encounters. The Nqabarana is a smaller river and is best navigated by canoe or boat, which can be chartered from the Lodge. Lure and light bait angling amongst the mangroves and deeper channels will result in catches of Perch, Grunter, Kob, Garrick and small Kingfish. The river is calm and both young and older family members will have great fun exploring by canoe.

The Nqabara river is much larger and navigable with a small boat or canoe. Great opportunities can be had while on foot and targeting the banks and drop-offs. One can navigate for a long way upstream and many species are accessible by lures and baits, with Garrick and Kob being prime targets. Also included amongst catches are the hard-fighting Rock Salmon, Perch, Kingfish and Grunter, while Springer occurs higher up.

FISHING THE SEA

During neap tides, one can walk across the river’s right-hand sandbank to access the beach. If however, you want to fish during a spring high tide then a canoe or boat is best used to ferry across the river. From the beach, one can catch Kob, Garrick, the elusive Pig-Nose Grunter and reef species, or target Kob on the dropoffs with Paddle-tails. The first set of rocks a mere 200 meters to the right of the mouth produces silvers, bluefish and kob.

FLY FISHING

A fully guided Fly Fishing experience is offered on both rivers. Kob, Garrick, Pickhandle Barracuda, Kingfish, Skipjack, Perch and Rock Salmon are the main species targeted. The drop-offs and sandbanks on both rivers are easily accessed by foot during lower tides, while boats can be charted for the deeper tides and to access the upper reaches of the rivers which offer exiting areas. Flies commonly used are Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, Crazy Charlie’s, Seducers, Spungebobs and Nyaps.

Nqabara has access to both rock & surf a fly fishing guides, which will enhance your experience.

Accommodation at Nqabara Eco River Lodge

Nqabara Eco River Lodge can comfortably accommodate 20 people in three cottages and the main house.

EACH COTTAGE HAS THE FOLLOWING:

  • Two furnished en-suite bedrooms with two single beds
  • A lounge area
  • A fully equipped kitchen
  • Lounge & Dining Area
  • Ablution Facilities
  • Large Deck

THE MAIN HOUSE FEATURES:

  • 1 x En-suite bedroom with double or twin beds
  • 1 x Dorm-style bedroom with six single beds and individual cupboards
  • A fully equipped kitchen
  • Lounge, DSTV, Dining Area
  • Ablutions (2 toilets and an indoor and outdoor shower)
  • Large Expansive Deck with magnificent views

As a low-impact eco-lodge, the entire lodge is run on solar technology.
Water is harvested and stored in tanks. Waste is collected and disposed of in the nearby town of Willowvale.

Getting to Nqabara Eco River Lodge

Situated on the unspoilt Wild Coast, 50km east of the town of Willowvale, just 3ó hours north of East London and 8ó hours from Durban, Nqabara Eco River Lodge is a prime fishing destination.

For self-drive options, we will supply driving directions from your location.

Alternatively, guests can fly into Umtata and we will arrange a transfer to the lodge.
The transfer costs R4000 return & takes approximately 2hr20.

Itinerary

This is an “at your leisure” Itinerary.
The guides & mealtimes are at your disposal for the duration of your adventure.

Rates

Fishing Rates/person sharing

ZAR3,300.00/pppn (Based on 2 anglers)

ZAR3,900.00/pppn (Single angler)

Price Includes

  • 1 x Fishing Guide
  • Use of the boat when driven by the guide
  • All camping equipment and accommodation for the duration of your stay
  • All meals starting dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure
  • Water, tea and coffee
  • Safety Gear

Price Excludes

  • Transport to base Camp
  • Tackle
  • Drinks – Soft and alcoholic
  • Guides Gratuities

Image Gallery

Extra Info

COMMUNICATION
No cell connection on the river.

CURRENCY
ZAR. PLEASE ENSURE YOU BRING ENOUGH TO SETTLE TACKLE, DRINKS BILLS AND GRATUITIES.

FLIGHTS
Flights to-and-from Umtata daily

TACKLE
All guests will be sent a thorough breakdown of the tackle set up in their pre-trip information. This will include all flies, flyline, technical gear requirements, etc.

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