Tintswalo Lapalala will be introducing fly-fishing on a ‘catch, release and research’ basis as a new activity within the pristine Waterberg reserve. Located three hours’ drive from Johannesburg, the sprawling 48 500 ha Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is a malaria-free sanctuary for many plant and animal species. These include the Big 5, but it is the spectacular Palala river that runs 37 kilometers through the reserve that sets it apart. With riverside locations that are easily accessible on foot, rocky rapids as well as deep, calm pools of clear and unpolluted water present exhilarating fishing opportunities suitable for all competency levels.
The Palala river is teeming with fish that includes healthy populations of a wide variety of species such as yellow fish, barbel, largemouth bass, red breasted and blue tilapia to offer excellent nymph style fly-fishing. In the dam, carp, yellow fish, silver catfish, barbel and tilapia offer sinking-line fishing for novices, including children.
The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa and was founded in 1981 by conservation champions, Dale Parker and Clive Walker. It is recognised as a champion of sustainable wildlife conservation with the vision to leave a legacy for generations to come. Fishing is scientifically monitored and operated strictly on a catch-and-release basis. Led by qualified nature guides who are passionate and competent anglers, data is collected for ongoing scientific research projects.
During the drier months, April through to October provide the best fishing opportunities when the river is calmer and more accessible. During the summer months fishing excursions take place in the south of the reserve where the deep pools may yield feisty yellow fish of more than a kilogram.
Specialist fly-fishing packages are customized for keen anglers, while regular guests may opt for early morning or late afternoon fishing excursions. Guests may also choose to spend the day out in the reserve fishing at leisure and enjoying the tranquility of a river picnic at lunch.
SPECIAL POST-LOCKDOWN OFFER
Tintswalo Lapalala is offering excellent 50% discount post-lockdown 2-night packages to South African residents, from R18 500 for two people sharing, inclusive of accommodation in luxury tents, all meals and two safari activities daily.
About Tintswalo Lapalala
Situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region in Limpopo province, Tintswalo Lapalala is a family-friendly lodge of seven luxury tented suites with private plunge pools, accommodating up to 16 adults and four children. Environmentally conscious, it is operated off the grid, presenting a sustainable wilderness and safari experience within the expansive 48 500-hectare reserve. With 37km of pristine river frontage, unique wilderness activities include riverside picnics, fishing and swimming in rapids and crystal-clear rock pools. Daily game drives and guided bush walks are on offer, as well as a Children’s Activity programme. Excursions are offered to ancient iron age and rock art sites within the reserve and the community-based Wilderness School. Other relaxing pursuits include spa treatments, sundowner cruises, birdwatching, stargazing and romantic sleep-outs.
About Tintswalo Lodges
Tintswalo Lodges is an exquisite collection of five family-owned and run properties situated in unique locations within South Africa. Perched on a pebbled beach at the foot of the Table Mountain National Park, directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic boutique lodge is renowned as one of Cape Town’s most precious hidden gems. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the pristine Manyeleti Private Nature Reserve, home to some of South Africa’s best game viewing. Within this property, Tintswalo Manor House offers a luxurious, fully-catered villa for families or friends looking for a tailor-made stay. Recent additions to Tintswalo’s collection of luxury lodges and boutique hotels include Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa in Cape Town, located on Boulders Beach with its world-famous colony of endangered African penguins. Luxury tented camp Tintswalo Lapalala offers a family-friendly safari experience in an expansive, pristine private reserve within the malaria-free Waterberg region (Limpopo province). Nearby in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Tintswalo Family Camp Welgevonden is available on exclusive-use basis only as an ideal safari getaway for corporates, as well as friends or family travelling together.
