Makhangoa Community Camp
After the Christmas break when the camp is reserved for staff friends and family, week 5 marked the return to normal operations, with guides and clients returning to Makhangoa Community Camp. After a fantastic start to the season prior to the Christmas break, things were looking extremely promising for the next few months.
Week 5 saw the return of an Makhangoa Community Camp veteran in Donald Tietelbaum, hailing from Rwanda. In conjunction with Don, Phillip Burmeister. Also in camp, the Hartog’s from the Western Cape, and Joakim and Lina, hailing from Sweden.
Starting off on the right note
The festive season break saw the Bokong river rise to possibly its highest level in the season thus far, and as the first week of January dawned on guides and clients alike, it finally looked as though the river was approaching the ‘sweet spot’. Day 1 afternoon saw Frikkie and son, Thomas, entice a number of yellows to their flies below camp. Don and Phillip joined us in camp as the Hartog’s came to grips with Bokong yellows. The day came to a close around the dinner table with much anticipation for the week ahead.
Getting on like a house on fire at the Makhangoa Community Camp!
As yet another mixed bag of clients from across the globe joined us in camp this week it was awesome to see the immediate chemistry amongst all. Elsabe and Caitlin Hartog, along with Lina from Sweden, enjoyed numerous hikes in the Bokong valley under the experienced guidance of Mkhulu Ranger David! The rest of the team enjoyed their guided fly fishing outings over the numerous days spent in camp!
Dry fly action on the Bokong
Day 2 greeted camp with pristine conditions. Blue skies and clear water lay before us as rods were primed with dry fly tackle. The morning got off to a cracker as every angler in camp had a fair number of shots at yellows on dry with the river still at a slightly high level. Don kick started the action off with a yellow on dry with his first cast of his trip — starting off in serious style. An in camp lunch offered a brief intermission to the good fishing as clients shared stories of a fantastic first session. The afternoon offered much of the same as more fish were taken on dry and dry droppers further up river in the waters surrounding the village. What a first day it had been.
Day 2’s evening concluded with a large thunder storm. This, combined with an already high water table and medium level Bokong, meant we were greeted by a blown river on the dawn of Day 3. No need to panic however, as oar rigs were duly set up in the morning to have a go at fish in the dam. A slow and tough morning was had by all as only a couple of fish were brought to the net. Yet another in camp lunch was spent pondering the technicality and difficulty of the session. As lunch concluded, another, larger thunderstorm rolled into the valley, bringing the days fishing to a conclusion.
Stillwater Antics at the Makhangoa Community Camp
Day 4, and Stillwater fishing was on the menu for the day. This time however, a much more successful day was had by all. A lot of fish were tempted with very specific casts close to the bank with droppers in the metre range. Thomas and Frikkie continued their father and son competition with the day concluding in favour of Thomas! The day came to an end with happy clients and a full river. The last evening of the week offered good laughs and banter as our mixed group of clients shared stories! Click Here if you would like to experience this beautiful fishery.
Cheers from the Makhangoa Community Camp team
Kyle, Chris, James and Angus
