Guma Lagoon Camp - Activities

Fishing
Whether fly-fishing or spin fishing, the Okavango River is undoubtedly one of the best freshwater sport fishing rivers found anywhere in Southern Africa. Guma Lagoon is one of the most rewarding locations.

All types of fishing are offered at Guma Lagoon Camp. Depending on the season, the prominent species caught while fishing the lagoon are catfish, African pike, red breasted tilapia, three spot tilapia and purple face largemouth.

For those who want to fish the mighty Okavango River, a 40-minute boat ride from camp that passes through a narrow meandering network of channels, will get you there. Fishing takes place in the channels and waterways around Guma Lagoon Camp. The Guma area comprises of many small lagoons, countless small palm fringed islands, narrow winding waterways amongst dense papyrus and reeds and the large Guma Lagoon itself.

Fish species that can be caught at Guma Lagoon Camp are tigerfish, nembwe (olive bream), threespot tilapia, brown spot tilapia, thinface large mouth tilapia, purple face large mouth tilapia, African pike, redbreast tilapia, green-headed tilapia, sharptooth catfish, blunt-tooth catfish and butter barbel.

Guma caters for both the conventional angler and fly-fisherman. To-date the tigerfish record at Guma Lagoon Camp is 7.2 kg (15.8 lbs), and the tigerfish spin-fishing record is 6.8 kg (14.96 lbs).

All guests on the boats are accompanied by experienced local guides. When fly-fishing only 2 guests are permitted per boat. No private boats are permitted at Guma.

Guma Lagoon Camp actively supports a catch-and-release policy for of all fish species.

Mokoro Trips
The traditional dugout canoe, locally known as a mokoro, was the mode of transport chosen by the Okavango’s first inhabitants, the Bayei and Banoka people.

Guma Lagoon Camp offers a choice of day trips or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango.

This is an adventurous safari experience not to be missed.

Mokoro trip

From Guma Lagoon Camp, a 40-minute boat ride that passes through a narrow meandering channel will get you to the start of your mokoro experience.

From here you will get onto a fibre-glass or wooden makoro which can seat two people. The Head Mokoro Poler will then give the group a detailed speech on safety and what to expect on your trip.

You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive flood plain system to the main river. Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands abound making for the most scenic of experiences. On one of the larger islands you will have time to have your lunch and a guided walk. There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.

After your hearty lunch and walk you will make your way slowly back to the Mokoro station where our motor boats will be waiting for you to take you back to camp.

Food and camping equipment is not supplied by Guma Lagoon Camp. Be sure to have enough drinking water, sunscreen and hats before embarking on the motor boat that takes you to the mokoro station. Cameras, binoculars and other valuables should be protected in water tight plastic bags.