Goliath Tigerfish On The Congo River: 5 days fishing tour + Kinshasa visit

Renowned as Africa's ultimate freshwater predator, the goliath tigerfish—scientifically known as Hydrocynus goliath—demands respect with its massive body, often exceeding 1.5 meters in length and weighing over 50 kilograms, with some specimens even tipping the scales at 70 kilograms or more. 

This beast of a fish boasts a mouthful of dagger-like teeth, up to 32 in total, which it uses to ambush and shred prey with lightning-fast strikes, making it a true apex hunter in its domain. As the largest member of the tigerfish family, the goliath thrives primarily in the vast Congo River system and its tributaries across the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. The goliath tigerfish can also be found in the Lualaba River, Lake Upemba and Lake Tanganyika. Historical barriers like rapids and sharp bends have likely confined its range, preventing it from going further up north along the Congo River. The goliath tigerfish favors turbulent currents in deep channels or expansive lake areas, avoiding shallow or vegetated zones in pursuit of open-water ambushes.

Smaller tigerfish relatives can be found in rivers such as the Zambezi, Okavango Delta, and various waterways in countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, and Kenya. However, the true giants—and the most aggressive variants—, the goliath tigerfish, reside exclusively in the DRC's Congo River, where their size and ferocity set them apart.

Experience the thrill of pursuing these legends by joining our guided angling expedition on the Congo River, arranged through our local agency with headquarters in Kinshasa. Our exclusive riverside camp is only a scenic two-hour boat journey upstream from the capital. We have a cozy main lodge with basic, but good rooms with comfortable beds and have solar power and running water. 

On arrival you will be transferred to the fishing lodge by boat during daylight hours or overland by 4x4 after dark for convenience. Your adventure includes prime fishing sessions in the morning and then in the late afternoon, when these elusive giants are most active. You will be under the expertise of our seasoned local expert. You will enjoy hearty meals, enjoyed on the outside terrace and in the evening we love to light a campfire and open a bottle of wine or crack a few cold beers.

Fishing is done on a sturdy boat and we use live bait like smaller local fish to lure strikes. Groups are limited to  just three anglers per stay for optimal comfort and personalized attention.

After four full days of fishing we take the boat all the way to the capital - Kinshasa, where we'll explore the city both on foot and by car. You'll get an immediate immersion into the daily life of the locals at one of the busiest and most populated cities in all of Africa. We'll include stops at points of interests such as the mausoleum, the St Anne-Cathedral and much more. We'll make sure that there's also a tasty lunch and a nice cold local beer included at noon! 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa and transfer to our fishing camp 

Arrival at Kinshasa International Airport. Our team will transfer you to the fishing lodge either by boat (day) or by 4x4 (night). 

Day 2: Fishing on the Congo River

Morning and afternoon fishing session looking for goliath tigerfish on the Congo River. 

Day 3: Fishing on the Congo River

Morning and afternoon fishing session looking for goliath tigerfish on the Congo River.

Day 4: Fishing on the Congo River

Morning and afternoon fishing session looking for goliath tigerfish on the Congo River.

Day 5: Fishing on the Congo River

Morning and afternoon fishing session looking for goliath tigerfish on the Congo River.

Day 6: Kinshasa city tour 

Morning transfer to the city by boat (around two hours), after which we’ll give you an extensive tour of the city with places such as the Mausoleum, the area around the central train station, the arts academy, the St Anne Cathedral and more. Lunch included. In the evening you’ll be brought to your hotel: Hilton or similar. 

Day 7: Departure 

Airport transfer and departure. 

Note: it’s required to bring your own fishing gear!

• When is the best time to come?
  - The best time to fish is from June to September, when the level of the Congo River is at its lowest, but it is possible to fish the whole year round. 

• What’s included?
  - This is an all-inclusive package: boat with fuel, professional guiding, full-board stay, airport transfers, invitation letter. 

• What to bring?
  - Fishing gear, adequate clothing, protection against the sun (a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), DEET or other mosquito repellent, insecticide spray for your room, powerbanks, torch, spare batteries, electricity plug convertor, basic medication, toiletries, an extra towel, waterproof bag for your gear.