Test Magazine fdsfds | Page 33

Casa Msika Lodge, Mozambique C Casa Msika Lodge in Mozambique - a mere 31/2 hours drive from Harare is fast-becoming on of Africa’s premier angling venues. asa Msika Lodge is set on the banks of the Chicamba Dam in a 550 hectare conservancy in the Manica Province of Mozambique and is just 40km across the Zimbabwe border. The catch and release bass fishing in the 25 km-wide Chicamba Dam is world class, regularly producing bass in the 5kg class, with the current dam record at just under 7kg. Carp angling is also becoming popular, and some huge fish have been caught. In addition many species of bream including niloticus and red-breast (rendalli) are also present. Casa Msika Lodge is a family destination catering for all tastes. Accommodation comprises nine lakeside chalets surrounded by lawns and shady trees, with five of them with one double and one single bed, and the other four being two-bed roomed family units with four beds. All the chalets are en suite. In addition there are 12 double rooms and eight self-catering apartments with braai stands and washing up facilities. All rooms are en-suite with mosquito nets (the lodge has an extensive spraying programme to control malaria). There is also a lakeside campsite with electricity and ablution block. A conference centre is also available. Guided fishing is available on request. The terrace restaurant with bar and swimming pool is open all day providing snacks and meals. Guided walks, birding, sundowner cruises, boat hire and al fresco bush dinners are all available, while the game park is being further developed. DIRECTIONS From Machipanda border pass through Manica town (21km), and continue for 45 killomters (2km after the Revue river bridge). A signpost is displayed on the left of the road. The turn-off for the lodge is to the right. This is a good dirt road. Proceed a further 2.5km to the main boom. An entry fee is charged per vehicle (refundable if booking in). The lodge is situated another 2.5km after the boom. (See Map on page 32) ACTIVITIES The swimming pool and bar/restaurant are open all day. Ice and picnic lunches are available on request. Bird walks and general nature walks are available with the resident guide. There is a small shop which sells charcoal, fishing tackle, batteries etc. ACCOMMODATION CHALETS Rates for chalets range from US$63 to US$73/night - depending on the number of beds, and includes bed and continental breakfast. Extra beds are available per chalet at an extra charge. All chalets have their own shower, toilet, hot and cold running water, and all face the dam. ROOMS Rooms, which can accommodate two people, are available at US$40 per night (accommodation only). All rooms have their own shower, toilet, hot and cold running water. SELF-CATERING CHALETS Self-catering chalets are available at US$44 per night. However, at this stage only braai and washing up facilities are available - up-grading is in progress. Again, each chalet has its own shower, toilet, hot and cold running water. CAMPING The campsite has its own communal ablutions block with showers and hot and cold running water. Each site boasts its own braai area as well as electricity point. BOOKINGS Please note that a deposit of 30% is required to secure accommodation. Prices quoted are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Accommodation ranges from the semi-luxurious to very basic. Simple two-bedded rooms are ideal for anglers who, having spent the entire day exploring Chicamba dam, simply need a bed at night. After a long day on the water, there’s nothing better than taking a quick dip in the pool, or enjoying a quiet beer in the restaurant. MALARIA Malaria is always a potential threat and, whilst mosquito nets are provided in all accommodation (except camping), guests are advised to take necessary precautions. OTHER Charlcoal, is available from the ‘Dug Out’ shop. Ice can be ordered on a daily basis from the restaurant/bar. CONTACT For more information email: [email protected] or phone +258 82 4404 304, mobile +258 82 9609 418, +258 82 3107 895, Derek: Derek +263 11 220 959 Website: www.casamsika.com. V o l . 21 # 1 P a g e 33