Similar to the Sardine Run along the South African coastline, Zambia enjoys its own annual fish fest from June to August. The Parrot Fish Run deserves a place on every southern African safari to Zambia, and we know one of the best spots to get ringside seats.
A rainbow on the move
Every year, after the rains, millions of parrot fish are swept downstream away from their breeding grounds in the floodplains towards Victoria Falls, never to return. Amazingly, enough fish remain upstream to repopulate the species for a repeat performance the following year.
The plush Royal Chundu Lodges are located at the apex of all the action, at a privileged spot between 2 sets of rapids along the Zambezi River. When the fish reach the shallow waters in this spot they are easy prey for predators, including the local fishermen.
Annual angling
Families camp alongside the river waiting for the optimum conditions to haul in the daily catch and there is an atmosphere of joyous anticipation for the fishy feasts to come.
Parrot fish make a fine meal and are a good source of cooking fat for the local folk. Once dried, the harvest taken during this time will last the villagers until next year’s flood. So you can well understand the excitement.
24-hour harvest
As these small fish with their bright red and yellow patches are swept over the river rapids, it is easy to scoop them up with hampers made from reed and palm leaves. An alternative form of entrapment as the parrot fish flow by is in the strings of baskets strung across the narrow breadth of the river.
For unknown reasons, the fish tend to occur in greater numbers on dark cold nights. You will see the fishermen setting up their overnight nets in anticipation when the moon is waning.
Every morning they set out through the mist in their mokoros, to reel in their catch. Besides parrot fish, many a hapless tigerfish, barbel, yellow fish, minnow, Churchill, and bottlefish also find themselves on the daily menu.
Get in on the action
Mokoros are difficult to steer in the strong currents when the Zambezi is in flood. A motorised dinghy trip does the job almost as well if you are keen to see these early birds at work and admire their angling prowess.
Get in touch if you would like to join us for an expedition to this amazing event, or any of the other thrilling natural spectacles on offer during your southern African safari.
