Are you looking for the best fishing tours and safaris in Uganda? Well, fishing is in Africa is considered are sport and commercial and it is carried out in both natural and man-made water bodies. In Uganda, the major fishing areas include Lake Victoria, River Nile, Lake Kyoga, Lake Edward, lake Gorge and lake Albert however; other fishing spots such as ponds and dams are commonly used. Many fish ponds are built for commercial purpose; just to add fish stock on the existing market in the region. Lake Victoria is the main water body for fishing activities in Uganda and the entire East African region with a number of unmatched fish species followed by lake Albert and Lake Kyoga.
Sport Fishing Safaris in Uganda
Sport fishing safaris have become popular travel packages in Uganda for adventure enthusiasts; visitors take part in fishing some major species of fish in either lakes or rivers. The main fish species caught in Uganda’s water bodies during fishing tours include; Nile Perch, Tilapia, Catfish, Tiger fish among others.
We always recommend our visitors to use modern fishing equipment and proper methods of fishing for sustainable development.
If you are looking to book fishing trips in Uganda; consider packages that take you to Murchison falls national park along the Nile, Lake Victoria, Ssese Islands and lake Mburo national park. We give you all the detailed information regarding the main areas where travelers can go for sport fishing in Uganda.
Sport fishing tour on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria forms a natural boundary between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The lake is a source to the longest river (River Nile) in Africa. The lake supports number of people living around it both socially and economically.
For travelers, Lake Victoria offers a diversity of tourist activities ranging from sport fishing, canoeing, boat cruise, bird watching to natural walks. For adventure travelers, from October to March is the best time to go to Lake Victoria for sport fishing tours in Uganda due to the fact that the lake hosts large amount of fish hence chances of catching fish is higher compared to other months. Despite the fact that those months are best for the activity, Lake Victoria can be visited throughout the year.
Fishing on Lake Victoria is done both by either boat or canoes to catch different fish species such as Nile perch, Tilapia, silver fish, cat fish etc.
Sport fishing in Lake Victoria is normally scheduled in morning and afternoon hours. The morning shift begins at 9:00am to 12:00pm whiles the afternoon session starts at 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Travelers going for afternoon schedule, are recommended to book a boat with an overhead to protect you from the scotching sun. Also don’t forget to pack a life jacket, insect repellent, Fishing license with Steelhead Stamp, Waders & Wading Boots, Hat & Sunglasses, Warm Clothing (pants, sweater, Jacket and possibly rain coat), Lunch and Snacks.
Lake Victoria also has various fishing communities in Uganda, travelers looking for sport fishing experiences normally visit some fishing villages however, Lutoboka is the largest landing site; get an opportunity to meet different people on the shores of Lake Victoria, see how they chip nets with baits. Most fishing villages are composed of various ethnic groups though majority of residents are male individuals and young school drop outs. The common fish preservation methods used by people in different fishing communities are; smoking, sun drying, salting and freezing.
Fish species caught around Lake Victoria communities include; Tilapia, Nile perch, Fish locally known as Mukene and lung fish. Experienced guides are always available to direct you on the proper ways and best fishing spots.
Sport fishing In Lake Mburo National park
Lake Mburo is located in Lake Mburo National Park in the western part of Uganda; just 4 hours’ drive from the Kampala capital via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway. Lake Mburo is among the best sport fishing destination in Uganda however; travelers can also engage in other safari activities such as wildlife viewing, cycling, walking safaris, birdwatching, horseback riding, quad biking and community tour. Visitors looking for Uganda fishing tours in Lake Mburo must purchase a license from Uganda Wildlife Authority at $15. The sport fishing is done around Mazinga on Lake Mburo and Tilapia is the commonest fish type caught however; you are advised to bring your own fishing equipment. Fishing experience in Lake Mburo national park is special because Anglers can arrange to prepare their caught fish as a meal at their booked hotel.
Murchison falls National Park Fishing trips
Fishing in Murchison falls national park is mainly done as a sport and currently among the most adventurous activities done along the Nile. Anglers catch larger fish species such as the Nile perch and cat fish by casting lures however, the use of live bait like worms, termites to catch smaller fish species like the Tiger fish can at times be used for sport fishing in Murchison falls national park. Other common methods include spinning.
We always recommend a rod between 8 feet (2.4 metres) and 11feet (3 metres) and together with a fixed spool or multiplier reel. If you are interested in catching smaller species, a 7’ spinning rod with 5 kg (10 lb) line is adequate.
For Nile perch and catfish any reel fixed spool or multiplier with 30-35 lb line(17kg) can be used. This is subject to the anglers’ taste and preference as well as personal skill with a multiplier. Catching tiger fish and smaller species, any reel you can comfortably cast small spinners is appropriate.
Yes, Murchison falls is one of the best spots to go for sport fishing in Uganda and mainly done at the bottom of the falls- Devil’s Cauldron, along the Victoria, and at the banks of the Nile by the anglers. Fishing along the Nile is an amazing activity however, you must be very cautious of the hippos and Nile crocodiles more so when fishing at the banks.
Sport fishing at Murchison falls requires assistance from a well experienced and informed guide to ensure guest safety and the best opportunity for successful fishing. Some visitors may feel experienced enough to challenge the Nile with just hiring a boat and skipper but we hiring recommend to hire an expert to guide you along especially if it is your first excursion to the falls to make your Uganda fishing safari successful. In most cases we recommend one guide per three anglers.
River Nile is the best place to catch the Nile perch in Uganda. The Nile perch is one of the largest fish species found on the fresh water bodies and can weigh about 114kgs. Other common fish species in Murchison falls national park include; the Sudan catfish with a huge head which weighs over 45kgs and Vundu catfish.
Sport fishing in Murchison falls National Park is very rewarding for the avid angler. A fishing permit is necessary if you are planning to do sport fishing in the park and currently (March 2019), the permit costs $50 per day or $150 for four days and the price is exclusive of park entrance fees
Sport fishing at Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon
Sipi falls is in the Eastern part of Uganda; offering a number of activities ranging from sport fishing, hiking & natural walks to community tours. Fishing is done in three famous water falls. Anglers must obtain a fishing permit from Sipi River lodge to participate in Sipi sport fishing activity.
Travelers are led by a well-trained and knowledgeable local guide to help them during their activity. Visitors are recommended to carry their own fishing gear, Hat & Sunglasses, Warm Clothing among others. The Rainbow fish is a common fish type caught in Sipi falls.
In conclusion, besides fishing tours in Uganda, travelers can go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest national park, wildlife safari game drives in different savannah national parks, nature walks, biking and community tours.