Uganda’s extraordinary beauty makes it among Africa’s most stunning countries. This is not only because it has the superb sceneries but also the Mountain Gorillas, the hospitable people as well as the spectacular water bodies which enables fishing safaris.
About 25% of the terrain in Uganda is covered by water, this is with the exemption of the far northeastern region which is a semi-arid area. Lake Victoria is one of the water bodies where fishing is done, it offers big catches of the Tilapia and Nile Perch among others. Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest fresh water lake and the largest in Africa, it is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Other lakes that are great sites for fishing safaris in Uganda include; Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert, and the swampy Lake Kyoga among others. The River Nile also offers great opportunities for fishing, it is the second longest river in the world.
Therefore, it is only in Uganda that you can enjoy extraordinary sport fishing without distraction within the beautiful unspoiled waters surrounded by incredible natural environments. Below we have listed for you some of the sites where you can enjoy fishing and have an unforgettable fishing experience.
Fishing at Murchison Falls
Catching fish in Murchison Falls National Park is a very profound experience which can be very thrilling. The park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, approximately 4hours and 30minutes drive from Kampala the capital of Uganda. It is a spectacular park with a lot to offer hence one of the leading national parks that conduct sport fishing.
Fishing in Murchison Falls is done along the Victoria Nile and it is done as a sport alongside other activities. It involves catching of fish at the bottom of the falls especially at the Devil’s Cauldron, at the river banks and along rocky surfaces. The main fishing method used is by casting lures, this is done with the aim of catching bigger fish species like some Cat fish and the Nile Perch. To catch smaller fish like the Tiger fish, you can use live bait like termites, worms.
Fishing is done from either the boat or the river bank but it is important to take caution about the presence of the hippos and crocodiles. Anglers can access the fishing spot by walking from the top of the falls down to the gorge, this can take 45minutes, if the person is fit and fast. The spot can be also accessed by a boat.
To ensure safety of the client, anglers will require assistance from experts. This is in order for you to have the best experience in this adventurous destination. These expert guides are well conversant with the place and know where exactly you can have the best catch. Of course most anglers are experienced and might even want this experience alone, but it is recommended that you have a fishing guide, and one guide is can manage a team of three anglers.
Anglers are advised to carry all their fishing equipment. It is possible to land on a big fish while fishing, this is based on the girth, weight, and length. It is on record that the heaviest fish caught was a Nile Perch which weighed 113kg.
Fishing on Lake Victoria
It is a thrilling and an unforgettable experience to catch fish especially the magnificent Nile Perch from the world’s second largest fresh water lake. Fishing on Lake Victoria is on “Catch and Release” this is so in order to have sustainability. And as long as you have the best fishing guide who is knowledgeable and experienced, you will be sure to have the best catch.
Fishing on Lake Victoria can be done by all anglers whether experienced or not, and this can be organized on either half day basis or fully day, depending on what the angler wants to do. The main method used is trolling with lures and the fishing equipment is provided but if the anglers wish to carry their own equipment it still fine.
Fishing can be done throughout the year except during the rainy season between April and May and also at Full moon. The weight of Nile Perch that can be caught ranges from 8kg to 80kg. Anglers can board use a speed boat, and it is advisable to board one with rain suits, a first aid kit, life jackets, fire extinguishers and an overhead sun canopy.
Most fishing trips begin from Entebbe outside UWEC (the zoo) which has safer parking for the cars. Anglers are advised to carry cameras, insect repellents, wear light clothes and also pack sunglasses, body creams, hats since it can really get hot while on the lake. Also you can carry sandals as your feet might get wet. In case you are keen on birds you will need to also come along with a pair of binoculars.
Fishing in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is among the best sport fishing spots in Uganda. This is a Savannah Park situated along the highway that connects from Kampala to the western part of Uganda. It is usually a stopover for many tourists visiting the western region and among the activities they enjoy is sport fishing plus others like game drives, horse riding, boat rides among others.
The park hosts 5 lakes within its borders and the fishing spot is a restricted area called Mazinga within the beautiful Lake Mburo with is the largest of them all. There are about 6 species of fish found in this lake including the Tilapia. All the tourists that plan to engage in sport fishing should ensure that they get fishing permits from the Lake Mburo Park headquarters or at Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Visitors can carry their own fishing gear and it is a must to have a skilled fishing guide, this is because the guide helps you during the process of fishing and also helps you to avoid bad areas.
Fishing around Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon
Tourists that plan to visit the Eastern Part of Uganda and want to engage in Sport fishing, can book to enjoy sport fishing around the sipi falls. Sport fishing in this area is done in all the three Sipi waterfalls and it is an exciting and unforgettable adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.
There is nothing as remarkable as fishing from these waterfalls. Above all anglers shouldn’t forget to come along with their fishing gear. Sport fishing permits are obtained at a fee from Sipi River Lodge.
In conclusion, apart from Gorilla trekking, wildlife safari game drives, Uganda has some of the best sport fishing spots in Africa. They are still unspoiled and are very thrilling places where anglers get to experience remarkable sport fishing. Therefore, Uganda has you covered no matter what you want as an angler who wants to go for safari in Africa.
