Sports Fishing Safari in Uganda

Sport fishing is a fabulous safari experience that allows you to engage in sports fishing in Uganda. The experience is less famous however, it is unique and rewarding. Sports fishing in Uganda is done on a catch-and-release policy. Sports Fishing Safari in Uganda can be done all year round.

Uganda has about 350 different fish species. Tilapia and Nile Perch are the two most important commercial species. Protoperus, Rastrinabola, lung fish, and cat fish are the other types of fish. The Nile perch is the largest fish that may be caught in Uganda.

sportfishing in Murchison falls

They can weigh up to 220kg. They were introduced to Uganda in the early nineteenth century and now dominate the country’s waters. The Nile Perch is frequently caught using the smaller tiger fish as bait on fishing safaris in Uganda. Tigerfish have gorgeous rainbow hues but are incredibly tough with sharp teeth and hard jaws.  Lung fish and Tilapia are two other large fish found in Uganda.

The major way of catching fish is by casting lures or using live bait. This can be used to catch the Nile Perch, Tilapia, and Tiger fish. Fishing in Uganda is incredible because it involves spotting Africa’s famous wildlife and amazing scenery.

There are great chances of encountering other aquatic life like crocodiles which makes the trips even more exciting and adventurous. Safety is however paramount on Sports Fishing Safari in Uganda and in most cases, anglers are escorted by armed rangers from the park offices just in case they encounter hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, or elephants.

Top Places to go for Sports Fishing Safari in Uganda

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is open for fishing from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the wet season, the lake can become exceptionally calm and clear, providing excellent opportunities to catch tilapia. In the dry season, the lake has enormous waves that might disrupt the activity. During such times, the sheltered bay is preferable for fishing. Night fishing trips are also available in Lake Victoria, however, it is not recommended to fish during the full moon. Fishing on Lake Victoria can begin in Kampala at Munyonyo or in Entebbe near the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Zoo). Trolling with lures is, as previously said, the most popular fishing approach in Lake Victoria.

The fishing trips are available to all fishermen, both novice and experienced, and can range from half to full-day or longer overnight trips for the more serious anglers. Trolling with lures is the most common form of lake fishing. All of the essential equipment for Nile perch fishing on the lake is provided, but fishermen are welcome to bring and use their own gear.

Murchison Falls National Park

Fishing at Murchison Falls often entails using live bait or throwing lures; the larger species obtained using these methods include Nile Perch and numerous types of Cat fish. Many tiny fish species, such as tiger fish, are utilized as live bait. These can be caught by the spinning method. Murchison fishing is a profound fishing experience that may be quite exhilarating. Fishing can be done from the riverbank or from a boat. While fishing from the bank, keep in mind that Nile crocodiles and hippos are frequently present.

Where can I find Nile perch?

The Nile Perch is widespread throughout much of African freshwater bodies as there are a lot of small rivers that come out of the lakes and pour into other lakes, being native to Congo Basin, Nile, Senegal, Niger and Lake Chad, Volta, Lake Turkana, and other river basins. The Nile perch is also commonly seen in the waters of Lake Maryrut in Egypt and Lake Nasser.

Prices – Day Trips (Half Day also available)

The sport fishing safari in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Victoria has varying prices and the prices include the Use of a boat on the   Nile with skipper/fishing guide services, fuel, lunch, drinking water, and use of fishing equipment. The amount of USD100 is a deposit fee per rod paid before departure (this is refunded less any breakages / damaged equipment).

For Murchison Falls National Park, the fee excludes Park Entry Fees of USD40- per day, National Park Fishing Fees of USD40- to USD50– per day, (depending on the number of days fishing), which are payable directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Fishing prices range from US$ 250 per person (3 guests in a boat) per day. While it is possible to fish with three people on our boats, we recommend two people exclusively for “serious” anglers, and we may accommodate more visitors or larger boats by special arrangement/quotation.