Fishing trips and safaris in Uganda- Fishing for Nile Perch

Fishing trips and safaris in Uganda- Fishing for Nile Perch -Fishing on the Nile, fishing on Lake Victoria, Cat fish,Tilapia, tiger fish

Fishing trips and safaris in Uganda – Uganda is an ideal fishing destination. With one third of the country covered by water; there is great opportunity for sport fishing. Sport fishing is carried out on the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Victoria in Entebbe. Nile Perch of over 100 KGS have been caught below the falls in Murchison falls and Nile perch of over 50kgs have been caught on the lake near the islands.  Apart from Nile perch, other fish you can catch include catfish of over 50kg Tilapia, Tiger fish, Ngara (Genus alestes), ferocious fighter and aworker.

Fishing trips and safaris in Uganda guide

Fishing at Murchison requires expert assistance, to ensure both client safety in this adventurous destination, and the best opportunity for successful fishing.  Some of you may be experienced enough to challenge the Nile with just hiring a boat and skipper but for most it is recommended to have an experienced fishing guide along to ensure the smooth running of the trip (especially if it is a first excursion in Uganda.

Getting to fishing areas

Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 6 hours’ drive northwest from Entebbe, via Kampala (subject to traffic) with the majority of the roads before reaching the park being tarred. Within the park there are murram roads. Our fully inclusive trips include private transport with a driver in 4 x 4 vehicles which are comfortable and spacious, including room for fishing equipment!  Alternatively internal flights can be used between Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park if you are short on time. See map of Murchison Falls

What’s the best time for fishing trips and safaris in Uganda?

The fishing at Murchison varies from year to year as to which are the most successful fishing months, but generally it is accepted that the drier months of the year produce better fishing results – December  to March and June to October. We catch all year round it’s just that in these months there is less chance of rain. Thunderstorms occur randomly throughout the year .The beginning of the April/May rainy season is to be avoided

Please inquire about current situation before booking.

How is the fishing done in Murchison Falls?

Sport Fishing at Murchison Falls National Park is generally conducted in the area at the base of the falls.  The fishing is either from the rocks on the bank of the river or below the water falls in the pools from a boat.

How is the fishing done on Lake Victoria?

Temperatures on river Nile

The temperatures at Murchison are high (sometimes over 40 degrees C) – especially at mid-day and anglers should be equipped with sun protection including sun tan lotion, hats and long sleeved shirts.  Tsetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend long trousers as well as insect repellant.

What methods do we use for fishing?

Fish caught on live bait / casting lures include Nile perch and various species of cat fish.  There are also a large variety of smaller species, (used as live bait), obtained by spinning including tiger fish.  We recommend a rod between 11feet (3 metres) and 8 feet (2.4 metres) together with a fixed spool or multiplier reel.  For the smaller species a 7’ spinning rod with 5 kg (10 lb) line is adequate.

Reels – For Nile perch and catfish any reel fixed spool or multiplier with 30-35 lb line(17kg) will do. It depends on personal preference and skill with a multiplier.  For tiger fish and smaller species any reel you can comfortably cast small spinners is suitable.

Important information

What’s included: Use of boat on the Nile with skipper/fishing guide services, fuel, lunch, drinking water, and use of fishing equipment with USD100- deposit fee per rod paid before departure (this is refunded less any breakages / damaged equipment).

what’s excluded: National 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.

Minimum & maximum number of anglers on a boat on fishing trips and safaris in Uganda

Minimum of one person is possible but maximum of 4 anglers can fish on 1 fishing boat however they must be experienced but the recommended number is 2 anglers on a fishing boat.

What should I pack for my fishing trip?

There are no shops in the National Park – all necessary supplies such as sun tan lotion, medications, cigarettes, spare batteries for electronic equipment and cameras, and mosquito spray must be brought with you.  We suggest you bring as much sun protection as possible – hats, sunglasses, creams as it can be very hot. Hiking/safari boots are best for foot wear, especially for shore fishing from the steep, rough rocks.  Lightweight and light colored clothes for fishing are best as they are cooler and the tsetse flies are less attracted to them. Long sleeves and long trousers are best, but avoid blue/black dark colors where ever possible as these colors actually attract the tsetse.  A light weight rain jacket and a sweater for the evenings is also recommended.

Other activities to do while fishing in Murchison fall.

Excursions for game drives, Nile river cruises and chimpanzee trekking can be arranged in conjunction with the fishing.  These excursions at Murchison Falls National Park are not included in the pricing quoted below, but we would be happy to advise you, should you be interested in further information. Should you wish to combine your fishing with visiting other areas of Uganda e.g Mountain Gorilla viewing then we can also assist you with arranging this sector of your safari as an additional service.

Any risks while fishing on the Nile?

Anglers are advised to avoid putting their feet and hands out of the boat as the Nile is a home to the dangerous Nile crocodiles and hippopotamus.

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