FISHING ON THE NILE RIVER
Fishing on the River Nile is always done at Murchison Falls National Park and it requires expert assistance to ensure both client safety in this adventurous destination, and the best opportunity for successful fishing adventure on the Nile. 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 your fishing activity.
Getting there
Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 6 hours’ drive north-west from Entebbe, through Kampala (subject to traffic) with the majority of the roads before reaching the National Park being tarred. Within the National Park, there are murram roads. Our fully inclusive trips include private transport with a driver in 4 x 4 land cruiser vehicles which are comfortable and spacious, including room for fishing equipment. Alternatively, internal flights which are always booked in advance can be used between Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park if you are short on time.
Traditional Fishing Season
The fishing at Murchison Falls National Park 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 have better fishing results. December to March and June to October are the months where we catch all year round it’s just that in these months there is less chance of rainfall. Thunderstorms occur randomly throughout the year. The beginning of the month of April to May rainy season is to be avoided. Contact us about the current situation before booking.
Fishing area and conditions
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 slightly lower downstream in the pools from a boat. Great Adventures Fishing Safaris access all fishing spots by boat to make your fishing adventure successful while out there.
The temperatures at Murchison Falls are high (sometimes over 40 degrees C) – especially at mid-day and anglers should be equipped with sun protection including suntan lotion, hats and long-sleeved shirts. Tsetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend long trousers as well as insect body spray repellant.
Methods of Fishing / Equipment
Fish caught on live bait casting lures include Nile perch and various species of catfish. There are also a large variety of smaller species, (used as live bait), obtained by spinning including tigerfish. We recommend a rod between 11feet (3 meters) and 8 feet (2.4 meters) together with a fixed spool or multiplier reel. For the smaller species, a 7 spinning rod with 5kg (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.
Prices – Day Trips (Half Day also available)
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).
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.
International 2019 Prices from US$ 250 per person (3 guests in a boat) per day
Multiple Day packages and Fully Inclusive packages with accommodation and transport from Entebbe/Kampala are also available.
Lost / Damaged Fishing Equipment
For all fishing trips, we operate our fishing equipment used on the basis that if any of our equipment that is used and is lost, damaged or not returned to us at the end of the fishing period it needs to be paid for at our ruling rates.
What to pack
There are no shops in the National Park, all necessary supplies such as suntan lotion, medications, cigarettes, spare batteries for electronic equipment and cameras, and mosquito spray must be brought with you. We suggest that you bring as much sun protection as possible, hats, sunglasses, creams as it can be very hot. Hiking/safari boots are best for footwear, especially for shore fishing from the steep, rough rocks. Lightweight and light-coloured 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 colours where ever possible as these colours actually attract the tsetse flies. A lightweight rain jacket and a sweater for the evenings is also recommended.
Optional Additional Excursions
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 always included in the pricing quoted for you, 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 like Mountain Gorilla viewing then we can also assist you with arranging this sector of your safari as an additional service.
FISHING ON LAKE VICTORIA
Lake Victoria is one of the African Great Lakes in Africa offering the opportunity for hooking one of the World’s largest freshwater fish the Nile Perch, anyone with some free time and an interest can enjoy a one-day fishing out there. We offer half and full-day excursions for “catch and release” of Nile Perch and our experience ensures the best spots, methods and also have experienced and knowledgeable skippers who have a good command of the English language.
Meeting Point
For our day trips, we meet in Entebbe outside UWEC (Zoo), Lugard Avenue, where safe parking is available and it is a short walk to the pier from where we depart and return. Transport is arranged to and from the jetty from local Entebbe and Kampala hotels upon request and for overnight trip groups.
Day Trips – timings
Trips normally depart around 9.00 am or 1.00 pm and return around 12.30 pm or 5.00 pm with a full day being approximately 8 hours on the water and a half-day around 4 hours. Fishing is done around local islands about a 45-minute boat trip from Entebbe. The areas fished will depend upon the weather and how the fish are biting. At certain times of the year, the lake can be very rough with large swells and so then we tend to utilize the sheltered bays for fishing. A picnic lunch is provided with a cool box of beers, mineral water and sodas as well as tea and coffee. Anglers are free to bring along additional drinks required.
What to bring on board?
We suggest you bring as much sun protection as possible, hats, sunglasses, creams as it can be quite hot out on the lake (average day time temperatures are in the mid to late 20 degrees C). Strops or sandals are a good idea as you may well get wet feet – especially getting on and off the boat! Insect repellent is a good idea. A camera if you’d like to capture “the big fish” on film and a pair of binoculars if you are keen on birdlife. Light day wear such as T-shirts and shorts are normally fine but we recommend a rain jacket in case of bad weather and a sweater or light jacket for cooler weather and the evenings.