SPORT FISHING IN UGANDA

Uganda is well known as a destination with various activities for tourists. Sport fishing is one of the uncommon activities in the pearl, yet one of the most rewarding adventures to take on. Sport fishing might be regarded as a recreational activity for the participants because it is for fun, leisure, and recreation. For a Uganda leisure holiday, sport fishing would be one of the best options to take on.

Sport fishing may be carried out with the aim of enjoyment, adventure, or for competition. Sport fishing in Uganda is one of the activities that can be combined with other safari activities such as wildlife safari game drives, hiking to the top of the Murchison Falls, guided nature walks, and birding, to mention but a few.

The calmness and tranquility of Uganda’s water bodies make sport fishing one of the best safari activities. Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest freshwater lake), sport fishing attracts hundreds of travelers from different parts of the world throughout the year.

The use of rods, fish lines, hooks, swivels, weights, rig of rod, method feeders are more are all necessary when carrying out sport fishing.  These fishing tackles and more are used to enhance the fishing experience for anglers. The most common type of sport fishing in Uganda is angling or for some tourists would prefer the challenging competition sport fishing.  Spear fishing is a non-common fishing activity offered to tourists. Some tourists usually prefer the challenging competition sport of fishing.

Where can I do sport fishing in Uganda?

A third of Uganda’s total area is covered by water. And the majority of these waters are fresh waters. This implies that the country has quite a number of fishing spots. Are you passionate about sporting fishing on an African safari? It is high time you considered Uganda since it is a reliable sport fishing destination.

Sport fishing in Uganda can be done at Murchison falls national park, Lake Mburo national park, Lake Victoria, Ssese Islands, and Sipi falls. Having a safari in any of these areas will give you an opportunity to dive into this amazing activity and make your dreams come true.

1. Sport fishing in Murchison falls national park

Besides game viewing, hikes, primate encounters, and nature walk, Murchison falls national park is a reliable destination for sport fishing.  The park offers sport fishing as one of the activities for tourists that would want to visit the nation on their Uganda safari adventure.

Murchison falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda covering a distance of approximately 3840 square kilometers, located in the northwestern region of Uganda. And moving northwards is the river Nile; where Sport fishing is actively done. The park is also a reliable destination for seeing the big 4 animals that is the lion, buffalo, elephant, and leopard. You can actually make the big 5 by visiting Ziwa Rhino sanctuary which is in Nakasongola on the road that goes to Murchison falls national park.

Sport fishing at Murchison falls national park is done along the banks of the Murchison falls near Paraa safari lodge, a luxury accommodation facility in the park.  Sport fishing is as well done at the banks of Karuma falls near Chobe safari lodge. This means that you can easily get to the fishing

The sport fishing activity in Murchison falls national park can take on a full day depending on the preference of the participants.  The activity comes with a fee to the participant. For a full-day session, a fishing permit costs $50, and $150 for a 4 days fishing session per person.

Fish types in Murchison falls national park

The notable fish types from the Nile in Murchison falls include the Nile perch, Ngara fish, Tilapia, Tigerfish, and electric catfish. Accessing the fishing area requires the use of a boat and a guide is always available to help during the entire fishing experience.

The best time for sport fishing in Murchison falls national park is during the morning hours and evening hours of the day. This is the period when the waters are calm and hence fish easily comes nearer not on the base of the river.

How to access Murchison falls national park

Getting to Murchison falls national park is something that should not scare you since there are two alternatives. By road, you can drive the 305-kilometer road from Kampala city using Kampala – Bombo – Nakasongola – Masindi highway. Along this road, most travelers usually make stopovers at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola and then have an exceptional rhino tour.  Alternatively, travelers heading to Murchison falls national park can opt for a domestic flight which starts from the Kajansi airstrip to Pakuba airfield. Kajansi lies a few kilometers from Uganda’s main airport – Entebbe International airport.

2. Sport fishing in Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo national park is the second destination in Uganda where professional sport fishing takes place. This national is located in western Uganda, just a 4-hour drive.

The park covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers, endowed with a number of beautiful wildlife species and landscapes. For Uganda wildlife safaris, this destination would be among the top to choose from for a visit. Lake Mburo national park is the smallest national park. However, the park is small in size but not in experience. It offers some of the best and most unique safari activities such as horseback riding safaris.

The most notable fish species at the Mazinga swamp which is the best fishing spot in the park is the tilapia fish.

The fishing permits at Lake Mburo national park cost $15 for one session and $25 for a 4-days fishing session.

The fishing permit fee excludes the entrance fees to the national park, where sport fishing takes place.

The sport fishing experience gives the fishers an opportunity to fish the fish types of pearl. Getting to know in detail about the fish caught.

How to access Lake Mburo national park.

Lake Mburo national park can be accessed by either road or air means. By road, travelers use 4×4 safari vehicles and drive the 253-kilometer road via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway. This is one of the best safari roads as it involves amazing stopovers with the major highlight being one at Uganda Equator in Kayabwe – a few kilometers from Kampala city center.

By air, travelers can take a flight from the Kajansi airstrip to the Mbarara airstrip (former Nyakisharara airstrip). The flight takes approximately 40 minutes and then you drive to Lake Mburo which lies a few kilometers from the airstrip.

3. Sport fishing in Lake Victoria

One of the top sport fishing spots in Uganda is Lake Victoria. This is the biggest fresh water lake in Africa. The calm waters of Lake Victoria have been offering the best sport fishing experiences to travelers that embark on an amazing Uganda safari.

Quite a number of fish species are caught on Lake Vitoria in different parts of the lake. Some of the common fish species caught here include; Tilapia, Nile perch, silverfish, and catfish.

Several fishing methods are employed on Lake Victoria during sport fishing. Some do sport fishing on boats while others use canoes. Either way, the sport fishing activity gives a spectacular memory to those who partake in it.

Sporting fishing on Lake Victoria happens in two sessions that is the morning session and the afternoon session. This safari activity relies much on the weather conditions and thus has no specific places. With the help of experienced guides, sport fishing is one of the best safari activities offered at Lake Victoria.

It is important that you carry your own sport fishing equipment since the activity is done by many people and you may find that most of the equipment has been hired. However, you can book earlier through your tour operator and secure your equipment depending on the sport fishing destination you intend to go to.

How to access Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is a vast lake spanning three countries that is Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This lake can be accessed by air or road. Travelers to Uganda can access Lake Victoria by driving direct from Entebbe international airport which is almost surrounded by this lake. Lake Victoria has quite a number of islands that can be easily accessed using a boat or canoe.

4. Sport fishing in Sipi falls

Within the slopes of Mt. Elgon lies the gorgeous triple falls that is the Sipi falls. Using fish hooks, bobbers, needle nose pliers, sinkers, fishing rods, fish bait, and fishing ledgers among others, travelers enjoy sport fishing in this area. Several fish species are caught here with the most common one being the rainbow trout fish.

How to access Sipi Falls

Using the Kampala – Jinja road, travelers drive the 5-hour road to Mt. Elgon national park for the amazing sport fishing on Sipi Falls.

5. Sport fishing in Ssese islands

About 50 kilometers from Entebbe international airport lies the magnificent Ssese Islands. These islands are one of Uganda’s top tourist attractions found on Lake Victoria. The islands are a reliable destination for sport fishing. Other than sport fishing, travelers to Ssese islands enjoy the beaches as they play in the sand and enjoy the breeze of the waters as well as views of the reflecting sun rays in the waters and the beautiful skies at twilight.

Quite a number of fish species are caught on Ssese islands. They include but are not limited to tilapia, lungfish, and Nile perch.

How to access Ssese islands

You can use a ferry at Nakiwogo Dock which lies south of Entebbe International airport.

What is the best time to do sport fishing in Uganda?

Sport fishing in Uganda is one of the safari activities that are done throughout the year. However, the dry season of June to September and December to February is the best time for sport fishing. This is the time of the year when water levels are relatively low and somewhat come which makes sport fishing an easy activity to do.

Early morning and late in the day is the most preferred time to catch a number of fish. When the waters are low and tranquil, this enhances and makes the fishing experience easier and more fun.

Common fish species caught on a Uganda sport fishing safari

• Tilapia fish
• Nile Perch
• Lungfish,
• Protoperus,
• Catfish
• Rainbow trout fish
• Rastrinabola

Sport fishing equipment in Uganda

The best sport-fishing gear in Uganda includes fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing hooks, weights and bobbers, tackle boxes, and a fishing line. For fishing-wear gear, choose from wader boots & wear, appropriate shirts, trousers, fishing vets, over trousers, socks, vests and waistcoats, and fishing sunglasses.

Activities to combine with sport fishing in Uganda

A safari in Uganda cannot just involve one activity. At Love Uganda Safaris and Tours Ltd, we aim at ensuring that our clients participate in as many safari activities as possible. Sport fishing can take one or even half a day.

A Uganda sport fishing  safari can be combined with the following activities;

• Game drives
• Community tours
• Guided nature walks
• Bungee jumping
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Swimming
• White water rafting
• Canoeing
• Cycling

Sport fishing is one of the most amazing safari activities that Uganda as a tourist destination in Africa. Sport fishing in Uganda is not only best  for experts or those that have done it before. All you need is the right planning with the help of an experienced tour operator. Now you know where to go for sport fishing in Uganda. You are in a position of planning an amazing Uganda sport fishing safari. This will expose you to the tranquil waters of Uganda. Learn multiple fish species caught on the Ugandan water bodies such as River Nile and Lake Victoria.

In the information provided above, you know what equipment is necessary for sport fishing in Uganda. Do not ruin your Uganda safari experience by carrying what is not necessary. You have also learned about the best time to embark on a sport fishing safari in Uganda.

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