Sport fishing in Uganda is one of the classic recreational experiences tourists on Uganda safari can enjoy. Nearly a third of Uganda’s surface area is occupied by water ranging from rivers, wetlands, inlands to mysterious marshy Lakes. Today, it features among the rapidly developing sport fishing safari destinations attracting visitors to challenge themselves with varied sizes of fish species ranging from heavy Nile perch to tilapia.
Sport fishing is largely a modern fishing method because it encourages preservation of aquatic life and water bodies unlike commercial fishing. It involves angling fishing technique; where anglers attach the hook to a fishing line that is also attached to fishing rod which is fitted with a fishing reel. It is largely a catch and release back method.
Best places to go for sport fishing in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park to many is well-known for its remarkable wildlife safaris but there is a lot to excite you. This protected area is the only national park in Northwestern Uganda and it is reachable 4-5 hours from Kampala capital city. It is spot for sport fishing safari destination worth visiting on safari in Uganda.
While on sport fishing safari in Murchison Falls National Park, the key points to engage in this recreational activity include the base/below the gigantic Murchison Falls and at Karuma Falls near Chobe Lodge. Avid anglers can challenge themselves with a heavy Nile perch, tilapia, catfish and a lot more. At US dollars 50 a day, you can be part of the exciting sport fishing experience in Murchison Falls National Park or US dollars 150 for 4 days excluding the park entrance fees.
The best months of the year to visit Murchison Falls National Park for sport fishing tour are; January, February, March or July, August, September and October. You can reach the bottom of Murchison Falls by a boat or drive to the top of the falls and then slope down while enjoying the mesmerizing view of the falls.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular safari parks. It is nestled in Western Uganda, approximately 4 hours’ drive from Kampala. It is famous as the most accessible Uganda safari park and also as one of the best sport fishing safari sites in Uganda. This recreational adventure is done on Lake Mburo at Mazinga. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues fishing permits for Lake Mburo at US dollars 15.
Lake Victoria
This is one of the best areas in Uganda where sport fishing safaris are conducted. Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and it is the second largest fresh water lake. You can go for a morning sport fishing experience at 9:00am or 12:30pm and in the evening or at 1:00pm-5:00pm. October and March are the best months of the year to engage in sport fishing on Lake Victoria.
Sipi Falls at Mount Elgon National Park
A side from Sipi Falls hiking adventures, it is possible also to engage in sport fishing here while on Uganda safari in Mount Elgon National Park. This is carried out on the triple waterfalls which make up the beautiful Sipi falls. While at Sipi falls, you will challenge yourself with rainbow fish and permits are issued at Sipi River Lodge.
What to carry on Uganda sport fishing safari tour?
The essential items to carry on Uganda sport fishing tour include fishing reels, fishing hooks, line cutters, first aid kit, fishing rod, lures, fishing floats & stoppers, sun screen.