Fishing Tours in Uganda
The best places for fishing tours are in Uganda. Everything you need to know before going for fishing tours in Uganda. Uganda is located in the East African region within the Great Lakes region. Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the democratic republic of Congo are neighboring the country. The country is a great destination for fishing tours since a third of the country’s total land is covered by water. These tours allow travelers to explore Uganda’s water bodies. Uganda’s water bodies are filled with several fish species like catfish, tilapia, barbel, and many others. These species are situated all over the water bodies in the country. This is also an adventure sports activity that travelers engage in catching fish within the waters of Uganda and its trophy rewarding.
Best places for fishing tours in Uganda
In Uganda, there are several destinations for fishing tours and these include;
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is one of the largest water bodies in Africa and it is a good destination for fishing tours in Uganda. The lake is located in central Uganda. Fishing is carried out within Entebbe where travelers are transported to the different islands of the lake for fishing tours. While on this lake the fish usually caught weighs about 2 to 25 kilograms.
Lake Mburo
This lake is located in western Uganda within the Lake Mburo National Park. The lake is surrounded by other lakes and it is the largest lake in the park. Lake Mburo is a great place for travelers to do their fishing tours. it is carried out around the Mazinga area under the restrictions of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Travelers are supposed to acquire fishing permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to do the fishing. tours in the lake Mburo. Tourists are allowed to prepare the fish they will have caught.
Victoria Nile in the Murchison falls National park
This area is located in northwestern Uganda and it is one part of the River Nile which is the longest river in the world. The fishing tours on this water body while the park takes you through two points which include Murchison Falls and Karuma Falls. These fishing points can be accessed by boats or foot to reach the point where the activity takes place. The popular fish species caught are the Nile perch and other fish species are also available.
How many anglers are supposed to do fishing tours in Uganda?
Travelers / Anglers on their fishing tours are supposed to range from 2 to 4 in number since the boats that are used in these safaris have a capacity of about 4 people. Boats used are supposed to be motorized to make fishing more comfortable for travelers.
What to follow during fishing tours in Uganda?
Travelers planning a fishing tour in Uganda are supposed to know the following during the safari and these include;
- Travelers are not supposed to touch or put their feet into the waters during fishing tours since the waters are having crocodiles which may injure the traveler.
- Travelers are supposed to put on life jackets to ensure safety during the fishing tours in Uganda.
- Practicing the sustainable fishing practices like fishing the mature fish.
- Handling the fish gently since the fish caught is usually released back into the water.
- Travelers are supposed to have a required fishing permit from the authority.
What to pack for fishing tours in Uganda?
While on the fishing tours, there are several things that travelers are supposed to pack and these include;
- Fishing rod
- Life jacket
- First aid kit
- Fish bag
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle to keep dehydrated.
How much is a fishing permit in Uganda?
Fishing permits vary with the destinations for fishing tours in Uganda. On Lake Victoria, travelers are supposed to book through the private licensed tour operators who will take you through the fishing tours around the lake. Where On the Victoria Nile and Lake Mburo, travelers are supposed to pay a park entrance of 40 dollars which is valid for 24 hours, and a fishing permit which is about 50 dollars which is also valid for 24 hours. These permits are obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits are usually paid on the day of the activity and travelers are recommended to book the fishing boats in time to ensure their availability.
Is it necessary for travelers to book fishing permits in time?
For travelers planning to travel in the high seasons, it is recommended to book fishing permits in time to ensure the availability and also the fishing boats. This also helps travelers not get disappointed and it is recommended to use the local tour operators who will help you to ensure the availability during the time for the tour.
What is the best size for fishing boats in Uganda?
Boat sizes used for the fishing tours usually depend on the number of people who are going to do the fishing. The boat size usually ranges from 18 to 30 feet or 6 to 10 meters. Boats should be speed boats motorized with twin engines to ensure accessibility on water. This kind of boat can be used by travelers both during the day and night.
Which other safari activities can easily be combined with fishing tours in Uganda?
There are several activities that travelers on their fishing tours in Uganda engage in and these include;
Game drives
Game drives are one of the savannah activities that travelers on their fishing tours can engage in. This activity can be carried out in either Murchison Falls National Park or Lake Mburo National Park where the fishing tours are done. The activity is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up to view the wildlife carried out within the gazette trails of the park. The wildlife usually seen includes lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and many others.
Boat cruise
This is another activity that involves cruising on the water. A boat cruise takes to view the wildlife around the water bodies of the parks to see the wildlife. The wildlife which is usually seen includes hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and many others.
