Uganda is one of Africa‘s exhilarating fishing destinations with the largest lake in Africa and one third of the country is covered by water. Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water body in Africa and second in the world. Sport fishing is also called recreational fishing since it‘s for enjoying and fun. While on your dream vacation to Uganda sport fishing is a must do if you love fishing.

Uganda also has lakes like Kyoga, Edward, Albert, George, Mburo which are habitats for over 354 different fish species. Other places like Murchison falls also have sport fishing. Common fish include tilapia, Nile perch, cat fish, tiger fish, Barbel, lungfish, silverfish and more. The big Nile perch in Ugandan water bodies can grow big up to 200 kilograms.

The tranquility and quietness of the waters draws people to the fishing hobby as it‘s refreshing. Let Exclusive gorilla journeys plan your spot fishing trip.

Places Where You Can To Do Sport Fishing

Murchison Falls National park

Sport Fishing at Murchison is done on the banks of the River Nile as it passes through Murchison Falls National Park which is located in the North West of Kampala and approximately 6 hours to drive to the park. Sport fishing here in can be done all year round but it is said to be at peak during the drier seasons of December to March and June to October. Sportfishing is frequently done near Paraa safari lodge at the banks of the falls and at Karuma falls next to Chobe Safari Lodge.

You need a fishing permit which costs about $50 per day. Fishing at Murchison is done using casting lures, live bait, spinning and hooks. The fishing equipment is provided at the site where you can use any fixed spool or multiplier with 30 to 35-pound line. A local guide will take you through the fishing process.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest water body in Africa and is shared by three of the East African Countries i.e. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Sport fishing can be done in Jinja side of Lake Victoria. Takes about 2 hours to get there and here the chances of catching tilapia are high using fly fishing methods.

There are two fishing tour shifts, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm. Tourists are advised to hire boats with shades as the sun will be out shinning. Remember to carry some sun screen. The spot of choice mostly depends on the weather conditions and the tour guides of the lake. On the fishing boats, carry with you rain jackets, life jackets, first aid box, mobile phones, flares, fire extinguisher, Cooler with cold drinks and sometimes GPS tracker. it is the catch and release game on Lake Victoria.

Ssese Island

Ssese is about 51 kilometers from Entebbe and comprises of more than 80 beautiful islands with white beach sands and freshwaters. Here you can catch Tilapia, Lungfish or Nile perch. Ssese Island gives you a private time for fishing. Fishing is the biggest economic activity in Kalangala

Lake Mburo National Park

At Maziga you will have the opportunity to do some sport fishing when touring Lake Mburo National Park. You are encouraged to carry your own fishing equipment. Common fish here is tilapia.

Sipi Falls

The beautiful triple waterfall in Uganda lies at the slopes of Mountain Elgon. Sport fishing permits can be secured at Sipi River Lodge. Tourists advised to carry your own fishing gear. To fish at the banks of the falls, you can use fish hooks, bobbers, needle nose pliers, sinkers, fishing rods, fish bait, and fishing ledgers among others. The most common fish here is the rainbow trout fish a vibrant and colorful fish that is hard to catch. You will be guided by a local guide.

Ggaba Landing Site

Ggaba landing site is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is used as a trading center for fish. It‘s close to Kampala city. The fishing at Ggaba is done mostly a distance away from the shore in the middle of the lake and the most common fish that is caught includes; Tilapia, silver fish, Nile perch, catfish and lung fish. The fishermen use moist boats for fishing and have since abandoned using canoes. Exclusive Gorilla Journeys can add sport fishing to your itinerary.

Mabamba Wetland

Mabamba Bay wetland (16,500ha) is located in Wakiso district 36 km south west of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. Mabamba Bay is home to a species list of over 300 birds. This area is one of the known breeding sites for the Shoebill. The Mabamba Swamps west of Entebbe is one of the best and most convenient places to see the elusive Shoebill. After a few minutes in a small canoe the papyrus reeds opens up into a flat grassy wetlands where a number of Shoebill can regularly be seen.

The bird is easiest seen in the morning when they stalk their main prey, the mudfish or frogs, but may be spotted all day. Shoebills can stand absolutely still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey and then suddenly strike with a marvelous speed. Species at Mabamba include elegant shoebill, blue swallows, lesser jacana, afep pigeon and blue breasted bee eater Although one can reach Mabamba by road; a boat ride is also available at Nakiwogo landing site. This will reward you an opportunity to see more birds. Migrants: Gull billed tern, white winged black tern and whiskered tern.

Book your spot fishing experience in Uganda through Exculsive gorilla journeys.