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Fishing Safaris – Murchison Falls

Fishing Safaris

Since 1997 when we launched our first boat in Uganda, we have hosted many anglers from all over the world including Jeremy Wade (River Monsters presenter), John Wilson a UK TV presenter, Zeb Hogan of Monster Fish National Geographic TV, both on Lake Victoria and on the Nile river in Murchison Falls National park.

Guides

Fishing at Murchison requires expert assistance, to ensure both client safety in this adventurous destination, and the best opportunity for successful fishing. 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 the trip (especially if it is a first excursion to the falls). A choice of guides is available (subject to availability) and we recommend one guide per three anglers.

Getting there

Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 6 hours drive north west from Entebbe, via Kampala (subject to traffic) with the majority of the roads before reaching the park being tarred. Within the park there are murrum roads. Our fully inclusive trips include private transport with a driver in 4 x 4 vehicles which are comfortable and spacious, including room for fishing equipment! Alternatively internal flights can be used between Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park if you are short on time. See Map of Murchison Falls

Traditional Fishing Season

The fishing at Murchison 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 produce better fishing results – December to March and June to October. We catch all year round its just that in these months there is less chance of rain. Thunderstorms occur randomly throughout the year .The beginning of the April/May rainy season is to be avoided, please enquire about 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 down stream in the pools from a boat. Wild Frontiers Fishing Safaris access all fishing spots by boat from our launching point at Paraa or riverside lodge.

The temperatures at Murchison are high (sometimes over 40 degrees C) – especially at mid day and anglers should be equipped with sun protection including sun tan lotion, hats and long sleeved shirts. Tsetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend long trousers as well as insect repellant.

Methods of Fishing / Equipment

Fish caught on live bait / casting lures include Nile perch and various species of cat fish. There are also a large variety of smaller species, (used as live bait), obtained by spinning (this is part of the day’s fishing experience and not pre-arranged), including tiger fish. We recommend a rod between 11feet (3 metres) and 8 feet (2.4 metres) together with a fixed spool or multiplier reel. For the smaller species a 7’ spinning rod with 5 kg (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 (if required), 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 USD45 – 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.

Indicative Pricing USD206 per person (3 guests in a boat) per full day, USD150 per person (3 guests in a boat) for half day

Whilst is it possible to fish 3 persons on our boats, our recommendation is for 2 persons only for “serious” fishermen and we can accommodate more guests or larger boats by special arrangement/quotation. Please enquire further for special pricing options for East African Residents.

Multiple Day packages and Fully Inclusive packages with accommodation and transport from Entebbe/Kampala are also available.

Fishing Equipment

Due to challenges of keeping up with breakages and supply of new equipment to Uganda, a limited amount of basic equipment (more suited to first time visitors) is included in the above prices. We strongly recommend that if it all possible anglers bring their own equipment, especially more seasoned anglers who know their fishing.

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 sun tan lotion, medications, cigarettes, spare batteries for electronic equipment and cameras, and mosquito spray must be brought with you. We suggest you bring as much sun protection as possible – hats, sunglasses, creams as it can be very hot. Hiking/safari boots are best for foot wear, especially for shore fishing from the steep, rough rocks. Lightweight and light coloured clothes for fishing are best as they are cooler and the tetse 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 tetses! A light weight 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 included in the pricing quoted below, 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 eg Mountain Gorilla viewing then we can also assist you with arranging this sector of your safari as an additional service.

Get in touch

With over 20 years of operation in Uganda under our belt, we are one of the longest established and largest safari operators in the country.