Fishing Safaris: Anyone with some free time and a desire may enjoy this day out on a fishing safari in Uganda since Lake Victoria offers the opportunity to capture the Nile Perch, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. Since we have been giving half-day and full-day Nile Perch “catch and release” trips for over 15 years, we are confident in our knowledge of the finest places and tactics. We also hire skilled, experienced skippers who speak English fluently.
Fishing Safaris and Traditional Fishing Season
All year round avoiding full moon and the April/May rainy season.
Fish Caught / Methods
Nile Perch” The perch caught normally weigh between 5 and 25 kg, while larger fish are rarely encountered. The most common fishing technique is trolling with lures.
Boats Used
Speedboats with twin outboard engines that are 18 to 30 feet (6 to 10 metres) long are used. The boats can carry a large number of people, but only four persons may fish at the same time. A 24-foot-long fibreglass “canoe” operated by an outboard engine is also available for smaller fishing parties of two to three for day trips only.
Equipment & Facilities on board
Our boats are equipped with an overhead sun canopy, raincoats (there may be some spray when the lake is stormy), mobile phones, life jackets, a basic first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher for your protection. We also have a cooler box on board to store cold refreshments.
Anglers are welcome to bring their gear, but everything necessary for trotting for perch on up to four lines per boat is provided. Before coming ashore, any lost or damaged property must be resolved. If lost, lures may cost between $20 and $25 apiece.
Meeting Point
For our day trips, we meet at Banga Beach in Entebbe, which has safe parking and a handy jetty area from which to depart and return. Transportation to and from the jetty is available on request and for overnight excursion groups from neighbouring hotels in Entebbe and Kampala.
Day Trips – timings
Trips normally leave around 9.00 am or 1.00 pm and return around 12.30 pm or 5.00 pm. A full day on the water lasts around 8 hours, and a half day lasts approximately 4 hours. Fishing may be done in neighbourhood inlets and islands following a 30- to 45-minute boat cruise from Entebbe. The spots will be picked depending on the weather and how the fish behave. We usually use the sheltered bays for fishing when the lake is choppy with strong waves at certain times of the year. The picnic meal includes a cooler box filled with beer, mineral water, sodas, tea, and coffee. Anglers may bring whatever additional refreshments they choose.
What to bring on board
Because it may become rather hot out on the lake (average daily temps range from the mid to late 20s Celsius), we recommend packing as much sun protection as possible, including hats, sunglasses, and creams. You should wear sandals or strappy shoes because your feet may get wet, especially when you step on and off the boat. The use of bug repellent is recommended. A camera to photograph “the big fish” and binoculars to view birds up close. In general, casual daytime clothes such as T-shirts and shorts are okay, but we recommend carrying a rain jacket and a jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings and days.
Lake Victoria Sport Fishing Rates
Lake Victoria Sport Fishing Rates Include:
The package includes the use of a fishing speedboat, petrol, lunch (if necessary), a sufficient supply of hot and cold beverages, the services of a local boat captain/fishing guide, and up to four people’s worth of trolling fishing gear. Prices start at $113 for a half-day and $185 for a full day (assuming four passengers on board). East African residents and travel operators receive special discounts; for more information, please inquire.
