Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

Sport fishing is one of the major safari activities done in Murchison Falls. Murchison falls national park also referred to as the Kabalega Falls is located in North-western Uganda. It was named after Roderick Murchison, the president of the English Royal Geographical Society in 1862 by Samuel Baker.

The park covers approximately 3840 square kilometres. In the 1970s, the park’s name changed to Kabalega Falls after the Omukama of Bunyoro but later changed back to Murchison Falls after the downfall of Idi Amin. In 2019, there was a proposal by the government of Uganda to start a hydropower project through the South Africa Bonang project but was however put down to preserve these falls for tourism purposes.

Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

Fishing is done in two locations in Murchison falls national park which is near Paraa below the Murchison Falls and below Karuma Falls along Chobe safari lodge. Different methods of fishing are used on the Nile for example casting lures to catch big fish like Nile Perch and catfish.

Fishing is one of the activities practised along the Nile.  Fishing is mainly done along the Victoria Nile and it involves the use of live bait like worms which help in catching fish. Fishing is done along the Nile though during this activity fishermen are advised to take caution because there are many crocodiles and hippopotami on the Nile.

Sport fishing can be accessed both by boat and or on foot by walking from the top of the falls down to the gorge area. People that are willing to participate in the sport fishing exercise are always advised to carry fishing equipment of their own and should always note that the fish caught here is not killed but rather taken back to the water alive. Remember it is called sport fishing!

Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

Cost for Sport Fishing

Sport fishing in Murchison falls national park costs between 40-50US dollars and is payable to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Remember that sport fishing requires expert assistance to ensure the safety of the client. This will also help the client to enjoy his activity hence giving them the opportunity for a successful sport fishing experience. Fishing is highly recommended during drier months of the year and this is where you are granted opportunities of having a successful trip.  Tourists are always advised to carry insect repellent as the area can be infested by tsetse flies due to the dry season since the temperatures can rise sometimes to over 40 degrees centigrade. Long-sleeved shirts, as well as long-sleeved shirts, are also recommended during this fishing trip. Tourists are also advised to pack spare batteries for their cameras on their trip.

Accessibility to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road

Murchison falls national park is located in the Southern part of Uganda and is approximately 6hours drive from Uganda’s capital city, Kampala.

By Air

Tourists who do not want to spend a long time on the road can take a flight from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison falls national park.