Let’s go sport fishing in Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo National Park is located in the Kiruhura district in the western part of Uganda in East Africa. Uganda features vast water bodies that harbor a wide range of fish species notably the tiger fish, Angara fish, tilapia, catfish, lungfish, and more. The notable water bodies include; Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, River Nile, and more.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda and the nearest to the capital city Kampala. It is home to over 350 bird species such as the African fish eagle, Marabustocks, Crested cranes, the African fin foot, the African wattled lapwing, and more. The animal list at the park is dominated by grazers such as the elands, impalas, hyenas, Oribi, bushbucks, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, elephants, and zebras. Since the predators are very rare, it is the only park that offers walking game viewing experience and bicycle safaris.
Sport fishing is an exciting activity, which keeps one engaged from the start to the end. The end always comes with a mouthwatering meal. With the guidance of an expert, a briefing is done and you are taken through what you need to know about fish. It is a game of chance and thus one will be required to pay attention when setting the hook. There will be different fish types caught at the end of the entire activity.
The sport fishing activity is done in the Mazinga area well known for the different types of fish. The area has no hippos, crocodiles, and several other animals that might be dangerous to visitors.
Sport fishing requirements
In addition to the passion and love for fish, you need to get clearance from the authorities for sport fishing. You need a sport fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The sport fishing equipment must be to the acceptable standard. Your travel agency can help you acquire all the necessary sport fishing equipment at a cost. Other requirements include hiking shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and trousers, insect repellants, warm clothes, a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, a professional camera for photography, sunscreen, and a hat needed for protecting your head against scorching sunshine.
The best time to go sport fishing in Lake Mburo National Park
Sport fishing is an activity done all year round in the park, though visitors are required to book at least three months in advance. Last-minute booking is also possible for those with limited time. Considering the weather, the best months for sport fishing are December to February and June to October with less or no rain interruptions. When the water levels are low, it becomes easy to identify the fish and have an interrupted activity. The rainy seasons come with the challenge of rough water currents because of the strong winds and high water levels that affect the fishing process or delay.
Other activities in Lake Mburo National Park
In addition to engaging in sport fishing, here are some of the other activities you may engage in. Game drive to watch among others the zebras and elands. Boat cruise for the hippos, crocodiles, and more, bird watching where you might be lucky to sport the shoe bill stock. A guided nature walk with an expert ranger guide, horse ride, cycling experience that draws you closer to the wildlife, and cultural tour to interact with the natives of the area. The activities can be add-ons to your sport fishing tour in the park.
Accommodation and accessing Lake Mburo National Park
A road trip from Kampala to the park takes approximately 3-4 hours, the nearest as compared to the other national parks. It is possible to chatter a flight from Entebbe to Mbarara airstrip and then drive to the park. The accommodations in and around the park range from budget to luxury bandas, campsites, and lodges. Among the notable facilities are Arcadia Cottages, Mburo Eagles Nest, Mpongo Safari Lodge, Kigarama Wilderness Lodge, Hyena Hill Lodge, Leopard Rest Camp, Rwakobo Rock, and Mihingo Lodge among others.
In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few places sport fishing is offered in Uganda. The other places are at Murchison Falls National Park and along the shores of Lake Victoria. The Activity is a very rewarding adventure. All you need is to book.
