Murchison Falls - Uganda

Dates available throughout 2008 - as seen on tv

The "Jewel in Uganda's crown" has been a destination for the discerning traveller since the days of Livingstone and none more challenging and rewarding than fishing the Nile at Murchison Falls. The fall itself is one of the African continent's wonders with the whole of the Victoria Nile thrusting majestically through an 8 metre gap to a breathtaking 40 metre drop. The bird life is extravagant, the fishing is awesome - all in the presence of hippo pods, basking crocodiles and abundant game.

In order to sample the best Uganda has to offer an angler, we suggest a couple of days fishing Lake Victoria close to the Sesse Islands before embarking on a memorable sojourn to the spellbinding Murchison Falls. Our preferred accommodation on Lake Victoria is the extremely comfortable tented camp on Ngamba Island, lapping the shores of this magnificent lake - a short distance by speedboat from Entebbe. Ngamba Island is now a 100 acre wooded sanctuary and safe haven, founded by Jane Goodall, to a growing population of chimps.

Fishing:
Year round except in rains during April / May & November / December. February / March are best at the Falls.

Sesse Island fishing trips:
The Sesse Islands are approximately 55km. from the pier in Entebbe. The boat trip is weather dependant and takes approximately 1 hour.

The boats used will be 6 metre Ace Craft Ski boat with twin Mariner 60 Bigfoot engines. A smaller ski boat with a 90hp Mariner engine can also be used for fishing 2-3 fisherman if required. The boats normally come with skipper and ghillie. For larger groups the additional boats utilised will depend upon availability.

Life jackets, G.P.S., basic first aid, flares and a mobile phone (signal for part of the trip) are carried on board for safety.

The boats are fitted with fish finders and all the necessary equipment for Nile Perch. Any equipment lost or damaged will be charged for at the current replacement costs. Lures tend to be the most common piece of equipment lost and are between US$15-20 each. Anglers are free to bring their own equipment if preferred. Fishing is trolling with a maximum of 4 lines per boat. Nile perch to 114kg. have been caught recently, with fish in the 30-40kg. fairly common.

Tackle required: Sesse Islands - Lake Victoria
Rods: 9 foot uptide is ideal
Reels: Multiplier reel for trolling
Line: Test 35lb. mono plus 100lb. mono leader
Lures: All - shallow lures down to the deepest-diving lures. Those which work in the 20ft range are best.
We recommend:
Bucher - depth raider oMann's 25+ oRapala CD18 & Super shad rap oNils Master Invincible Russelure
Halco Laser Pro

Murchison Falls National Park
Situated approximately 6 hours drive from Entebbe. We utilise 4 X 4 minibus vehicles for the drive which are comfortable and spacious, including room for fishing equipment!

Sport fishing at Murchison Falls National Park is currently done 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. Access to the fishing spots is either by boat from a point further down stream at Paraa Ferry, or down the gorge to the river from the top of the falls. It's a steep climb back up and hence most people tend to go fishing equipped for the day to avoid climbing up in the heat of the day.

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 including tiger fish, and by legering bread paste or sweetcorn.

The temperatures at Murchison are high - especially at mid day and anglers should be equipped with a high factor sun screen, hats and long-sleeved shirts. Tetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend trousers and long socks as well as insect repellent to use as protection against their bites.

There are several lodges available for accommodation in the park - which one we utilise will depend upon your requirements.

Murchison Falls - River Nile
Rods: Small- 8 Foot spinning rod & reel - for catching live bait or tiger fish Reasonably tough rod for casting lures /live baiting - 9 foot plus - uptide rod ideal.
Reels: Multiplier (if able to cast it) Fixed Spool with capacity of holding 200 yds of line
Line: No less than 30lb/13.6kg reel line for big Nile perch & catfish, plus 100lb-plus test mono leader.
Hooks: 6/0 singles or trebles for live baiting.
Lures: Floating divers - Super Shad Rap and Buchertail floating depth raiders etc.

Itinerary

Day 1: LONDON/EBB
Day 2: Arrive Entebbe at 0745, transfer to Ngamba Island. Afternoon fishing and  overnight Ngamba camp F/B
Days 3 & 4: Full day fishing -  platform tented accommodation    F/B
Day 5: You will be transferred to the mainland and on to The Falls by road, arriving late PM. Overnight Paraa Hotel - twin rooms - all meals included F/B (Lunch would be en route)
Days 6 to 9: Guided fishing - F/B Paraa
Day 10: Guided fishing - F/B Paraa - non guided - you can pay extra and have guided with boat hire
Day 11: Guided fishing - F/B Paraa - non guided
Day 12: Travel back to Entebbe by road, arriving late afternoon and overnight at the Lake Victoria Hotel or the Boma Guest House - bed and breakfast
Day 13: Transfer to the airport.  Entebbe/London (day flight) - 0900.1545

Cost - subject to availability: £2450.00 + airport tax per person - based on 4 travelling
Single supplement - £260.00 Based on the cheapest category of economy seats  

Includes:
International flights, all  transfers while in Uganda ( in 4x4 vehicle), fishing boat on the lake with equipment for Nile Perch trolling, all accommodation, meals as listed, park entry fees, boat usage at MFNP for 4 DAYS, services of Paul as guide on required days and gilly assistant where required., services of Paul Goldring as guide on required days.  

Excludes:              
Airport taxes, drinks, tips, items of a personal nature, fishing permit at MFNP for USD300 each, fishing equipment for use at MFNP and each extra days boat hire at US$300.00, paid directly to National Parks. There is an annual perch competition that takes places at Murchison Falls during February so I suggest you go before that if at all possible.

The accommodation on Ngamba Island is tented on platforms – overlooking Lake Victoria. Chemical toilet and washing facilities in each tent. Very comfortable accommodation.

Fishing Equipment - Suggested List for Ssese Islands - Lake Victoria

RODS - 6-9Foot 30lb boat rod
REELS - Minimum of a multiplier reel for trolling eg. Abu 7000
LINE - Test of 20 - 30lbs
Trace wire or 100lb mono leader material
100lb swivels
LURES -All - surface/shallow lures down to the deepest diving lures

We recommend: Bucher - depth raider, Mann’s 25+, Rapala CD18 & Super shad rap, Nils Master Invincible, Russelure, Halco Laser Pro

Fishing Equipment - Suggested List for Murchison Falls - Nile River

RODS - Small- 6 foot spinning rod & reel - for catching live bait or tiger fish Reasonably tough rod for casting lures /live baiting: 9 -12 foot 8 -10oz uptide rod
REELS - Multiplier (if able to cast it) Abu 9/ 10,000 or reel holding 400 metres of 40lb -- Fixed Spool with capacity of holding 160metres of 0.5 line
LINE - Test line NO less than 30lbs/13.6kg for big Nile perch & catfish
Trace Wire, Butt pad, 100lb mono leader, Hand Gaff, 100lb swivels, Stringers, Sleeves, 120lb scales + weigh Tbar, Trebles - single 8/0, long nose pliers, Hooks for live baiting
LURES -- The floating type: no bigger than 210mm

We recommend: CD18 floating, Super shad rap, Buchertrail floating depth finder (jointed) perch colour

E & O E