Sport fishing tour in Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo National Park is a stunning biodiversity hotspot located to the west of Kampala, covering an area of about 370 square kilometers, and is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. The lake was originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933 and was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. It was finally declared a national park in 1983. The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. One of the activities that draw both the locals and tourists to the park is sport fishing tours on lake Mburo. This picturesque lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it the perfect location for a day of fishing.
Sport fishing tours at Lake Mburo National Park provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the park while also trying their hand at catching some of the lake’s prized fish species. During your sport fishing tour at the lake, you will have an opportunity to catch some of the fish species caught in the lake such as tilapia, catfish, lungfish, and Nile perch among others. The park also harbors 68 different species of mammals, including the zebra, impala, eland, Topi, and buffalo. Leopards, hyenas, and jackals are the predators that are present. The bird population includes 315 species of birds, including the rare Shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, African fin foot, saddle-billed stork, brown-chested wattled plover, ground hornbill, and white-wing warbler. The beautiful landscape with grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore provides a varied mosaic of habitat, with gallery forests, rich acacia valleys, and seasonal and permanent swamps to support this wealth of wildlife.
More so Lake Mburo National Park offers guided fishing tours that are led by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the best fishing spots on the lake. Whether you are a novice angler or an experienced fisherman, these guides will help you maximize your chances of catching a big one while also ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
During your sport fishing tour, visitors will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah and spot a variety of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and a wild array of bird species including the shoe bill stork, malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, African finfoot, cormorants, herons, blue-headed weaver, fish eagles among others. The tranquil setting of lake Mburo provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day of fishing, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition to the fishing tours
Are there any specific safety precautions that participants should be a ware of before embarking on a sport fishing tour at Lake Mburo National Park?
Yes! there are specific safety precautions that participants should be aware of before embarking on a sport fishing tour at Lake Mburo National Park, they include;
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for sport fishing, as the terrain around lake can be uneven and slippery
- In cases of any emergency, make sure to have access to communicate devices such as a mobile phone or radio to contact help if needed.
- Be mindful of wildlife in the area, especially hippos and crocodiles which are known to inhabit the waters of lake Mburo. follow the instructions of guides and stay a safe distance from any potentially dangerous animals.
- Always use sunscreen and stay hydrated, as the sun can be intense in the park
- Stay with the group and follow the instructions of the guides at all times to minimize any risks associated with fishing in the park
- Be cautious when handling fishing equipment and sharp objects to avoid accidents or injuries.
Essential items to bring for a sport fishing tour in Lake Mburo National Park
Some of the essential items to bring for a sport fishing tour in Lake Mburo National Park include;
- Fishing gear; bring your fishing rod, tackle box, bait and any other necessary equipment for a successful fishing experience
- Sunscreen; protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by applying sunscreen regularly during your fishing tour in the park
- Camera; capture the beautiful scenery and any memorable moments during the fishing tour with a camera or smartphone.
- Water and snacks; stay hydrated and energized by bringing plenty of water and snacks for the duration of your fishing tour.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear; wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain around the lake.
- Hat and sunglasses; shield your eyes from the sun’s glare with a hat and sunglasses among others.
What other activities can be enjoyed in Lake Mburo National Park in addition to sport fishing
Lake Mburo National Park offers other activities to visitors apart from horse riding such as;
Game drives; Lake Mburo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including zebras, antelopes, elands, impalas, giraffes, and buffaloes among others. Taking a game drive through the park is a great way to see these fascinating animals up close and in their natural habitat.
Boat cruise; Lake Mburo is a freshwater lake within the national park, and taking a boat cruise on the lake is a great way to explore the hidden gems and a way to relax and enjoy the scenery while spotting hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species.
Guided nature walks; Lake Mburo National Park offers guided nature walks to visitors on a safari where they will move on foot within the park following trails with the company of an armed ranger for security. During the nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park you will follow trails such as trails to the hilltops where you will have a great panoramic view of the park, trail to Lake Mburo, swamps, and Rubanga forest where you will view different bird species and you will also have beautiful views of the nocturnal animals going back to their hiding places, animals licking the salt as well as enjoy the fresh air and quiet environment
Bird watching: Lake Mburo National Park is known for its diverse birdlife, with over 300 bird species recorded in the park. Birdwatching tours can be arranged to spot some of the park’s unique avian residents
Horseback riding; for a unique safari experience, you can also explore the park on horseback. Horseback riding safaris can be arranged by various operators in the park.
