Fishing at Lake Mburo National Park: A Relaxed Fishing and Safari Combination

Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smaller and more intimate parks — a mosaic of open savannah, acacia woodland, rocky outcrops and five lakes connected by swamps. The park is best known for its zebras (one of only two parks in Uganda where you can see them), impalas, elands, topis and the boat trip on Lake Mburo itself, where hippos, crocodiles and water birds are abundant. But it also offers something unique among Uganda’s parks: a relaxed fishing experience at a designated lake-shore site, supervised by park rangers.

What fishing at Lake Mburo is like

Fishing at Lake Mburo is a low-key affair. Forget the heavy tackle, big lures and adrenaline of Murchison Falls — this is about sitting by a beautiful African lake with a light rod, watching hippos surface in the distance, and waiting for tilapia or lungfish to take your bait.

The designated fishing site is on the northern shore of the lake, accessible by a short drive from the main park tracks. A UWA ranger accompanies all anglers — mandatory for safety, as hippos and crocodiles share the lake. You fish from the bank at approved spots, not from boats (boat fishing on Lake Mburo is reserved for the tourist boat cruises).

Fishing sessions are typically 2–4 hours, fitting easily into a morning or afternoon alongside other activities. Many visitors combine a morning fishing session with an afternoon game drive or boat trip.

What you can catch

Tilapia

The most common catch. Several tilapia species inhabit Lake Mburo, and they take bait readily — bread, worms, maize and small insects all work. They are not large (typically 200 g to 1 kg), but they provide consistent action and are a great species for beginners, children and anyone who enjoys peaceful fishing.

Lungfish

The marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) lives in the papyrus-fringed margins of Lake Mburo. These ancient fish can breathe air and grow to a substantial size. They are strong fighters and a unique catch — landing one is a memorable experience. Lungfish take bait (worms, cut fish) fished near the bottom in weedy areas.

Catfish

Clarias and other catfish species inhabit the lake, particularly around deeper, muddier areas. They take bait on the bottom and fight hard for their size.

Barbel

Several barbel species are present in the lake and its connected streams. They provide action on light tackle with small bait or lures.

Permits and fees

You need two things:

1. UWA park entry permit: US$40 per person per 24 hours for foreign non-residents.
2. UWA sport fishing permit: The fee is lower than Murchison Falls — confirm the current rate with UWA or your operator, as it has been revised periodically.

Book through your tour operator for the smoothest experience, or purchase at the park gate on arrival. Read our Uganda sport fishing permit guide for full details on all UWA fishing permits.

Tackle and gear

Lake Mburo fishing requires light tackle only. Most anglers bring their own, as the park does not provide equipment:

• Rod: Light spinning rod, 5.5–6.5 ft. A telescopic travel rod packs easily.
• Reel: Small spinning reel (size 1000–3000).
• Line: Monofilament 6–12 lb, or light braid.
• Hooks: Small to medium (size 6–12) for tilapia and barbel. Larger hooks for lungfish.
• Bait: Bread, worms, maize, small insects. Some anglers bring small spinners or flies for a more sporting approach.
• Float: A simple float rig is effective for tilapia fishing.
• Extras: Pliers, small scissors, sunscreen, hat, water.

For the complete fishing packing list, see our fishing gear guide for Uganda.

Safety around the lake

• Hippos: Lake Mburo has a large hippo population. They are territorial and dangerous. Never approach the water’s edge without your ranger, and follow their instructions at all times.
• Crocodiles: Present in the lake. Do not wade into the water or dangle feet from the bank.
• Ranger supervision: Mandatory. The ranger ensures you fish from safe positions and keeps watch for wildlife.
• Sun protection: The lake shore offers little shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.

Combining fishing with a Lake Mburo safari

Lake Mburo’s compact size means you can fit multiple activities into a short visit:

Morning fishing + afternoon game drive

Start with a dawn fishing session (6–10 AM), then take an afternoon game drive (4–7 PM) to see zebras, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes, warthogs and — with luck — leopards. The park’s small size means game drives are never long transfers.

Morning fishing + afternoon boat trip

The Lake Mburo boat cruise is one of the park’s highlights — hippos at close range, crocodiles basking on the shore, and spectacular water birds including fish eagles, pelicans, herons and kingfishers. A fishing session and a boat cruise make a perfect lake day.

Walking safari

Lake Mburo is one of the few Uganda parks that offers walking safaris with armed rangers. Walk through acacia woodland and open grassland, encountering zebras, impalas and other plains game on foot — a very different experience from a vehicle.

Horseback safari

Operators near the park offer horseback riding through the landscape. Zebras and antelopes tolerate horses more than vehicles, making for close encounters.

Sample itineraries

2-day Lake Mburo safari with fishing

1. Day 1: Drive from Kampala (4 hours). Afternoon fishing session at the lake. Sunset game drive. Overnight at a park lodge or camp.
2. Day 2: Morning boat cruise or walking safari. Return to Kampala, or continue south to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

See our 2-Day Tour to Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo as a stopover to Bwindi

Lake Mburo sits on the main road between Kampala and the gorilla trekking parks (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park). Most travellers heading to gorillas stop at Lake Mburo for one night, making it easy to add a fishing session, game drive or boat cruise without losing a travel day.

Where to stay

• Budget: UWA bandas, Eagle’s Nest (just outside the park). From US$30–60.
• Mid-range: Mihingo Lodge (rock-perched with lake views), Rwakobo Rock. From US$150–250.
• Luxury: Kigambira Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge (higher-end rooms). From US$250–400.

Most lodges can help arrange fishing and other activities within the park.

Is Lake Mburo right for you?

Frequently asked questions

Can children fish at Lake Mburo?

Yes. The calm setting, ranger supervision and simple tackle make it suitable for families with children. Tilapia fishing is straightforward and rewarding for young anglers.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Check the current rules with your ranger when you get your permit. Catch-and-release practices are encouraged in national parks to protect fish stocks.

Is Lake Mburo on the way to Bwindi?

Yes. Lake Mburo is a popular overnight stop on the drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking. It breaks the long drive and adds wildlife viewing to your trip.

Is the boat trip worth doing?

Absolutely. The Lake Mburo boat cruise is one of the park’s top activities — hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles and an ever-changing show of water birds. It complements a fishing session perfectly.