The Nile Perch Safari

A man sitting in a boat holding a large fish, with a green, wooded shoreline behind him.

Five days of extraordinary fishing on the legendary River Nile.

A fishing adventure in the heart of Africa

Five days on the River Nile, fishing for one of the world’s most powerful freshwater predators in the spectacular surroundings of Murchison Falls National Park.

Big Fish Africa safaris are fully hosted, taking care of the details from your arrival in Uganda to your time on the river.

With experienced guides, quality accommodation and hassle free travel, you can focus on exceptional fishing in one of Africa’s great wildernesses.

A man holding a large fish on a boat with two men and green trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

Your Safari

A body of water at sunset or sunrise with a fishing rod in the foreground, plants along the water's edge, and a tree-lined horizon under a partly cloudy sky.

Arrival in Uganda

  • You will be met at the airport by a Big Fish Africa representative to start your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. For arrivals after 11am, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay before setting off early the next morning.

To Murchison Falls National Park

  • The drive from Entebbe to the park takes between 4 to 6 hours. Alternatively fly from Entebbe to a small park airstrip and enjoy a game drive on the way to your lodge.

Fishing on the Nile

  • Enjoy 5 days’ fishing on the river with your guide, focusing on early morning sessions from 7am to 12 and evening sessions between 4 and 7pm.

  • Fish for livebait in shallow pools and margins before heading upstream for Nile perch.

  • Swap morning or evening sessions with wildlife game drives to the Nile delta, where you will look for lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and Rothschild giraffe.

Extend your Safari

  • Extend your fishing trip for 3 nights and travel to southwest Uganda for a once in a lifetime wildlife experience to see the mountain gorillas.

  • Go on a chimpanzee hike in Budongo Forest, within Murchison Falls conservation area and a 45 minute drive from your lodge.

Return to Entebbe and depart

  • Drive or fly back to Entebbe for your departing international flight.

A man wearing a baseball cap and dark clothing holding a large fish in front of tall green grass under a partly cloudy sky.
View from a boat on a river, with a man sitting at the back, looking out at the water and the landscape. The sky is overcast with clouds, and there is lush green foliage along the riverbanks.

Best time to fish

Nile perch can be caught all year round. There is very little seasonality in weather in Uganda due to its proximity to the equator.

Changing water levels and localised weather create different fishing conditions on the river. Typically warmer and drier weather which results in clearer water has produced some of the best fishing results, which historically has been January to early March and June or July to October.

Some of the biggest fish have been caught during heavy rain, with a river coloured with mud and lots of weed. We suggest planning your fishing trip with consideration for the seasons above as well as the most convenient time to travel for you.

There is no bad day to be out on the river!

Accommodation

Anyadwe House, Murchison Falls

  • Exclusive safari styled villa on the bank of the River Nile

  • Four twin or double en-suite rooms with maximum capacity of eight guests

  • Swimming pool and BBQ terrace overlooking the river

  • Direct access to the river with private jetty

Aerial view of a lakeside property with modern house, swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and trees, with small dock on the water and lush landscape extending to the horizon.
A woman sitting around a campfire with outdoor chairs beside a lake during sunset, with trees and a colorful sky.
A boat with two people on a river next to a grassy bank with trees and a house in the background under a blue sky.
A bedroom with two beds featuring green striped bedding, wooden furniture, and a canopy mosquito net. There's a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a scenic view of trees and a lake or river.
A scenic sunset view outside a modern two-story house in a lush green lawn, with lit lanterns along a stone pathway, trees, outdoor seating, and a fire pit.

Hotel No. 5, Entebbe

  • Stylish boutique hotel, located in the quiet market town of Entebbe, close to Lake Victoria

  • An intimate and tranquil setting to relax and unwind at the start and end of your fishing trip

  • Swimming pool, spa and gym

A backyard with a swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs with striped towels, umbrellas, lush green plants, and a large house in the background under a blue sky.
Nighttime view of a house with warm yellow lighting, the moon partially covered by clouds, a large palm frond on the right, and a parking lot with cars in the foreground.
Room with a four-poster bed with white drapes, wooden headboard, colorful pillows, and a matching bench at the foot. To the right, an orange patterned armchair and small side table with a lamp. To the left, a cream-colored chair and a view of large windows with sheer curtains showing an outdoor balcony and green scenery.

Travel to Uganda

  • International flights can be booked with Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Rwandair, Kenya Airways.

  • Uganda Airlines flies direct from London to Entebbe.

  • A Uganda tourist visa must be obtained online in advance of travel. A single entry visa costs $50 and is valid for up to three months.

Your safari includes

  • Six nights all-inclusive accommodation with five days’ fishing on the Nile

  • Experienced fishing guides, on a private boat with a captain

  • Quality heavy tackle and fishing equipment

  • All road transfers and airport transfers within Uganda

  • All meals, soft drinks and snacks throughout your stay

  • National park entry and fishing permits

  • Support from arrival until departure in Uganda

Not included:

  • International flights, visas, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, tips, optional activities or extensions.

  • Upgrades including internal flights, single rooms, premium drinks packages.

Prices and booking

Small group expeditions - from $8,395 per person.

March and June 2027

Our Big Fish Africa small group expeditions run on selected dates throughout the year, with a maximum of eight anglers and no more than two anglers per boat. Starting from $8,395 per person.

Private safaris can be tailored around your preferred dates, group and wider safari plans.

Before booking, we are happy to arrange a video or phone call to talk through the fishing, accommodation, travel arrangements and what to expect on the river.

Private departures are available on request. Starting from $9,995 per person.

Enquire now