Akagera National Park is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda and equally rests on the border of Tanzania mainland. It was officially declared a national park in 1934 and is among the oldest parks on African continent. The park attained its name from Kagera River which is situated along the park’s eastern boundary.
This river feeds water into some of Rwanda’s major lakes such as Lake Ihema, forming the largest conserved and protected wetland in central and Eastern Africa.
There’s a sophisticated drainage system in this park which includes large concentration of papyrus wetlands and lakes. There are 10 major lakes situated in this national park and the most notable among those are Lakes Shakani, Mahindi, Gishanju and Ihema.
Sport fishing is one of the many activities carried out in Akagera National Park and has been a popular activity for a long time. It’s so interesting that any tourist should be enthused about participating in the activity.
However, whereas Akagera has many lakes from which fishing can be carried out, this activity preferably happens on the shimmering Lake Shakani.
This lake has the common desired fish species such as tilapia that is valued at vibrant availability, and cat fish. Lake Shakani is situated in the North Eastern side of Akagera national park.
Tourists are engaged into catching the fish with available fishing methods, and then release the fish back into the lake for a swim.
Visitors that participate in the activity are offered an opportunity to part with a fish for their cooking and eating later in the evening. The protective tourists are advised to come along with their own fishing gear to avoid any possible inconveniences.
While on the spot fishing experience, visitors get to view the hippopotamuses in the shallow ends of lake Shakani.
Additionally, there are numerous water birds that fly over the lake and rest on lower vegetation along the lake’s shores. Sometimes the glimpse gets interesting as visitors also view predatory birds aiming for their pick of their fish prey in the water.
How Sport fishing is Carried Out
Advanced hookers are the most used fishing tools as they are stable and more personal. However, smaller fish nets are also allowed as long as a visitor believes that they would make a good fit for what they desire.
Children are also welcome to participate in the activity but should be 6 years old or above.
Fishing competitions are occasionally organized on this lake and are beautiful to both participate in, or witness.
An individual interested in participating in fishing competition is advised to contact the park’s administration to secure a reservation.
How much does Sport Fishing in Akagera National Park Cost?
For one to participate, they need to have a permit. This permit costs $25 per individual and is valid for only one day.
Different from the ordinary fee, children aged 6 years to 12 years, are charged a lesser fee of $15 with the remaining conditions similar to the ordinary permits.
However, due to the high interest by tourists in participating in this activity, there’s stiff competition among the prospective sport fishers.
Interested tourists are therefore advised to make early bookings, at least 2 months prior, in order to secure a permit for a better fishing season.
One is therefore advised to contact a tour operator like us, to help with the booking.
Best Time to engage in Sport Fishing Experience
Visitors are advised to partake in this activity during the months of June to September, or December – February.
In Rwanda, these are dry periods that are composed of abundance of sunshine with general calmness on the water.
