UGANDA - THE PEARL OF AFRICA! Twenty years of civil war ended in 1986, and today Uganda's economy is growing faster than any in Africa. Ugandans are a friendly people, their country beautiful and the climate wonderful. Main roads are good, others rather primitive. Ugandan wildlife is excellent, but lodges in some reserves need refurbishment, one exception being the superb Sarova Paraa Hotel near Murchison Falls. NILE PERCH FISHING - SEASONS AND TACKLE Ugandan gamefishing is in its infancy but it would seem that Sep/Oct and Jan to Mar are the best months. Apr/June are rainy months, and Jun/Jul have not, in our experience, produced good fishing. Perch seem most active at six to eight metres, and preferably around rocks. Large , deep-diving lure which reaches that depth and puts out a strong vibration will attract them. Reds, oranges and bright colours seem to work best, but they're not that particular - if it goes past them, they will eat it. Our boat carries 4 x30lb trolling rods and a variety of lures (lost tackle for own account). We suggest that you take some casting tackle and smaller diving lures, as casting from the front of the boat, or even from certain spots on shore, can be very productive. A light rod and spinners also produce tilapia (bream/kurper). SESSE ISLANDS Uganda's Nile perch fishing is exceptional, and is done primarily amongst the 84 islands of the Ssese group, some 55 km out into Lake Victoria from Entebbe, where all international flights arrive/depart. Most of the islands are covered in thick, tropical forest; home to monkeys and many species of bird; and are mostly uninhabited, apart from a few local fishing villages. Four, seven, 11, or 14 night packages are possible, using Uganda Airways' twice weekly flights to/from Entebbe on Wednesdays and Sundays. One spends the first night in Entebbe, and travels to the islands next morning in our own fast, twin-engined ski-boat. This boat is fully equipped for fishing, and carries life jackets, safety flares, radio, GPS etc. + 4 x 30 lb rods and Penn reels. You will stay at Islands Club on Kalangala island, a simple but comfortable operation set beneath tropical rainforest just off a white sand beach, with clear water inviting you to swim. From here you fish the surrounding islands for perch that we have taken to 80 kg, but which reach well over twice that size. On your final morning you will be transferred back to Entebbe for your return flight. SESSE ISLANDS - MURCHISON FALLS COMBINATION TRIP For those spending seven nights in Uganda (Sun to Sun only) a combination trip is possible: Sunday night Entebbe; Mon, Tue and Wed nights at Islands Club (with three full days fishing on the lake), Thu and Fri nights at a tented camp at the top of Murchison the Falls and final night at Masindi Hotel. Your six hour drive from Entebbe to Murchison Falls will be in a comfortable safari vehicle, with beautiful scenery en-route. From the tented camp you would undertake daily treks to the swirling waters at the bottom of the Falls to cast lures or livebait from the rocks for the huge perch, catfish and tigerfish that prowl these powerful currents. This is truly challenging, requiring heavier tackle than the lake; perch up to 102 kg have been taken in the river, and fork-tailed catfish over 50 kg. An added bonus is being within the game-rich Murchison Falls National Park and those not fishing, you have an option of taking either the morning or afternoon cruise on the Nile - great for birds, game and big crocodiles. On Saturday you can fish to late afternoon before departing for Masindi or depart midday and stop in at the Budongo Forest en route to look for chimps and other primates (approx USD15 pp). Overnight at Masindi Hotel and depart early on Sunday for the four and a half hour drive to Entebbe to connect with the 1245 flight to SA. COSTS 4 NIGHTS SESSE ISLANDS USD1 045 pps (4 Pax) 7 NIGHTS SESSE ISLANDS USD1 755 pps (4 Pax) 7 NIGHTS SESSE & MURCHISON FALLS USD1 777 pps (4 Pax) INCLUDES: * Return economy IT fare on Uganda Airlines ex Jhb * Transfers in Entebbe and to Sesse islands and Murchison Falls * First night at Entebbe Flight Hotel b/b * Full board accommodation at Islands Club & Murchison Falls * Final night at Masindi Hotel b/b * Guided fishing daily and use of fishing tackle * Fuel @ 1 tank per person per fishing day EXCLUDES: SA and Uganda airport taxes (R61 and USD20 resp), Uganda visa (USD20 on arrival), drinks, additional meals, tips and personal expenses UPGRADE: the Entebbe Flight Hotel is a simple "local" hotel, very clean and adequate because you arrive late and depart early, but if required we can upgrade you to the Botanic Beach Hotel at an extra USD26 or lake Victoria Hotel at an extra USD33 pps. NOTE: Yellow fever inoculation required and malaria precautions essential. Price are subject to change without notice. | 
