DISCOVER RWANDA
Sport Fishing in Rwanda
Although sport fishing is not a popular tourist activity in Rwanda, it surely is a promising thing to do while on Rwanda Safaris. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a landlocked country encompassing over 26,338 square kilometers, 1,390 of which are covered by water. There are not many places for sport fishing in Rwanda but a few spots include Lake Kivu which ranks seventh in Africa in terms of size, and Akagera National Parks’ Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani. Other lakes where fishing can be done in Rwanda include Lake Muhazi, Mugesera, and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Fishing in Rwanda is also done in several rivers, such as the Akagera, Nyabarongo, Akanyaru, and Sebeya rivers.
In Rwanda, the total national fish production is anticipated to be 13,000 tons, with capture fisheries contributing 9,000 tons and aquaculture contributing 4,000 tons. Rwanda imports significantly more fish from neighboring Uganda and Tanzania. Moreover, local fishermen and farmers have been practicing artisanal fishing in Rwandan lakes for decades. As the value of fish has risen over the years, so has fishing capacity, leading to overfishing in all waterways. Fishing in Rwanda is done using several methods including imported fishnets, hooking, lampara method, shooting, and locally manufactured wood boats, depending on the type of fish to be caught. However, unlike regular fishing, sport fishing involves catching and releasing. The several types of fish caught in Rwanda include Amphilius, Tanganyika sardine, Astatorechromis, Barbus, Clarias, Cyprinus, Gnathonemus, Mormyrus, Haplochromis, Limnothrissa, Marcusenius, Nile Tilapia, Synodontis, and Varicorthinus.
Best Places to Go Sport Fishing in Rwanda
Lake Kivu
Shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is Africa’s sixth largest Gret Lake spanning 89 kilometers in length, 48 kilometers in width, and 240 meters in depth. The lake is one of Rwanda’s popular sport fishing destinations and its coastline is dotted with small towns and major cities. Moreover, the lake is framed by the region’s famed undulating hills and towering volcanoes which complement its stunning scenery. Featuring a range of adventure activities including sport fishing, Lake Kivu is devoid of bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos; perfect for both commercial and sport fishing. Sardines, Sambaza, and Ndugu are the most common fish species found here and are frequently trapped in nets and hand-removed by local fishermen. The fish are then piled up by the local ladies before being weighed and sold.
However, to partake in the sport fishing experience, you must bring your fishing equipment and permission from the authorities. One of the most exhilarating fishing experiences on Lake Kivu is the “fishermen’s experience.” In this experience, a tourist gets to join the local fishermen who spend every night out on the crystalline lake looking for Sambaza (a little sardine-like fish). Quite distinct to the region, this technique involves a nocturnal trek across the lake with melodious songs and brightly illuminated lanterns, which is enthralling. To participate in this adventure, a tourist must get to the lakeshore at about 4:30 p.m. to observe the full procedure, including the preparation of boats, and nets, and teaming up to head into the lake. Visitors who want to participate must arrange an extra boat with a guide on board to act as a translator and explain what is going on.
Besides sport fishing, tourists to Lake Kivu can also enjoy swimming in the bilharzia free lake, and chill by the lake’s sandy beaches while enjoying bird watching, kayaking, boat cruises, island hopping, and community tours among others.
Akagera National Park
Sport Fishing in Akagera National Park is one of the most illuminating things to do while on a Rwanda safari to the park. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s sole savannah national park, home to a variety of wildlife including the African Big Five (rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes) and over 525 recorded bird species. The park derives its name from the Kagera River which flows through the park and feeds several lakes including Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani, among others. Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani are undoubtedly Rwanda’s premier spots for sport fishing and are further home to other animals such as crocodiles and hippos. Nonetheless, the areas designated for fishing have been carefully selected to be safe from these predators.
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park involves a catch-and-release policy, but you can arrange for your catch to be cooked for supper. You will require a fishing permit and your fishing gear to enjoy a sport fishing experience in Akagera National Park. The major species of fish caught in Akagera National Park is tilapia which is mostly caught using hooks. Aside from sport fishing, tourists to Akagera National Park can also enjoy game viewing on safari game drives, bird watching, guided nature walks, and boat cruises on Lake Ihema, to mention but a few.
The Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Aside from offering spectacular canoe rides and sightseeing, these twin lakes – Ruhondo and Burera are also great places for sport fishing in Rwanda. The lakes are located on the southern slopes of Mt Muhabura in Rwanda’s Northern Province, at 1862 meters above sea level, with a length of 12 kilometers, a width of 18 kilometers, and a maximum depth of 173 meters. Fishing at the twin lakes may be done with island fishermen who are familiar with the lakes and can provide you with more precise information. Fishing at the Burera and Ruhondo lakes is fun and enthralling since it includes trying local and traditional fishing methods. Moreover, you enjoy interacting with the locals and catching a glimpse into their ways of living. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing and boat tours with lovely views of the landscape and birds.
Lake Muhazi
Fishing in Rwanda can also be done on Lake Muhazi which is located about 40 minutes by road from Kigali. The lake offers a cool and serene environment with incredible views of rolling hills and local communities while enjoying a fishing escapade. Fishing in Lake Muhazi necessitates the use of one’s equipment and the common fish species caught here include Marbled lungfish, Nile Tilapia, and blue spotted tilapia among others.
