Fishing safari itineraries in Kenya and Uganda

Sample Itineraries - Fishing Safaris

Ultimate African Fishing Adventure

Combine 3 different fishing disciplines in 3 very different locations for a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.

Fly-fishing for rainbow trout in the Abedares and on the foothills of Mount Kenya. Stay in log cabins and hike or ride on horseback to fish secluded eddies and waterfalls. Some trout lakes (eg Rutundu) only accessible by air. Best time is October to March for this trip.

Fishing for Nile Perch in Lake Victoria. Nile Perch range from 60-100kg. October to March is also a good time to fish for Tiger Fish in the White Nile (the source of the Nile) - widely regarded as one of the most exciting experiences in fresh-water angling.

Transfer to Kenya Coast for Big Game Fishing. This is where it gets really exciting! Depending upon the season you can expect to catch Black and Striped Marlin, Shark (Great White, Mako, Tiger and Hammerhead), Barracuda, Sailfish, Swordfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Giant Trevally, Dorado, etc. We have a range of boats equipped with Shimano reels and Penn or Custom Built rods ranging from 20-130lbs. Tag-and-Release programs operate on some of our boats. Snacks and cold drinks are included in all trips with lunch provided on full-day excursions.

Prices start from Ł3,000 per person (min 4 pax). Please contact us for further details and prices.

8 Day Trout, Tilapia and Bass Fishing Safari (4 pax)

Day 1 – Arrive Nairobi

Morning – We collect you from the airport and transfer you immediately to your hotel in Nairobi (30 minutes drive). Passing through central town you have your first chance to lay eyes on Kenya’s bustling capital and largest city. With over 2 million inhabitants it is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Once named the “City in the Sun” Nairobi is a long march from its former self however its suburbs boast plenty of beautiful tree lined lanes coupled with colourful exotic shrubs. Once we have checked you in, you can unpack and enjoy a hot shower. We will have our lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon – We offer you the option of visiting the Giraffe Centre (a nature education centre where you can hand feed giraffes and pat friendly warthogs) or passing through Karen Blixen Museum (the original beautiful well proportioned house of the author of ‘Out Of Africa’) (30 minutes drive). If neither appeal to you, you can merely relax and soak up the atmosphere by the swimming pool at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Nairobi/Lake Rutundu

Morning – After a good breakfast we transport you to Nanyuki airstrip (2-hour drive). The road is tarmac but indifferent. Hopefully the views of pineapple, sisal and coffee plantations and especially of Mount Kenya will keep your minds preoccupied. We meet our plane that will fly us to Lake Rutundu (20 minutes) on the higher slopes of Mount Kenya. We arrive at the airstrip, at an altitude of 10,000 feet just above forest line, and head for the lodge that overlooks the lake. Accommodation is basic but pleasant; consisting of two log cabins with open log fires, en-suite bathrooms, sitting/dining areas, verandahs and flush toilets. Surrounding alpine country provides habitats for unique birdlife and vegetation, but it is the trout that draw the visitors. We are welcomed by the staff and have a few moments to unpack. Here the fishing safari really begins as we set up our rods for an afternoon on the lake. Lunch will be served, but if we have time a quick cast before we eat will wetten our appetites for more.

Afternoon – Fly fishing for trout on the mountain tarn. Casting from a boat or a platform, the choice is yours. Dinner and overnight in the cabins.

Day 3 - Lake Rutundu/Lake Alice

Morning – After breakfast we get on our walking shoes and make our way up the slopes of Mount Kenya to Lake Alice (3-hour walk). It is a tiring climb but the spectacular views and the thought of that big fish lying in wait spurs us on. We spend the rest of the morning fishing the beautiful tarn, followed by lunch on the shores of the lake.

Afternoon – After a few more casts we lead you down the mountain again heading for the cabins (2-hour walk). After a welcome hot shower we dine and talk about the one that got away! Overnight in the cabins.

Day 4 – Lake Rutundu/Aberdare National Park

Morning – We are collected by aeroplane and flown to Nanyuki airstrip to pick up the vehicle. We head westwards towards the Aberdare Mountain Range (1 ˝ hour drive) and the hidden trout streams that litter its valleys. The Park is part of the central highlands of Kenya and has a huge variety of flora and fauna. Elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, serval and leopard are common. Melanistic varieties of the latter two are by no means rare. The Park’s lower regions are covered with dense tropical forest providing excellent cover for the animals. Open moorland and thickets of giant heather are found at higher levels with huge waterfalls that offer stunning views. We arrive at Kiandongoro Lodge for lunch. A lovely little fishing lodge comprising two stone cottages with bathrooms and store rooms.

Afternoon – We have the choice of several rivers to fish. The Chania, Karura and Gikururu are all worth a cast and although the fish are small they are plentiful. We are in a National Park and can be accompanied by a ranger if you would prefer. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5 – Aberdare National Park/Lake Naivasha

Morning - After a few early morning casts breakfast is served. Having packed up we leave for Lake Naivasha (1 ˝ hour drive) located in the Great Rift Valley. A continental fault system that runs six thousand kilometres clean across Africa from Lebanon to Mozambique. It is certainly one of the country’s distinguishing marks, a human and natural divide. From the edge of the escarpment there are breath taking vistas, a panorama of lakes, savannah and volcanoes across the valley. This is a fresh water lake home to black bass and tilapia. We arrive at our lakeside hotel for an early lunch.

Afternoon – We take the boat out on to the lake for some spinning. Get back to the hotel early evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 – Lake Naivasha/Maasai Mara

Morning – We can spend some more time out on the lake for our last chance to catch some fish. We then leave late morning for one of the most famous game reserves in the world: the Maasai Mara (4-hour drive). Picnic en route. Unfortunately the road is badly maintained making it a long and tiresome journey.

Afternoon – We will be staying at Bushtops. This is the original house of the Cottar family. First established by Glen Cottar one of Kenya’s well-known hunters in earlier days and later on an enthusiastic game conservationist. Positioned on the edge of the Sekenani Escarpment the house is set in some lovely acacia trees with spectacular views of vast rolling plains and rounded hills. Although we are just outside the reserve wild animals are abundant in the area and the small salt lick in front of the house attracts them regularly. We spend the rest of the day relaxing before an early evening game drive and sundowners - when you will be able to witness one of the breath-taking sunsets over the Maasai Mara. A small night game drive will follow before returning to our base for dinner. Overnight in the house.

Day 7 – Maasai Mara

Morning – We will take you on a game drive into the reserve for your first real chance to get close to the vast assemblages of plains game with their associated predators. A wide range of grazers and browsers can be observed from the tiny dik dik to the magnificent elephant. In every direction there are seemingly endless herds of wild animals. Of the big cats, lion are found in large prides and although masters of camouflage there is a good chance of spotting them. Although harder to spot cheetah and leopard are also frequently seen. Picnic Lunch.

Afternoon – Driving along the edge of the Mara River you can watch hippo pods wallowing in the muddy waters or maybe a crocodile lying motionless on the bank waiting for it’s next meal. However, it is not only the animals that will catch your attention – there are over 500 bird species to be found and countless beautiful trees and wild flowers. Returning to camp at dusk for dinner and overnight in the house.

Day 8 - Maasai Mara/Nairobi

Morning – Arising before the sun and after some welcome tea or coffee, we will take you on an early morning game drive. This is our last chance to complete our sighting of the Big Five. Predators are usually at the height of activity at this time so it is not uncommon to watch them hunting. Back to the camp for a late breakfast. If we have time we can take a short walk accompanied by some Maasai that will allow you to experience a brief insight into Maasai culture.

Afternoon – We head back to Nairobi arriving late afternoon at the hotel. You have a chance to do some last minute shopping followed by a complimentary dinner at Carnivore; an outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of specially prepared game meat. Transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Includes

Full Board Accommodation at all hotels/lodges outside Nairobi

Beverages at all lodges outside Nairobi except Naivasha

Service charge and taxes

All fishing fees (licences, boats and gillies)

Fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing nets, fishing line and fishing flies if applicable

All park entry fees

All game viewing activities (including walks and night game drives)

All transfers whether by road or air

Flying Doctor 14 day tourist cover

Dinner at the Carnivore restaurant

European professional safari guide (Andrew Campbell)