UGANDA
THE NILE GIANT
MURCHISON FALLS • VICTORIA NILE
PROJECT UGANDA – A DREAM BECOMES REALITY
After months of planning, research and preparation, our Uganda expedition finally began. The goal was clear: to catch one of the most legendary freshwater fish in the world — the Nile perch. But it quickly became obvious that this journey would be about much more than fishing. Uganda would take us through rainforests, savannahs and some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters before we finally reached the Victoria Nile.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Our first major destination was the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early in the morning, we set out with experienced rangers and followed narrow trails deep into the mountain rainforest. After several hours of trekking, we finally found them — a family of mountain gorillas, led by a powerful silverback. Only a few metres separated us from these incredible animals. It was one of the most moving wildlife encounters of the entire expedition.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After leaving the rainforest, our journey continued into the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. The goal here was completely different: to find Uganda’s legendary tree-climbing lions. We crossed the savannah for hours, passing elephants, buffalo and countless other animals. Then, in the Ishasha sector, we finally spotted one — a lioness resting high in an acacia tree. A rare and unforgettable sight.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
The first view of Murchison Falls was overwhelming. With incredible force, the Victoria Nile is squeezed through a narrow rocky gorge before crashing into the river below. Beneath these powerful falls begins one of Africa’s most exciting fishing areas — and the part of the expedition we had travelled so far to reach. This was the home of our target fish: the legendary Nile perch.
FIRST EXPEDITION DAY
The first day on the Victoria Nile was all about learning the water. The current was powerful, and beneath the surface lay rocks, submerged timber and unpredictable eddies. Every cast had to be precise. Then came the first surprise of the fishing expedition — a powerful Vundu catfish. Shortly before heading back, we also landed a beautiful Semutundu catfish. It was a strong start and a clear sign of the incredible fish living beneath the surface.
THE BIG MOMENT – DAY 2
On the second day, we returned to the same stretch of the Victoria Nile — better prepared and with a much clearer understanding of the current and the hot spots. Early in the morning, we positioned the boat below Murchison Falls and presented the bait exactly where we wanted it. Then the reel suddenly came alive. Seconds later, a massive fish broke the surface. Everyone in the boat knew immediately: this was the fish we had come to Uganda for.
THE NILE GIANT
THE DREAM FISH OF UGANDA
After a long and demanding fight, the fish finally came alongside the boat. The moment we had imagined for months had become real. A powerful Nile perch — the fish that had brought us all the way to Uganda. The tension of the fight gave way to relief, joy and pure disbelief. Our main goal had been achieved.
RHINO TRACKING
After the success on the Nile, another unforgettable experience was waiting for us at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Together with an experienced ranger, we set out on foot in search of white rhinos. Slowly, we approached one of these enormous animals until only a few metres separated us. Experiencing a rhino at such close range was both humbling and unforgettable — and a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation in Uganda.
FAREWELL TO UGANDA
Our expedition through Uganda had come to an end, but the memories would stay with us forever. From the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the roaring waters of Murchison Falls and the unforgettable battle with the Nile perch, this journey had given us far more than we had imagined. Uganda had shown us incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and some of the most exciting fishing we had ever experienced. We left with deep gratitude, unforgettable memories and one clear thought: we will return.
