Feel refreshed as you dive into the shallow waters of Lake Kivu, Lake Mahazi, and Lake Mugesera to catch some fish. In Rwanda, there are common methods used for fishing, which include hooking, using gill nets, spearing, and using a scoop net, among others.
If you are lucky, you will be able to catch Barbus, sardines, Amphilius, Nile tilapia, Cyprinus, Cynodontis, Mormyrus, and many others. Fishing is done in canoes, and in most cases, you will see the locals using traditional wooden canoes, which they have used for decades. The Ministry of Animal Resources and Agriculture manages the fishing sector through cooperatives and local government.
Akagera National Park also serves as a good place for fishing, though you must get a fishing license from Akagera officials before accessing the waters. When ready with your documents, make sure you have your own equipment. The most common method used here is hook and line, with tilapia being the fish most often caught.
Pass by Lake Kivu, known as a golden basket in western Rwanda, for more exciting fishing experiences. You can sail at your own pace because the waters are free from crocodiles and hippos.
Due to past volcanic activity, the lake waters were contaminated with methane and carbon dioxide, but thanks to the officials, the gases are being removed, restoring life to the lake and allowing fishing for sambaza, sardines, and Ndungu fish.
There is also Lake Muhazi, one of the most rewarding fishing grounds, where you can catch catfish, marbled lungfish, Nile tilapia, blue-spotted tilapia, and many others. The best part about fishing in this area is that after long hours of searching for fish, you can take some home for your own use.
Fishing on Lake Shakani is like dessert added to your wildlife safari in Akagera National Park, challenging you to catch big fish such as tilapia or catfish, giving you unforgettable memories. Besides the big fishing areas, there are smaller water sources that are very peaceful and quiet, where foreign visitors find comfort as the waters provide fish for consumption.
Most of the country’s seafood is imported from neighboring countries, and the aquaculture sector accounts for only 45% of the total fish production.
Fishing safaris should always be on your bucket list if you plan to visit Rwanda.
