01 ·
Lake Shakani
Tilapia + Predatory fishbest sport fishing spot in Akagera Park
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Rwanda.
Fishing in Rwanda 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
5
target species
Yes
license needed
Year-round
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Fishing permit: From 5,000-10,000 RWF (~4-8 USD).
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- At the Rwanda Development Board or through local providers.
- Cost
- Fishing permit: From 5,000-10,000 RWF (~4-8 USD).
- Validity
- Day or travel permit
- Available online?
- No
Rwanda — the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' — has Lake Kivu (one of the largest lakes in Africa) and is famous for mountain gorillas! Fishing + gorilla trekking is a unique combination. Tilapia and Sambaza in Lake Kivu.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Possible all year round. Dry season: June-September and December-February is best.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Lake Ihema
Tilapiabreathtaking wildlife viewing while fishing
03 ·
Lake Kivu
Sambaza Sardines + Nile Tilapiacultural night fishing experiences
04 ·
Lake Ruhondo
Tilapia + native speciesspectacular Twin Lakes scenery
05 ·
Lake Muhazi
Tilapia + Wels Catfishcalm waters near Capital Kigali
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+4 more species
Nile tilapia (Tanganyika-Sardine)Walking CatfishBarbMormyrid
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons. Observe national park rules.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Moderate limits. Tilapia: Regulated.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Not common. Fish is an important protein source.
What does it cost?
4-8 USD
License
4-8 USD. Cheap!
30-100 USD
Guide per day
30-100 USD/day.
30-60 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 30-60 USD. With gorilla trekking: 1,600+ USD/day (!!).
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Rwanda-1.94°, 29.87°
🎣 Live catches in ruanda
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
At the Rwanda Development Board or through local providers. — Rwanda — the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' — has Lake Kivu (one of the largest lakes in Africa) and is famous for mountain gorillas! Fishing + gorilla trekking is a unique combination. Tilapia and Sambaza in Lake Kivu.
Rules in detail
Lake Kivu has a special feature — there is dissolved methane gas in the depths! The surface is safe for fishing.
Freshwater
Lake Kivu, mountain lakes with trout, rivers. All freshwater at 1,500+ m elevation!
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked).
Equipment
Hardly available locally. Bring your own equipment.
Guides
Lake Kivu guide + boat: 30-80 USD/day. Trout guide: 40-100 USD.
Getting there
Flights to Kigali. Rental car. Good roads (cleanest city in Africa!).
Safety
One of the safest countries in Africa! Clean and organized. Malaria in lowlands.
Customs & fish export
E-visa online (30 USD). Gorilla permit: 1,500 USD (!). Fishing equipment permitted.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: June 7, 2026
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