What Are the Places to Go Fishing In Nairobi?
Although Nairobi is known to be an exciting city with a national park and a rich culture, not many individuals are aware that it also has various quiet places where a fisherperson can enjoy the day. Nairobi has a number of lakes, dams and rivers that are perfect fishing grounds, whether one is an expert angler or just seeking a relaxing outdoor adventure. These fishing areas provide a good rest from city life and an opportunity to be at one with nature within a few minutes of being in the city centre.
Nairobi Dam
Nairobi Dam is among the most reachable fishing points in the city and is located in Langata, Nairobi. It was constructed in the 1950s along the Ngong River and was initially meant to provide water to the city, but it has since developed into a recreational and fishing place. The dam has a size of approximately 75 acres and offers a serene atmosphere where an angler can cast his line to catch tilapia and catfish.
Even though the dam has, over the years, been challenged by pollution, efforts are being made to restore it. Tourists can also have an experience of peaceful fishing in the morning hours or evenings when the water is calm, and the weather is cool.
Paradise Lost, Kiambu
Only 20 minutes outside the Nairobi city centre, there is a beautiful getaway called Paradise Lost in Kiambu, with a waterfall, caves, and a beautiful man-made lake. It is among the recreational fishing spots that are the most popular around the Nairobi area.
Tourists have access to renting fishing equipment, or they can carry their own and fish for tilapia and black bass. Coffee plantations cover the lake, and it is a serene environment where a family can have a picnic. Paradise Lost also possesses a restaurant, boating and scenic walking trails, which make it an excellent all-day retreat from the city.
Limuru Trout Farms
Limuru Trout Farms is a one-of-its-kind fishing spot, only 40 minutes northwest of Nairobi, for trout lovers. The farms are in the cool highlands, where the cold streams are clear to form a good habitat for the rainbow trout.
Here, the visitor will have a chance to know about trout breeding and the art of fly-fishing and even prepare the catches on-site. The countryside surrounding it is also beautiful, with fertile green hills and countryside scenery. Limuru is one of the most popular trout fishing places with beginners because the guides will always be willing to assist you in making your first successful catch.
The river basin of the Tana River includes the Sagana River.
If you want a more exciting fishing experience, you can go to the Sagana River, which is some 100 kilometres outside Nairobi. It belongs to the bigger Tana River Basin and is known for sport fishing.
The Sagana River has a good supply of catfish, tilapia, and rainbow trout, which attracts the interest of anglers. Nairobi residents frequently visit it on weekends and do a combination of fishing and white-water rafting, or camping. A number of lodges that serve the river, including Sagana Getaway Resort and The Rapids Camp, provide fishing tours and all the gear needed.
Karura Forest Streams
In the city of Nairobi itself, there is Karura Forest, which has not only walking and bicycle tracks but also includes little streams where one can do some small fishing. The rivers and ponds in the forest accommodate such species as catfish and small tilapia.
In Karura, it is not the fish that is important in fishing but rather the experience; the surrounding nature and the serene environment make Karura the best place to relax. Before fishing within the forest reserve, visitors have to seek permits from the Kenya Forest Service.
Ruiru Dam
Ruiru Dam is another great fishing site found some 25 kilometres out of the city. The dam feeds some areas of Nairobi and can also be used for recreational fishing. There are plenty of anglers who can find tilapia and mudfish.
The locality is not very noisy and is bordered by rolling hills and farms; thus, it is ideal for individuals who want to keep to themselves. The most suitable times to fish are in the early morning and late afternoon because the fish are more active under low water temperatures.
Ndakaini Dam
Approximately an hour and a half west of Nairobi is the Ndakaini Dam, also one of the major water reservoirs in the city, as well as a beautiful fishing location. Fishing is also regulated, but with a permit, visitors can also enjoy a catch of tilapia and other freshwater fish. It is a beautiful place to escape the heat of the city because the mountains surrounding it present beautiful scenery, and because the air is cooler there than in the city.
Other than fishing, Ndakaini is also a good destination in terms of nature walks, watching birds, and photography. This hosts the annual Ndakaini Half Marathon, which attracts nature lovers all over the country.
Weekend Getaway Lake Naivasha (Weekend Getaway Option)
Although it is not directly in Nairobi, the favourite weekend fishing place is only 90 minutes away: Lake Naivasha. It is the most renowned freshwater lake in Kenya and the home of the giant population of tilapia, catfish and the legendary Nile perch.
Visitors can hire guides to fish the lake or rent a boat to go fishing. Near Naivasha is a multiplicity of lodges, intended to cater to fishermen, like Fisherman’s Camp and Lake Naivasha Resort. The region is rich in birdlife, hippos and scenic views; thus, it is an ideal continuation of Nairobi fishing life.
Conclusion
Nairobi can be described as a hectic metropolis, but there are a lot of peaceful fishing resorts that one finds beyond the traffic and foreign towers. In city centres such as Nairobi Dam and in picturesque getaways such as Paradise Lost and Limuru Trout Farms, you will find anglers of every variety who want to cast a line in a peaceful lake or fly-fish in a mountain stream.
