White Water Rafting on the River Nile

A visit to Uganda the pearl of Africa is never complete without visiting Jinja for white water rafting on the River Nile which is one of the longest rivers on earth. Uganda is remarkably a unique place with diverse adventure experiences and interestingly, white water rafting on River Nile is such a thrilling and exciting water sport that tourists on a Ugandan safari shouldn’t miss out. Embarking on white water rafting in Uganda lets you discover the magic behind the source of the Nile and leaves many thrilled with lots of lasting memories.

One can either choose half-day or full-day white water rafting on River Nile. The experience takes visitors through distinct grades, with each grade rewarding travel endeavors with a rare experience and lasting memories. On a white water rafting trip, one should expect to explore rollicking strings of grade five. This grade is 20kms, approximately 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, one can embark on 25kms lasting about 4 to 5 hours. Both grade 4 and grade 3 will offer one a unique experience, covering 25 km in about 4 to 5 hours. Rafting via grade 3 is about 25kms, approximately 4 to 5 hours. Amazingly, the rapids on River Nile are powerful compared to those on the Zambezi River. Whereas construction of the Isimba and Bujagali dams has destroyed some of the Grade 5 rapids, for instance, Nyamizi, white water rafting still stands out as an exceptional water sport experience offered to visitors on a Ugandan safari.

White water rafting is carried out on River Nile in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. Jinja is a famous town located in Eastern Uganda, about one and a half hours’ drive from Kampala. The source of the Nile is credited for its adrenaline adventures including white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad biking, boat cruise and many more. Before the source of the Nile was discovered by John Hannington Speak, Jinja served as a small fishing village on the banks of River Nile. It became a big trading center with River Nile featuring an essential crossing point to the Eastern region and Kenya.

What should you expect on white water rafting on the River Nile?

Visitors on white water rafting on River Nile begin their day with a delicious cup of tea or coffee early in the morning at their respective hotel and later connect to the banks of River Nile. It is advisable to leave one’s valuables and dry clothes in the safari vehicle with driver-guide. The visitors are normally oriented on safety measures and what to expect on water rafting. This is conducted by experienced guides who will go through each aspect of safety measures such that visitors have the best of their water sport experience along the source of the Nile. Visitors are among others briefed on how to get hold of the rope for safety purposes, how to paddle and how to fall out of the raft in the right way. Prior to setting off on actual rafting, one can select between the simple and the more challenging grade level as each grade offers a unique experience! However, those not ready to raft through the Grade IV and Grade V are advised to go for Grade III. For families on Uganda safari, you can go for slower family float trip which are designed for families to also be part of the thrilling white-water rafting.

It is also important to note that visitors suffering from anemia or hypertension are not allowed to go for white water rafting.

After briefing, the guests are given helmets and waterproof jackets to kick start the adventure. It is such an exciting water sport experience and each grade offers a unique experience. The first mile usually directs and allows guides to prepare for the powerful rapid, in which the team may advance to the more powerful rapids on agreement with the tour guide.

The main route is comprised of 9 rapids and 4 of them make up Grade 5. The more go downstream, the stronger the rapids turn to be. A full day rafting experience can cover 26kms.

White water rafting on the River Nile

White water rafting on the River Nile

  • Is white water rafting safe in Uganda

White water rafting in Uganda is very safe. The crew are well-trained and tested guaranteeing you an exceptional experience. However, it is important to note that usually, safety starts with you and therefore one is advised to observe the instructions from the guide. This allows one to have an enjoyable and safe rafting experience. Unlike other countries, water rafting in Uganda is safe because of unheard cases of falling on rocks. There is also a rescue team on standby to give assistance in case of anything.

  • What you need to know about white water rafting in Jinja.

There are very few companies that offer white water rafting services in Uganda. You can book your white-water rafting tour in Jinja through reservation team at Mega Wild Safaris and make your dream come into reality.

The price for white water rafting on River Nile differs significantly depending on whether you opt for whole day or half-day rafting experience.

For cases of photoshoot, there is an experienced team of rafters with necessary equipment and good cameras to capture incredible moments.

Please endeavor to pack essential items for this water sport starting with swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen-the sun can be hot during the dry season. All rafters will be on high flotation life jackets, helmets, spray jackets and many more.

  • Best time to go for white water rafting

White water rafting is best done during the dry season starting between June, July, August, September, and December, January, February.

  • How to get to Jinja 

Visitors on a white water rafting tour in Uganda can reach the source of the Nile in Jinja by road in about 1-2 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city.

In conclusion, white water rafting on River Nile is a thrilling water sport experience that one shouldn’t miss on a Ugandan safari. You can incorporate this amazing experience with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National as well as game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park or chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.

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