White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is one of the most Adventurous activities one can indulge in during their visit to Uganda. A popular activity done either at the start or end of a safari circuit. Rafting takes you for an amazing experience along River Nile in Jinja . Where the Nile flows upland out of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Jinja, the source of the Nile is located about 80km East of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. This town has become the Adventure sports Capital of East Africa famously known for its rafting. However, there are several other activities on offer which include; kayaking, mountain biking, bungee jumping, tubing, ziplining, horse riding, water biking, quad biking and many others.
White Water Rafting is a great sport that teaches one to remain calm under great pressure. Despite the fact that there are many long, tumultuous grade VI and grade V rapids. No experience required to participate in this Adrenaline-filled activity. Whether you are a first timer, this activity is ready to give you an adrenaline rush. There are necessary safety precautions to follow during the activity. However, there are also rescue kayaks and safety boats that are always closer in case of emergencies but there is nothing much to worry about.
There are different routes to follow during White water rafting experience depending on one’s interest. Like those who would love to float down the Nile surrounded lush forests and wildlife but don’t want to be thrown around by heavier rapids, there is also a “family float” option for families and larger groups. These boats are larger which makes them more robust against the waves and the routes also skip the most intense rapids. They take a different route passing through smaller rapids. As well as scenic islands in order to explore the forests and other channels of the river.
White Water Rafting is 100% safe simply because the crew is experienced and highly trained in navigating though the rapids. The Rafters are given life jackets and also strong helmets to protect them in case they trip over. The Nile River has deep waters and one doesn’t need to worry much about falling on rocks. This is why the guides in Jinja are more willing to let the rafts flip over countless times. Because the threat from the rocks is minimal.
White water rafting on the Nile in Uganda considered to be amongst the best in the world with several routes full of variety. Right from quiet pools and forested islands to the thunderous rapids and drops.
In total, the rapids in Jinja cover over 20km stretch of the river with some sections being wilder than others. But all surrounded by beautiful sceneries and melodious songs from the birds. The Nile rapids in Jinja graded IV and V and they offer the best White Water Rafting experiences in Africa.
The rapids flow with more volume and power than those in river Zambezi. Although the recent construction of the Bujagali and Isimba dams have led to the destruction of some of the Grade five rapids. Like Namizi, The Bad Place and Kyabirwa, whitewater rafting remains intact.
The countryside around Jinja also a great destination for calmer activities such as, birding. Several species seen here and they include; the papyrus gonolek, white-backed night heron, crimson-rumped waxbill and many others.