Table of Contents
- White water rafting in Uganda: The facts
- Is white water rafting in Uganda worth it?
- Reason #1: It takes place at the source of the Nile
- Reason #2: Grade 5 rapids!
- Reason #3: The activity is offered by reputable tour companies
- Reason #4: You can spot lots of wildlife
- Reason #5: There are great places to stay close by
- Reason #6: Bungeeeeee!
- Reason #7: It’s the perfect way to round off (or begin) your trip!
- How to book white water rafting in Uganda?
- How much is white water rafting in Uganda?
- Recap: Is white water rafting worth it in Jinja?
While most people plan trips to Uganda for the incredible wildlife experiences on offer throughout the country, there’s another activity that the Pearl of Africa is renowned for – white water rafting.
But is white water rafting in Uganda any good? Having been on two separate white water rafting trips in Jinja, I want to explain why I think it’s an absolute must for any thrill seekers visiting Uganda.
But first, let’s look at some basic facts relating to white water rafting in Uganda, so you can get a good idea of what to expect from this incredible experience.
White water rafting in Uganda: The facts
- The hub of white water rafting in Uganda is the town of Jinja, located approximately 80km east of Kampala.
- The “rapids” in Uganda run for a stretch of around 20km, incorporating ten individual rapids spanning from grades 2-5.
- You can opt for grade 3 or grade 5 rafting, depending on your preferences and desired thrill level! Rapids are universally graded from 1-6, 1 being mellow and 6 being unpassable in a raft.
- White water rafting in Uganda starts at $140 per person, and several companies offer tours from Jinja.
- As well as white water rafting, you can also complete a bungee jump at the source of the River Nile.
Is white water rafting in Uganda worth it?
I would rank white water rafting as one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done! I first experienced white water rafting in Uganda in 2012 and then did it again in 2016.
I have also been white water rafting on the Zambezi River in Zambia, which was also incredible!
So, in my humble opinion, white water rafting in Uganda is 100% worth it. If you’re not convinced, here are seven reasons why I think you should incorporate white water rafting in your upcoming trip to the Pearl of Africa.
Reason #1: It takes place at the source of the Nile
The Nile is the longest river in the world, running from its source in East Africa all the way to the Mediterranean Sea north of Egypt. The Nile runs through (or along the border of) ten African countries, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting rivers in the world.
The source of the River Nile has been disputed for centuries, with British explorer John Hanning Speke often credited with being the first western explorer to attribute the source of the Nile to Lake Victoria in Uganda.
Today, most people agree that the source of the Nile can be traced to the Ugandan town of Jinja, which is a short journey east of the country’s capital city, Kampala.
And that brings me to the topic of this article – white water rafting on the Nile! All of the rafting companies that operate in Uganda are based out of Jinja, the source of the river Nile, offering you the perfect opportunity to visit this incredible natural landmark.
Jinja is an awesome place to relax, and enjoying a Nile Special beer while watching the sunset over the source of the River Nile is a pretty special experience. But the chilled vibes in Jinja don’t adequately prepare you for the carnage out on the river, as I touch on below.
Reason #2: Grade 5 rapids!
When I first went white water rafting in Uganda in 2012, I was ill-prepared for what lay in wait. Uganda is home to Grade 5 rapids, which are the biggest rapids that you can pass through on a raft.
I was pleased to learn that rapids are rated via a relatively simple grading system, and a destination with grade 5 rapids is highly sought after among thrill seekers.
The sheer power of the rapids that you ride from the source of the Nile is pretty hard to describe in words, particularly if you’ve never gone rafting before.
The best analogy I can offer is that when the boat capsized and I was flung into the water, it felt like what I imagine being inside a washing machine must be like!
While thrilling, I was taken aback by just how violent the water on the Nile is and was extremely grateful to the chap who helped me back onto the boat a few hundred yards down the river.
So, if you’re seeking a thrilling adventure in East Africa, it’s hard to beat the thrill offered by grade-five white water rafting at the source of the Nile!
Reason #3: The activity is offered by reputable tour companies
As is the case with any extreme adventure, you want to make sure that the guys that are in charge of your white water rafting experience know what they’re doing and follow all the relevant safety protocols.
After all, it’s a dangerous enough activity without having to deal with cowboys who are looking to make a quick buck while neglecting your safety.
The good news for thrill seekers in Uganda is that there are several reputable companies offering white water rafting experiences in Uganda. Each time I’ve gone rafting on the Nile, I have booked with Adrift, and I highly recommend their service.
The team at Adrift has more than thirty years of experience rafting on the Nile, and they’re the ideal company to trust as you seek out a whitewater rafting adventure!
Reason #4: You can spot lots of wildlife
When you’re not trying desperately to keep your head above the water, sitting in a raft and sailing down the River Nile is a wonderful way to pass the time. There are actually some big sections of water between the rapids, meaning that there’s lots of opportunity to see the world around you.
From your boat, you can spot an abundance of wildlife as you make your way down the river. I remember spotting a sunbathing monitor lizard on the river’s bank, and after being reassured that it wasn’t, in fact, a crocodile, my panic attack subsided!
There are so many birds of prey in and around the river, too, with the majestic fish eagle being the star attraction. You will see them perched in pairs looking for the perfect opportunity to swoop down and secure lunch or dinner for themselves!
So, as is the case when you visit most places in Uganda, you can see an abundance of birdlife and wildlife along the Nile, adding another dimension to the white water rafting experience – perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts!
Reason #5: There are great places to stay close by
Jinja is a unique town with a large expatriate community. There are lots of nice places to eat and drink, and the people that live and work in Jinja are friendly and outgoing.
What’s more, there are lots of hotels, guesthouses, and AirBnB options in and around town, meaning that you can easily secure a room for the night before heading into town to experience Jinja’s renowned nightlife.
If you’re like me and you prefer something a little more chilled, you can find some off-the-beaten-track properties in and around Jinja, offering great accommodation options in more relaxed environments.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, I stayed at the Adrift Lodge during my most recent visit to Jinja, and I would undoubtedly stay there again.
Reason #6: Bungeeeeee!
If white water rafting isn’t thrilling enough for you, there’s a bungee jump at Jinja for you to try! During my first trip to Uganda in 2012, I did the bungee jump at Jinja and loved every minute of it!
Like the white water rafting at Jinja, the bungee jump is safe and operated to the highest standards, ensuring strict safety measures are adhered to at all times.
What’s unique about the Nile High bungee experience in Jinja is that you jump from the platform over the river itself – a scintillating experience in anyone’s book!
If you’re keen to crank things up a notch during your visit to Jinja, you can find out more about the Nile High Bungee here.
Reason #7: It’s the perfect way to round off (or begin) your trip!
When people arrive in Uganda for relatively short trips, it’s tempting to pack so much into a short space of time, given how much there is to see and do in the country.
The safaris, treks, and various other experiences can lead to burnout and a less-than-relaxing trip back home.
But heading to Jinja and kicking back with a few beers while overlooking the great River Nile is an awesome way to bring your trip to a close.
Of course, hopping in a boat and going white water rafting cranks up the adrenaline a few notches, but you can also head out for a relaxing boat trip on different sections of the river if you prefer.
Equally, if you want to kick-start your trip to Uganda with a bang, white water rafting could be the perfect way to go about it!
How to book white water rafting in Uganda?
There are several companies that offer white water rafting in Uganda. But based on my personal experience (and going by independent reviews online), I would highly recommend Adrift for booking your white water rafting experience.
As mentioned, they have 30+ years of experience rafting on the Nile and follow strict safety protocols to ensure that you’re rafting experience in Uganda is memorable for all the right reasons.
You can read independent reviews of Adrift here, and if you’re keen to book a white water rafting trip, you can do so directly on their website.
How much is white water rafting in Uganda?
The cost of white water rafting in Uganda depends on various factors, but for a full-day white water rafting package from Jinja, you can expect to pay around $140.00 per person.
Recap: Is white water rafting worth it in Jinja?
Having been white water rafting in Uganda on two separate occasions, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s a scintillating experience offered in a stunning part of Uganda, and traveling to Jinja is worth it, even if you don’t plan on rafting down the Nile.
So, if you’re on the fence about white water rafting in Uganda, my advice is to go for it; you certainly won’t be disappointed by the experience!
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