The Experience
It was late morning in Jinja, Uganda when our Nile River rafting guide first belted out “White Water Ahead!” Despite having just been taught a lesson in the dos and don’ts of white water rafting, my mind went completely blank, and my body completely numb.
Up until this moment, the thought that we’d be riding down some of the worlds most hectic rapids Nile River rafting hadn’t even crossed my mind. Luckily I wasn’t alone, no one, other than the guide, had ever been down a river before. Our fear was intense, and before hitting the first rapids, the atmosphere on the boat was electric.
Regardless of our apprehension, the raft surged forward in the strong current, and we were suddenly deep in an explosion of angry white water. This was not the lazy Nile River that I had learnt about in school. This water roared Nile River rafting, and foam sprayed up into the air as the fast moving water crashed over the tops of the rivers rocky teeth. Walls of water literally stood in our path. No room for nervousness, it was time to paddle! Our Nile River rafting guide barked out his orders, and as a group we did our best to obey. We must have done something right, because unlike the other group that went before us, everyone in our raft managed to stay out of the drink.
Filled with adrenaline, and relieved that we had made it out alive, we quickly celebrated our survival from Nile River rafting. We were ready for our next test; only 15 rapids and just under 30 kilometers to go!
Up until this moment, the thought that we’d be riding down some of the worlds most hectic rapids Nile River rafting hadn’t even crossed my mind. Luckily I wasn’t alone, no one, other than the guide, had ever been down a river before. Our fear was intense, and before hitting the first rapids, the atmosphere on the boat was electric.
Regardless of our apprehension, the raft surged forward in the strong current, and we were suddenly deep in an explosion of angry white water. This was not the lazy Nile River that I had learnt about in school. This water roared Nile River rafting, and foam sprayed up into the air as the fast moving water crashed over the tops of the rivers rocky teeth. Walls of water literally stood in our path. No room for nervousness, it was time to paddle! Our Nile River rafting guide barked out his orders, and as a group we did our best to obey. We must have done something right, because unlike the other group that went before us, everyone in our raft managed to stay out of the drink.
Filled with adrenaline, and relieved that we had made it out alive, we quickly celebrated our survival from Nile River rafting. We were ready for our next test; only 15 rapids and just under 30 kilometers to go!
When to Go to Nile River Rafting
While in Eastern Africa, every backpacker that I came across kept talking about how spectacular Uganda was. Although visiting this country was not part of my initial itinerary, I eventually, I took their advice, and went to a small town called Jinja. To be honest, it was probably the best decision I made on the whole trip.
Jinja is home to the Nile River rafting, which boasts rapids as high as grade 5 and 6; grade 5 being the highest you can legally do commercially. The name of the area has also become synonymous with other extreme sport adventures. Some people even refer to the town as the extreme sports capital of Eastern Africa. Apart from Nile River rafting, visitors can go camping, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Jinja and the surrounding area is one of the most unforgettable destinations I have ever been to, and I would highly recommend it to others. It’s safe, its scenery is stunning, the people are helpful and friendly, and its character is something that is completely unique in nature. Outside of the town-center, some of the surrounding villages are made up of thatch roof huts, and almost everything is green.
Despite being close to the equator, Jinja boasts beautiful weather year round due to its elevated altitude. A typical day is around 28°C and pleasant. The Nile waters are released through a hydro electric dam, so the rapids are constant and unaltered from season to season.
Jinja is home to the Nile River rafting, which boasts rapids as high as grade 5 and 6; grade 5 being the highest you can legally do commercially. The name of the area has also become synonymous with other extreme sport adventures. Some people even refer to the town as the extreme sports capital of Eastern Africa. Apart from Nile River rafting, visitors can go camping, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Jinja and the surrounding area is one of the most unforgettable destinations I have ever been to, and I would highly recommend it to others. It’s safe, its scenery is stunning, the people are helpful and friendly, and its character is something that is completely unique in nature. Outside of the town-center, some of the surrounding villages are made up of thatch roof huts, and almost everything is green.
Despite being close to the equator, Jinja boasts beautiful weather year round due to its elevated altitude. A typical day is around 28°C and pleasant. The Nile waters are released through a hydro electric dam, so the rapids are constant and unaltered from season to season.
Odds n' Ends
Despite the areas popularity with rafters world wide, the Government of Uganda is set to complete a new dam and power station at Bujagali Falls in 2011. When finished, the project is meant to flood many of this river’s wild rapids. So, if visiting this riverside paradise appeals to you as much as it did to me, you’d better get moving fast! The Nile is an incredible experience; one that you’ll find very hard to forget.
Transportation in this area of Uganda is simple, and affordable. Most people use Boda Boda’s (motorbike taxis) to get around. All you have to do is hail a driver, agree on a price, hop on the back, and they’ll take you to wherever you want to go.
Getting to Jinja is a little bit trickier. Although buses run regularly from most major cities, they aren’t as reliable as one would hope. The best option may be to come in via Kampala and take the free shuttle bus that the Explorers Backpackers offers its guests.
As it is now, the day trip down the Nile lasts for about 30 Kilometers, and will set you back about $125 US. It’s cheap at the price; and considering you get a full days worth of adrenaline, scenery, and food, it’s worth every penny.
Transportation in this area of Uganda is simple, and affordable. Most people use Boda Boda’s (motorbike taxis) to get around. All you have to do is hail a driver, agree on a price, hop on the back, and they’ll take you to wherever you want to go.
Getting to Jinja is a little bit trickier. Although buses run regularly from most major cities, they aren’t as reliable as one would hope. The best option may be to come in via Kampala and take the free shuttle bus that the Explorers Backpackers offers its guests.
As it is now, the day trip down the Nile lasts for about 30 Kilometers, and will set you back about $125 US. It’s cheap at the price; and considering you get a full days worth of adrenaline, scenery, and food, it’s worth every penny.
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Recommended Places to Stay
- Explorers Backpackers
- Although there are other accommodation options, I stayed at the Explorers Backpackers which was comfortable, convenient, and extremely affordable.
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- Wild on the Nile in Uganda - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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