The thrilling white water rafting adventures are primarily done on Nile River in Jinja, eastern Uganda. White water rafting is an outdoor sport which involves rafters navigate a river or any other water body using an inflatable raft. On the White Nile, near the source of the Nile River in Lake Victoria, visitors can experience the best rafting adventures thanks to the numerous rapids and powerful waterfalls the world’s longest river. The rapids on the White Nile are categorized into grade 4 and 5, which are mostly used by experienced rafters capable of enjoying the thrill of them becoming stronger and quicker heading downstream. However, there is an easy grade 3 and a slower family float trip.

Rafters are expected to be at the starting point for a briefing session conducted by rafting guides. This is significant for the visitors to be informed about the safety rules and regulations of rafting since the adventure involves moving through the Nile rapids. Each visitor is then offered a waterproof jacket and helmet to wear. The rafting guides ensure that the visitors get on the raft. There is a rescue team that moves in kayakers to ensure that the visitors are safe throughout their adventure. This team is vigilant to notice anyone who tips over or becomes exhausted, and is ready to help. They also carry snacks and fruits for rafters to enjoy during their breaks, especially in the calm waters.

Excellent photos of the experience can also be taken while rafters enjoy their rafting tour. There are numerous birds that can be observed during rafting. These include the Egyptian geese, grey crowned cranes, northern pintails and cattle egrets among others. Rafters can also interact with fisherfolk and other indigenous people to learn more about their way of life. The adventure can be concluded with a barbecue, where eats and drinks are provided to celebrate the conquest of the Nile River. Besides the barbecue, there are plenty of tourist experiences around the Nile River, including a tour of the beautiful souvenirs in various craft shops, unique culinary delights, tubing, biking, nature walks and city tours around Jinja city.

How Safe is White water rafting in Uganda?

Hundreds of visitors who have enjoyed rafting on the White Nile claim to be fully satisfied with the safety of the adventure. The safety measures have been enhanced over the years and more rafters are giving glowing reviews of the more specialized equipment, life jackets and rafts among others. Although safety measures are prioritized for rafting adventures, visitors are requested to take personal cautions since the threat of death exists. There are also risks of injury that may be caused by strong water waves and large rocks. Other factors include abrupt rainfall and strong winds that affect the rafters.

The Cost of White-Water Rafting Adventure.

The cost of white-water rafting tour may vary from time to time, however, currently, you must pay of USD 125 per person for a half day rafting experience. This fee caters for an experienced rafting guide, photography, lunch, bottled drinking water, and snacks on the water. Before you pay this fee, ensure that you are in good health. Also ensure that you weigh at least 66 pounds. In case you are below the age of 18, ensure that you are accompanied by your parent or guardian. Payments can be done through a reputable tour operator, who is knowledgeable about rafting adventures in Uganda.

When to Visit Uganda for White Water Rafting Experiences?

White water rafting in Uganda is much more enjoyable during the dry season. Uganda experiences two dry seasons in a year, one from December to February and from June to September. In the dry months of the year, that section of the Nile River is characterized by predictable, lower, stabler and safer water levels that ensure that rafting is easier. In the rainy season, the waters expand greatly because of the heavy rainfall that cause stronger currents hence making rafting much more challenging. The rainy season falls in the months of March to May and from October to November.

Reaching Jinja for Rafting Tours

Jinja is about 50 miles on road from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The place can be accessed by road transportation along the Kampala-Jinja Road. This road trip can take around 2 to 3 hours depending on the status of the traffic flow and road conditions. This offers a chance to see busy streets and luxurious green cover of Mabira Forest, sugar cane and tea plantations. You can either use a personal car or public means. Upon reaching Jinja, you will organize for ground transportation to reach the rafting site on the River Nile.

All these arrangements can be done more conveniently if you book with a reputable tour operator. The company will ensure a more specialized tour package that includes transportation, meals, other tour activities and accommodation among others.

What to Pack for White Water Rafting in Uganda?

• A swimsuit
• Quick dry T-shirt and shorts
• Waterproof sunscreen to shield your skin from ultraviolet rays from the sun
• Insect repellent to ward off insect bites
• Water shoes or outdoor sandals with a strap
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap
• Towel
• First aid kit
• Refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated at all times
• Snacks to ensure that you do not go hungry
• Personal medication just in case you fall sick