White water rafting in Jinja
The Nile flow from Lake Victoria at what was Rippon Falls now submerged and flows through the Bujagali falls and continues into Lake Kyoga. Still the Victoria Nile, it cuts a raucous passage west across Karuma Falls the narrow pillars of Murchison Falls towards Lake Albert. Finally the Albert Nile meanders along a slow, wide corridor into southern Sudan then to Mediterranean Sea leaving the far west of Uganda, on the Zaire border, the snow covered Rwenzori Mountains (or mountains of the moon Ptolemy called them) that rise into almost permanent equatorial mists.
The Nile starts its 4000- miles journey to the Mediterranean Sea from Lake Victoria. Depart from Kampala, heading east to Jinja town passing coffee, tea and sugar plantations. First stop at the submerged source of the Nile by Owen Falls Dam and Masese fishing village on Lake Victoria. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Bujagali Falls. After lunch return to Kampala in the afternoon stopping at either Ssezibwa Falls or Mabira Forest to see primates, birds and butterflies and natural forest.
There are many different rafting packages that can be chosen based on the experience you want to have – mild or wild!
The stretch of the Nile used for rafting is around 30km with rapids ranging from grade 1 – 6 although the rafts only go down grades 1 to 5. The river is beautiful and there can be wildlife to spot along the way – including many species of birds, monitor lizards, fish, as well as local fisherman in their dugout canoes.
Full day Grade 5
It’s the most famous rafting trip, this is the best way to experience the thrills and spills of these World famous Grade 5 rapids that most people have come for.
. The first rapids are grade 1-2 which is a nice warm up and helps to build confidence before you have to tackle any of the bigger rapids.
The beautiful scenery of this 30km stretch of Nile, with its smooth stretches and lower grade rapids, are just as memorable as the 12 major rapids you will encounter.
What to expect: big rapids, big chance of the raft flipping, getting thoroughly wet, lots of paddling, and lots of fun.
Don’t forget to bring: light clothing that can get wet, shorts, t-shirt, sun cream. Normal swimmers and bikinis are not suitable for this activity. You will not wear shoes while in the raft.
Full Day Grade 3
This day trip includes all of the same experiences as the grade 5 trip, but just a milder ride. This beautiful section of river is day two of the two day rafting trip. Thirty kilometers from the Source of the Nile, the river slows down ending the series of grade 5 rapids, leaving the perfect scenic run for a more relaxed trip.
Remote and un spoilt it is the ideal trip for families or groups who want to experience the rapids on the Nile without flipping the raft.
You can enjoy a meandering trip down this famous river enjoying the warm water, safe pools for swimming, spotting birds and wildlife and fisherman in traditional dugout canoes.
What to expect: medium rapids, little chance of the raft flipping, getting wet, some paddling, lots of fun.
Don’t forget to bring: light clothing that can get wet, shorts, t-shirt, sun cream. Normal swimmers and bikinis are not ideal for this activity. You will not wear shoes while in the raft.
Family Float
For the young, old, families or not so adventurous, this is a great trip for anyone who wants to have a milder rafting experience.
This is the ideal trip for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of this impressive lake and river system, but don’t want to do any of the big rapids.
Enjoy the morning drifting down the river from the very Source of the Nile to Bujagali Falls. On the way you can spot beautiful islands, birds, wildlife and local fisherman in dugout canoes.
What to expect: small rapids, no chance of the raft flipping, getting slightly wet, hardly any paddling, lots of fun.
Don’t forget to bring: light clothing that can get wet, shorts, t-shirt, sun cream. Normal swimmers and bikinis are not ideal for this activity. You will not wear shoes while in the raft.
Don’t forget to bring
warm fleece for cool mornings, camera, and binoculars.
Restrictions
Children aged 8 years or over to participate in grade 5 trip.
Safety note
Safety note: while rafting is a dangerous sport, these rafting operations have been made as safe as possible. Every grade 3 and grade 5 trip has safety kayaks and a safety raft, with expert guides who are first aid trained. All guests are equipped with a life jacket and safety helmet and receive a comprehensive safety briefing.
