White Water Rafting Uganda
The best Whitewater rafting on the Nile River adventure ever
My adventure (Whitewater rafting on the Nile River) started from the Nile River Explorers backpackers in Jinja. After a quick intro, fitting of helmets and life jackets, we grabbed some fruit salad, juice, and something named a breakfast "Rolex" (Uganda's equivalent of a breakfast burrito) for the road, and boarded our transport which took us about 15km downriver marking the starting point for our day's rafting.
We were given a very thorough safety briefing by our guides, which included multiple compulsory practice flips in the boat (which had me exhausted before we had even started negotiating our first rapid). Once Henry (our guide) was confident we had more or less got the hang of it all it was time to head to "Overtime"; our first rapid, a 12-foot drop. We were quite sternly told that this was not the rapid we wanted to fall out on. On questioning Henry what was to happen if we did fall out, he simply answered: "you don't want to". With all the rocks it would not have been a good start to the day!
Successfully managing our first rapid we quickly got the hang of things – as well as paddling in sync with each other (easier said than done) – and we were motoring on down to the next rapid.
There were eight major rapids in total, the grades ranging from a three to a five (some of the fours even getting the better of us). Before each major rapid our guide would stop and explain the route through so we knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into. At no time did I feel in danger (even when the raft toppled on top of me in the middle of one of the strongest grade fives we faced that day), the support crew were amazing and very efficient at pulling you out of harm's way.
In-between the rapids there were plenty of rest points, as well as opportunities to jump overboard and have a swim or two, or just take in the beautiful scenery. All in all, we spent about 5 hours on the water, and at the end of our approx. 25km journey, we ended with a delicious barbeque buffet lunch on the side of the river– while we were able to view the photos from the day - complete with ice-cold beers and sodas before we were dropped back in Jinja.
For me, this was one of the single most amazing things I've ever done and I highly recommend it, White Water Rafting in Uganda that is! Definitely a strong contender for the bucket list!
White Water Rafting in Uganda by Uyaphi.com
Travel To Uganda Now
Map of Lodges in and around Uganda
Lodges And Camps In Uganda
Trackers Safari Lodge
Trackers Safari Lodge brings thatched log chalets with fireplaces to the Buhoma sector, a short drive from the park headquarters where northern gorilla treks are briefed. After the trek there is a pool, a sauna and a forest-facing restaurant to come back to.
Engagi Lodge
On the forest edge beside Buhoma village, Engagi Lodge is a simple, rustic Bwindi base for gorilla treks in the northern sector. En-suite cottages with verandas sit among the trees, and the thatched main lodge, built from local stone and eucalyptus, opens onto the forest.
Buhoma Lodge
Inside the park in the Buhoma sector, Buhoma Lodge is a short walk from where the northern gorilla treks begin. Cottages with private verandas look over the forest canopy, and solar power and gravity-fed water keep this Bwindi lodge's footprint light.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
High on Nteko Ridge in the Nkuringo sector, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge looks across to the Virunga volcanoes. Stone cottages have fireplaces and private verandas, butlers look after each one, and the lodge was built with the Nkuringo community, who share in it.
Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs Lodge sits above the Munyanga River in the Buhoma sector, close to where northern gorilla treks set off. Suites open onto private terraces facing the forest, a two-bedroom family suite suits groups, and there is a spa for after the trek.
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge stands on the forest boundary in the Rushaga sector of southern Bwindi, close to where Rushaga treks are briefed. Its wooden chalets each have a fireplace for cold forest nights, with solar power and hot showers waiting after the trek.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Set on Nteko Ridge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge looks across the Kashasha valley to Nkuringo hill and the Virunga volcanoes. It began as a campsite and sits a short walk from the Nkuringo visitor centre, with stone cottages and a family villa facing the view.
Gorilla Valley Lodge
Near the Rushaga ranger station, Gorilla Valley Lodge steps down a steep slope on Bwindi's southern edge, so the forest is right below the rooms. Each has a private terrace, and the restaurant and bar sit at the top of the hill above the valley.