Whitewater Rafting in Uganda; This splendid life experience takes place along the Nile an Jinja town. Before John Hanning speak discovered the source of the river Nile and the arrival of the British colonialists, by that time Jinja was known as small fishing village on the banks of the river Nile. But when Uganda become a colony of Britain, the fishing village grew into a large trading Centre with the Nile River an important crossing point to the Eastern region of the Uganda all the way to Kenya. The town never stopped growing but it continued to grow as more and more Europeans, Indians and Uganda settled in it.
When the railway and hydroelectricity power was introduced in the place – Jinja in quick run turned into the most industrialized town in Uganda. Although, the turbulent Idi Amin regime between 1972 and 1979 which caused Jinja to start losing its position as the industrial hub of Uganda. The declining trend continued dispossessing the industries of the required expertise.
Fact, Jinja has never recovered it position even when the return of the Asians. Now, Kampala has overtaken it as the industrial Centre of Uganda. All was not lost though because while it lost its industrial status, tourism has flourished. Actually, visiting Jinja and Uganda is one of the great way to experience the beauty of Africa.
Besides the serenity of the Jinja town, visitors are attracted to Jinja because the river Nile and Lake Victoria. This is a perfect place for relaxation and rest after visiting Uganda’s National Park.
Furthermore, the river Nile offers some of the stunning adrenaline raising activities on the planet like Bungee jumping, Quad biking horseback riding and whitewater rafting which is the subject of this article.
Whitewater rafting is an amazing sport that teaches how to remain calm under great pressure of water. The chances to enjoy whitewater rafting from the longest river on earth is unforgettable. This activity is one of the best thing to do in Uganda which can be combined with a great gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park or game drive in Queen Elizabeth National park. More to that, river Nile has acted as the source of water for several civilizations.
This thrilling activity can be done in the middle of the river Nile while passing through chaotic and turbulent rapids. The Nile rapids in Jinja are graded in different grade 4 and 5 and all offer the perfect whitewater rafting experience in Africa. The rapids flow with more volume and power than those in river Zambezi.
However, the recent construction of the Bujagali and Isimba dams have led to the destruction of some the Grade 5 rapids like Namizi, the Bad place and Kyabirwa, whitewater rafting remains intact.
Rafting companies have had to extend and change their launching point and overall route, downstream but still offering the same adrenaline rush and spectacular scenery that it used to be.
What to expect during whitewater rafting in Jinja?
A day of whitewater rafting begins with early morning breakfast before being transferred to the banks of the river. All participants are advisable to leave their valuable dry clothes in the car with staff. The teams are given orientation about safely and what to expect. More, the orientation is maintained by the guides who are very experienced and knowledgeable about the area and rapids. Participants go through aspect of safety to ensure that all rafters have the perfect possible experience.
Other topic covered include;
How to get hold of the rope for safety.
How to paddle
How to fall out of the raft in the right way.
Participants are advised to remain calm as possible if they set over while holding their breath. Always travel with extra underwear and dry clothes. Carry clothes that dry fast because you will be in and out of water many times.
Before they set off for the activity, visitors are given an opportunity to choose between an easy or difficult grade. Different routes are prepared for the Grade 4 and 5 level or you can opt to do Grade 3 rafting.
Families have an option of going for the slower family float life experience designed to enjoy the river while avoiding the major rapids. All visitors are required to sign a form with details about any ailments. You cannot go for rafting with hypertension, you need be careful of your life. Once the orientation is done, helmets and waterproof jackets is bolt, the activity can begin. The first mile or so gives the guide more time to train all participants fully before the rapids get stronger and more perfect downstream. Whenever you access the next rapid, the guides arrange for a vote of whether to go through the easy route edges and the hardest way is middle. If the majority votes for the hard way, nothing you can do but be prepare for the challenge. The experienced rafters are taken to the strongest section of currents to permit them tip over.
Then, the inexperienced group encounters a large rapid, they have high chances to get out of their rafts and enjoy the walk around it. Steering through each rapid offers a different experience and depends on how the lead guide navigates.
The main route has got over 9 main rapids, four of which are grade. The rapids become stronger and quicker as you go downstream. From grade 5, rapids become stronger and quicker as you go downstream. In between the rapids are calm waters and Islands where you slow in rafting for you relax, swim, take lunch or get amazed at the beautiful scenery.
On a day of whitewater rafting can cover a distance of up 26 kilometers. While enjoying activity, expect to see locals fishing and drying their clothes by the riverside. More fact, Nile river in Jinja acts as a birders paradise with over 100 species. Interestingly, after the activity, you will have organized with a small party where participants are given free drinks and transportation back at the lodge.
Is White water rafting safe in Jinja Uganda?
Truly, whitewater rafting is 100% safe because the crew around is highly trained and experienced in navigating through the rapids. It is important to follow instructions from the guides for your safety and enjoyment. You will be given life jackets and strong helmets to safeguard them while they are on trip.
Talking about tripping over, you need to hold on to the ropes around the raft or raise their knees to their chest each time they connect beneath the waves.
There is no need of worrying that you might fall on rock –helmets are given to every participant for your safety.
What is the cost of white water rafting in Jinja Uganda;
The cost of white water rafting ranges between USD145 and 255 depending on what session you are doing – full day or half day.
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