The thrill of white water rafting the Nile
The thrill of white water rafting the Nile
The Nile River in Uganda calls people working for the thrill-seeking themed reality show to try out the exhilarating experience of shooting a rapid in a raft, but this is by no means an outline for white water rafting in Uganda. Instead, it’s one about how to get to the point of twice pivoting east and then north, and one about how to navigate through the two major parts of this prep guide and come out on the other side, or the bucket list side, as it were, of this thrilling activity.
About Jinja
Jinja commonly known as the adventure capital of East Africa is the main spot for water rafting on the Nile. It has colonial buildings, very active local markets and somehow looks like it has enough charm to draw one in. It is situated where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria and the current of the river is ideal for all that exploring. Formerly known as the ‘industrial center of Uganda’ some of its old factories can be seen dilapidated on the bank of the river but the town is full of life.
The Nile at Jinja has rapids of different classes ranging from class three to five. Based on the level of skill and the type of experience that may be used in the negotiation of these, they are numbered on a scale of 1 to 5. Class three rapids are suitable for the newcomer. Safe but very thrilling; one can say that they offer a real ‘rafting experience’. The rapids are good, with frequent waves and are easy to handle for the first-time rafters. On the other extreme of the scale, at a grade of five the rapids are considered to be wild. It is characterized by large waves and drops and many interesting challenges to overcome. If you are in for the ultimate white-water rafting experience that you can possibly have without getting killed, then grade 5 should be your choice.
Some of the famous branches include Big Brother, Overtime, and The Bad Place – names that may make one think that some parts of the river are rather wild, which is not entirely true. It is for this reason that Big Brother and Overtime are two of the most secure drops a rafter can come across; they are high, long and drop forward with a slight lurch and are dry and clean. The sole risk is to the aesthetic; it seems and is improper not to chuckle as the raft tips over these falls.
Safety precautions while rafting
Everyone who intends to go rafting is taken through a very comprehensive safety talk before they are allowed in the water. As for the raft’s passengers, the guides briefly explain the critical instructions that the rafters have to follow in order to avoid the most severe threats awaiting them downstream. You are provided with helmets, life jackets, and paddles if you don’t have any of the three mentioned items. . . It is our hope that it doesn’t and that you are not one of them. The other great asset which is an essential safety precaution is the presence of the river guide who is always with the raft.
A white-water rafting adventure that I took recently.
It is, therefore, quite apt that the first few gorges act as the appetizer to the main course that is the Nile. Staring at the river flow you can guess what is next. Then the first big rapid hits, and it feels like, in rather ugly terms, being slapped in the face. The raft moves through the wave train and then drops down the last fall with a rather steep plunge into the water splashes below. We are not professionals at river paddling and this ‘Eat your Wheaties’ section of the trip is proof to how much more adept the raft guides are in handling the raft than we are in obeying their commands.
The stretch of the Nile that we ran through was flanked by Greenacre. There was some time between the rapids where we could swim and snorkel in the water which was crystal clear and get a chance to see the birds and other animals. It is hard to even begin to describe how picturesque it was, the water even being the color of turquoise.
Each rapid presents a specific challenge that may not be present in others. The only similarity between them is that both are water tasks that challenge the team’s cooperation and test the readiness of the individual to respond at the right time in the right place. It is often advised that the paddlers plus the rider should sit at the front of the boat; you in the path of the main current and he in the path of the next large rock in the spirit of “riding the bull. ” “
It is moderately strenuous to engage in white-water rafting on the Nile River. It is suggested that rafters be in good health and at least know how to swim but no prior experience is needed. The guides will see to it that you are well-conversed with the basics prior to the trip.
The clothing should be something that can easily dry up such as a swimsuit or some athletic attire. Do not select something that is cotton, as this may become quite weighty when it is drenched. The recommended footwear is sandals with straps or water shoes but if you do not have them, sneakers shall do. But above all, do not use shoes that can be easily removed. Sunblock, caps, and eyeshades that will not easily fall should be worn at all times.
The rafting guides in Jinja are very professional since they are trained to the highest international standards of safety. They are real guides – they direct, they teach, and they make sure that all the people who go rafting with them will have one of the best times of their lives without any time feeling unsafe.
The Nile is not only about the adrenalin rush; it is also a way of getting to appreciate the culture and natural assets of Uganda. Because most of the rafting trips have cultural aspects, you get to have a feel of how the people living along the riverside live.
If you are a daring type and want to go for adventure then one activity you should not miss is white-water rafting on the Uganda Nile River. Picture this: You are in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, you are screaming through some of the best white water in the world, and at the end of it all, you can look back and say that you have conquered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Whether it is your first time or you have been rafting before, the Nile is an excellent place for everyone. Well, what are you waiting for then? Just head to Jinja and start this encounter with the wildlife.
