Riding the Rapids: An Unforgettable Nile Adventure

The Thrill of the First Rapid

The first rapid on the Nile is a pure adrenaline rush. Expertly navigating the waves with a paddle, you’ll feel a sense of euphoria as you splash through the water. But when the raft overturns, you’ll experience a moment of helplessness as the river churns and pushes you along the rapid.

The unpredictable Nile

Rafting on the Nile is unlike any other river in the Western Americas. While you might strive to avoid being thrown into the river elsewhere, on the Nile, it’s not a matter of if, but when. Each time the raft tilts into an unrecoverable slant, you’ll find yourself back in the rapids, letting the river take you where it will.

A well-deserved rest

After the exhilarating rafting trip, you can jump into a calm section of the Nile to cool off. Half floating and half swimming to the pick-up zone, you’ll find a buffet of foods and beers waiting for you. It’s the perfect ending to a strenuous day.

The Call of the Nile

Even after such an adventure, the Nile has a way of calling you back. Watching videos of whitewater rafting can stir up that same adrenaline, making you want to do it all over again. But for those who prefer a less intense experience, there are ‘family routes’ that avoid Class 5 rapids in favour of Class 3, ensuring a more relaxed journey.

Kayaking and motorboat trips

For those seeking a more personal encounter with the rapids, kayaking trips are available. And for those who prefer to experience the river without doing any work at all, motorboat trips up the Nile let you speed through the rapids at a dizzying pace.

Choosing the Right Adventure

The two major players for these rafting and kayak trips are NRE (Nile River Explorers) and Adrift. Both have their own hostel grounds and campsites where you can relax and drink a beer with gorgeous views of the river. Adrift also offers a bungee jump for the more adventurous.

Booking your adventure

Bookings can be made directly with the companies or can be arranged through hostels and tour companies in Kampala. Day trips work well for those looking to take a quick trip to Jinja. However, due to the early morning pick-up, it’s much easier to simply travel to Jinja and arrange the trip in person.

Costs and packages

The costs of such rafting trips aren’t cheap, ranging from 100 to 140 USD, depending on the raft you use. However, you do get a fair amount of perks. All safety equipment is fitted and provided; transport and food afterwards are included; and a free night’s stay in a hostel room is also on board. A Wild Nile Jet speed boat costs 75 USD. An NRE sunset cruise will cost you 45 USD, and a kayak lesson or trip starts at 75 USD. A number of combination packages are also available from both NRE and Adrift.

The Nile Awaits

If you need a little shakeup from the everyday monotony of work and life in Kampala, know that the Nile awaits your splashdown. It is a rush, and it is amazing and terrifying. All in all, this is not an experience you’ll want to miss out on while in Uganda. edge browser The user has the page open in a Microsoft Edge browser window whose web page context is: