White Nile Paddling

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The White Nile starts it’s life as it tumbles out of the dam controlled mouth of Lake Victoria. At this point the river is officially called the River Nile and begins it’s 6700 km journey to the sea. However, to kayakers the world over – the first 35 km is one of the best 35 kms anywhere in the world.

Often over-shadowed by Africa’s most famous river, the Zambezi, the White Nile in Uganda is described by many as one of the world's finest kayaking destinations. The river is big and warm and has something for everyone, from flat sections and rapids from gentle class II to class V monsters.

But where the White Nile really excels is with it’s awesome playwaves. World class waves such as the Nile Special allow paddlers to practice and perfect their moves on some of the finest waves on the planet. With accommodation available just metres away people can park and play for days at a time, stopping to feed on fresh melon and fruit supplied by the fascinated local children who watch from the river banks - you really can't get much better than this!

For travellers and the less experienced kayakers it is possible to hop on a raft and head down the entire 35 km of world class whitewater over a two day trip. Hold onto your hats, it’s one hell of a ride!

(Note: there has been talk for many years about ‘damming the Nile’ but this talking has now been put into practice with engineers and construction companies finally heading to the area. But this is a big river and it has many channels. Yes, some of the rapids will be lost and some will be changed – but the White Nile will always remain and will always be a world class destination for kayakers and rafters the world over)

5 / 5 Review by expert member Ben Mason

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You can begin your journey down the White Nile almost straight from it‘s source, Lake Victoria, at the Owen’s Falls Dam, upstream of Bujagali Falls. This ... Read more »

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