White Nile Paddling

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‘Uganda's Victoria (White) Nile’

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 is a big river and though in some places it’s wide and has it’s own sizable islands it is also quite deep and there are plenty of rapids, most of them larger volume grade four rapids but there are also some fives and Itunda, a five-plus, one of the largest commercially rafted rapids in the world, which is what many people would think of as a small waterfall. A few sets of these are usually portaged.

As well as the pure adrenalin of the white water, White Nile paddlers can expect to encounter exotic animals, friendly natives, crocodiles, hippos and other jungle sights and sounds. While you’re travelling thought you can visit Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls and the home of the Mountain Gorillas.

Because it’s such a big volume river, you can paddle the Nile all year round, but it’s better not to risk the wet seasons in April and November/ December when it can get pretty hairy without much notice and though your trip will be exciting it could also be short.

If you’re only looking for a one day trip there are a couple of options and several companies offering hire facilities etc. and you‘ll usually finish your journey by a coffee plantation.

5 / 5 Review by member chris.woodgers

‘Learn to kayak on the Nile’

Visiting the Nile is an adventure in itself, but why not take your experience to the next level and kayak on the world’s longest river? Kayak the Nile, based in Uganda, is known as “Africa’s Premier Kayak School.” The instructors are from across the globe, all being highly qualified kayakers from their home countries. Many are B.C.U. (British Canoe Union) qualified, and some are even on the Fluid pro kayaking team. Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced level classes are offered, along with Freestyle classes. A campsite in Bujagali Falls is the hub of this adventurous experience, with the nearby towns of Jinja and Kampala offering riverside shops and restaurants.

School Website

1 / 5 Review by contributing editor Sarah Clise