The river nile
The Nile River in Africa is the longest river in the world measuring at about 6,650 kilometers in length. The Nile’s journey starts in Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest Lake. The river and its tributaries run through eleven countries which include; Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, the Republic of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and finally Egypt; before it finally reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
Along its path, it brings life across the North-eastern part of the African Continent. This force of nature grows calm at the edges of the Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, and are located in the northern part of Uganda, in Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls are a stunning monument to the Nile’s power, which gives life to a vast majority of wildlife such as birds, butterflies, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and the Nile crocodile.
Activities Done on the Nile River in Uganda.
Tourists visiting Uganda can explore the beautiful and vast Nile River from two outstanding locations in the country, Jinja City and Murchison Falls National Park. There are a wide range of adventure thrilling activities that visitors can engage in while explore River Nile, and these include;
White Water Rafting:
Rafting on the Nile is such an exciting activity that will send the adrenalin rush through your entire body. This activity marks one of the highlights of any tour on River Nile. White water rafting activities are conducted in Jinja City with a number of companies and resorts offering rafting as a tour package. Visitors looking to take part in rafting activities in Jinja can check out the following service providers; Nalubale Rafting, White Nile Rafting Company, and Nile River Explorers among others. These service provides offer their guests a range of rafting course from Grade 1 to Grade 6, depending on the experience of you the visitor. Visitors can choose to either do a full day rafting trip or half day rafting experience.
Bungee Jumping:
Bungee Jumping activities are offered by the Nile High Bungee Company in Jinja City, in Uganda. Bungee jumping is such an interesting sport that is not for the faint of heart. Visitors can take a leap of faith and jump from the bungee tower which stands at a height of 44meters above the ground.
Boat Cruise:
Going on a boat cruise along the Nile River is one of the best ways for any visitor to explore the Nile. You can take either a morning or evening boat cruise to relax and unwind with friends and family, while sipping a cold drink and watching the sunset late in the evening. Boat Cruise trips are offered by Adrift, Samuka Island, and Jinja Sailing Club in Jinja Town and also Murchison Falls National Park. There are lots of wildlife to see while on a boat cruise such as; different bird species, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes among others, if you are in Murchison falls national park.
Kayaking:
Visitors interested in water sport activities on the Nile can take part in kayaking the Nile. Kayaking activities can only be done in Jinja town. There are a variety of kayaking activities that visitors can take part in such as; White Water Kayaking, Tandem kayaking, and Flat Water Kayaking. Kayaking is a great way for visitors to experience the thrill of White water kayaking on the Nile River.
River Bugging:
River Bugging is a unique way for visitors to experience the Nile. Although this activity is very popular in Europe and America, it has also become popular among tourists visiting Uganda over the recent years. This activity involves visitors getting into small inflatable crafts with an inflatable tube on either side of the user, and an inflatable back rest behind. Visitors get to sit in between the tubes and can be well secured into the craft using a waist strap, if so you choose. All visitors doing river bugging on the Nile are provided with a pair of webbed gloves, fins for your feet, and other safety gear like helmets. River bugging activities can only be done in Jinja town and are offered by reliable companies such as Adrift Uganda. No prior knowledge or experience is required from visitors who are interested in doing river bugging activities.
Jet Boating:
Jet Boating activities are also conducted on the Nile River in Jinja town. This activity offers visitors an exhilarating and memorable experience of the Nile during your visit to Uganda. Most of the speed boats can carry a maximum of 12 people, and hence are the ideal sport for visitors looking to spend quality time with friends and family.
Sport Fishing:
Sport fishing is one of the most exciting activities to do for any visitors looking to have a feel of the Nile. Interested visitors can take part in sport fishing activities and tournaments that are conducted on River Nile, and this can be done in Jinja and Murchison Falls National Park. Visiting taking part in sport fishing activities can catch large fish species such as the Cat Fish, Nile Perch and Tilapia among others. Visitors are always advised to carry their own fishing equipment in case you planning to take part in such sport fishing activities. Visitors planning to do sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park will have to purchase a fishing permit at a fee of USD 50 dollars per person.
Other activities that visitors can do around the Nile River include; River Boarding, Camping, Bird Watching, Hiking, Golf, Quad Biking, Mountain Bike Riding, and Horseback Riding to mention but a few.
Accommodation Facilities around River Nile:
Visitors planning to spend one or more days at the Nile River can find accommodation in the following places;
In Jinja, visitors can stay at; Jinja Nile Hotel, 2 Friends Guest House, Nile River Explorers Backpackers Lodge, Adrift Nile High Camp, Samuka Island, and the Haven Eco River Lodge among others.
In case you happen to be exploring the Nile from Murchison Falls national park, you can stay in the following lodges; Paraa Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and Chobe Safari Lodge among others.
Getting to explore the Nile River from Uganda is one of the most exciting and thrilling adventure experiences that any tourist could ask for. River Nile plays a big role to the tourism industry of Uganda, since it gives life to most wildlife animals living near the river itself. Visitors can combine a visit to the Nile River with other activities such as a game drive, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, and birding tours among others.
Contact us now to book your 2 Days Safari in Jinja and get a chance to experience the Nile at its best.
