White water rafting the source of the Nile River
Trip Start
Apr 21, 2008
1
16
225
Trip End
Apr 20, 2009
Jinja,
Uganda
Monday, May 5, 2008
Today I went white water rafting on the source pf the Nile River. It was a good time. There were only two other "tourists" on the raft with me plus 2 guides. We also had a support raft and a few kayaks providing support as well. The 2 other guys were from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Apparently, there aren't many places in the world that offer such a great white water rafting experience. It was a bit pricey ($125 US) but if this is supposed to be one of the best places for rafting, then I had to do it. Furthermore, a dam is being built nearby which would have a major impact on some of the rapids so it was now or never to do this thing.
As for the dam, I was told that the Egyptian government already warned the Ugandan government that if at any time there water supply is going to be impacted, they would come over with jets and blast the walls down. Talk about pressure for the engineers and construction workers.
Half of the rapids were Grade 5 rapids. I think the highest grade is 6. There is a Grade 6 rapid here but it's way too dangerous. We actually had to carry our raft on land to avoid the Grade 6 rapid. Good thing as it was pretty scary. It was also a good thing as our raft flipped half the time we hit a rapid - regardless of its grade. I must have fell off more than anyone else probably because my side of the raft tipped over more than the other side. It's not fun when the rapids are tossing you left and right and you have no idea when you are going to hit the surface of the water. There is always that split second where you are wondering if you are ever going to find the surface. But of course as soon as you think that, you find it.
I was glad we were the only boat. The previous day there were 7 boats out there because an overland tour group came to visit. I liked being the only boat as we had the whole river to ourselves. Besides a few fisherman, we were the only ones out there.
Speaking of overland tour companies, I almost decided to use one while in AFrica. I am so glad I didn't. Everyone I met from the overland tour group seemed like they were only in AFrica to get drunk and act like an idiot. I am so glad I decided to just use public transportation to get around.
Back to the rafting experience. The scenary along the river was fantastic. It was lush green on both sides. Very peaceful between the rapids. We just relaxed on the raft in between fighting the rapids. We didn't see much wildlife. A few fish eagles and an otter or two.
Not many people live along this part of the river as there isn't a road close by. Once in a while you would see bare chested Ugandan women washing clothes by the side of the river while their children were playing nearby. Also, some kids would jump into makeshift boats once they saw ours and would row up to us and ask for some gifts. Our guide would throw them some biscuits.
When we finished our rafting trip, we got a ride back to the hostel. There is a lot of poverty in the area. People living in small brick or clay houses that they built themselves. I noticed a lot of the young kids not wearing any clothes - some had inflated bellies indicating they are malnourished. I've been to a lot of poor countries so this isn't eye opening for me but it still is very sad to see. Most of us will never understand how good we have it. Most of the things we have can be viewed as a luxury after seeing what these people survive on.
While driving back, you have lots of Ugandan children running up to the truck to wave hello. It's common to see this. Some yell out "Hello Mazungu" which means "Hello White Person". I hear the term Muzungu everywhere I go.
The Ugandans are very hospitable and polite. I sometimes have a local approach me and want to chat for a while. Most are interested in our lifestyles back home and why we are visiting Uganda. I never say I am travelling for a year. It just doesn't seem right that I tell people that have to struggle every day of their life that I am travelling for a year. I can't imagine what would go through their mind after I told them that.
I hope evryone is well back home. Too bad the Habs got eliminated.
Dino
