White water rafting on the Nile

Trip Start Nov 12, 2007
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Trip End Dec 17, 2007


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Flag of Uganda  ,
Thursday, November 15, 2007

We had to wake up at six to get on our way to the great Nile. We had to drive about 70 km which may seem as a short distance, but trust me that is a long way in Uganda, so after three hour on small roads and constructions work we arrived in Jinja. We meet up with the guides and prepared for the big day. We got set and got hour helmets on. My boat was the wild oat, and we took a bit more risks than the other boat. Just being in the Nile was awesome, but rafting was insane. The rapids were enormous and we got more than wet to put it like that. We fell out in the first real rapid, and I was flung in the air but I was able to hold on to the boat, Olav on the other hand floated down the river at a great pace J At he other great rapid it was the second boat to flip, and that was heavy shit because that rapid was enormous, and there was more rocks in that rapid. Just wait for the photos. After lunch we all ended up in the same boat. After a while we came closer to the great waterfall, a four meter waterfall!!! Some of the others went out, but I stayed. On the top of the waterfall we got stuck, and the boat turned. As we got loose, we went down backwards!!!! I was in front, so I was flying!!! None of us fell out, but I really wonder why not. We were alive. The last one was also cool, and we smashed into a giant white wave and I and the guide flew out. There were some massive waves and they were holding me under water for some seconds, but none harm done, I felt great!!! I could have written a book about this but time is a factor.
 
On the way back to the backpacker we drank beer and were happy and tired. We got back and continued the drinking, and had some food. After many beers we went to bed at one, only to be woken up by a bunch of Ugandans playing football at seven in the morning!!!! As I couldn't sleep I joined them and they were really nice. They are from the north of Uganda, Gulu, and we might hook up with them later. We went to the city of Jinja at day time, and it was a cosy and slow city. I bought a nice Ugandian shirt and tried to check my emails, which is not easy when you need 30 minutes to open the page. After a nice lunch we went back and went for a swim in The Nile. Interesting? Perhaps not, but if I say the word Mamba, it might be. As we were swimming I heard a noise in the bushes as we were in the river. I got scared and went on the shore. And what do I see. A one meter long black snake in the watershore!!!!!! I screamed snake and Bryce and Olav came up as well. I was two meters from a mamba in the water, that could have been fucking scary shit!!! They are lethal!!! The rest of the day I was a bit jumpy and saw snakes everywhere J The bus back to Kampala took for ever. Three hours on 70 km is slow, and we were tired as well. Now I'm back at the hostel again, and we are heading north tomorrow to see crocodiles, hippos, giraffes and more.
 
Except for the fact that the guy working behind the desk at the hostel is a complete asshole, the rest is really nice. People are friendly and the weather is nice, except for a strong thunderstorm two days ago. Next time I write I will have loads of great stories, so stay tuned for more happy days

Take care everyone
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