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Whitewater
rafting in Kenya
The
spectacular scenery and wildlife of Kenya, combined with the excitement
of white-water rafting, makes for a totally unique safari. Whether
it may be a short one-day trip from Nairobi or a multi day safari
through Samburu, rafting on one of Kenya’s rivers will provide
you with a diversity of experiences unmatched in other parts of
the world. Alternatively, specialists can customize a river experience
to fit your request, from a serene and scenic “float”
along a picturesque waterway to an adrenaline surging ride down
a wild, raging white-water river.
Four rivers
are available with international classification of difficulty ranging
from calm up to Grade 5. For short one day or overnight trips, the
Tana and Mathioya rivers are used.
For longer rafting trips of three days or more, the Athi
and Ewaso -Ny’iro rivers are offered. The
level of luxury can be tailored to suit your needs, varying from
a completely self-contained expedition with all gear and food being
carried in the boats, to trips where all equipment, food, etc is
carried in the Land rovers and the camp is pre-erected for your
arrival. Hot showers, good beds and drinks are waiting at the end
of each day. The Athi and Ewaso-Ny’iro rivers flow through
remote areas where wildlife abounds-crocodile are always seen, hippo,
gazelle, giraffe, buffalo, etc are regularly seen, and occasionally
lion, elephant and leopard. As the banks of the river are usually
wooded, birdlife is abundant, varied and spectacular.
Click here for pictures of rafting
in Kenya
Whitewater
rafting in Uganda
In
Uganda, white-water rafting is centred around Jinja on the shores
of Lake Victoria. A bustling agricultural and industrial town, Jinja
is Uganda’s second city and a major marketing centre for the
country’s southern region. The town offers a variety of recreational
facilities for tourists and residents alike but is also renowned
as the “Source of the Nile”, the world’s longest
river. It is from here that the Nile begins its majestic journey
to the Mediterranean, 6700kms away. But don’t worry, we will
not be rafting that far…only the first 20kms or so. Jinja
is approximately one hour’s drive from Kampala and is easily
reached by local matatu taxis that provide regular services throughout
the day. There is a variety of accommodation available in and around
the town, ranging from basic camping (US$2-$3) to mid-priced hostels
(US$20-$30).
There are three main operators providing white-water rafting trips
on the Nile. These are ADRIFT, EQUATOR RAFTS
and NILE RIVER EXPLORERS. They all offer daily
departures subject to minimum numbers. The distance rafted on a
full day trip is approximately 20-25 kilometres and all provide
lunch, drinks and end of trip BBQ. The cost for a day's rafting
varies between US$65-95 depending on which company is used.
Click here for pictures of rafting
in Uganda
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