Small Group • Uganda
2 Days Jinja Adventure and White Water Rafting
Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest, the Source of the Nile and a day on the rapids
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- East Africa
- Duration
- 2 days
- Departures
- Fixed dates
- Party size
- Up to 8
Jinja is 85 kilometres east of Kampala on the shore of Lake Victoria, where the Nile begins, and it is Uganda's adventure town. This trip gets you there the slow way, with a walk to Sezibwa Falls and a trail in Mabira Forest on the drive out, a boat to the Source of the Nile in the late afternoon, and a night above the river.
The second day is the rafting: the Grade V rapids of the White Nile with certified guides and safety kayakers, then lunch and the drive back to Kampala by evening.
It suits anyone who wants two active days without going far, and first-time rafters are as welcome as old hands.
Highlights
What you'll experience
Sezibwa Falls
A short guided walk to the twin cascades, with paradise flycatchers in the riverine forest and the story of the site's place in the Buganda kingdom.
Mabira Forest
Uganda's largest surviving lowland rainforest, walked on a foot trail with monkeys in the canopy and more than 300 bird species, grey parrots among them.
The Source of the Nile by boat
A slow boat from the Jinja waterfront to the point where Lake Victoria releases the White Nile, with marabou storks on the papyrus and cormorants drying on the rocks.
Grade V white water
The rapids below Jinja are among the most reliable Grade V runs in Africa, run with certified guides and safety kayakers.
Why choose us
Why choose a Small Group Journey?
A guide who grew up on the river
Every departure uses a certified Jinja-based naturalist guide who knows which stretch of Mabira holds the grey parrots in the morning and where the fish eagles perch.
Eight guests at most
On the water that means fewer rafts and more time reading the river. On the boat to the source it means the guide can wait for the kingfisher to land.
Safety without theatre
Our rafting partner holds international swift-water rescue certification and keeps safety kayakers in every rapid. The rescue is practised, not just discussed.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest and the Source of the Nile
After an early breakfast at your Kampala hotel we drive east along the Jinja highway, through sugar and tea estates as the land flattens towards Lake Victoria.
About halfway we stop at Sezibwa Falls for a guided walk down to the twin cascades. The air is cooler and smells of wet rock, the guide points out the strangler figs and tells you why the Buganda court held the river sacred, and paradise flycatchers are near enough guaranteed in the riverside trees. Further on, a marked trail at the edge of Mabira Forest takes you under the closed canopy, where red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys move through the upper storey.
By mid-afternoon you are in Jinja. After checking in, a boat takes you out to the Source of the Nile, the point where the lake gives way to the river's pull north, with birdlife along the papyrus. Dinner and the night at your lodge above the river.
Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Rafting the White Nile, then back to Kampala
Breakfast, then the rafting briefing. The Nile below Jinja has some of the most consistent Grade V white water in Africa, and the day is run by professional instructors with safety kayakers in every rapid. First-timers are fine: the briefing is thorough and the swim, when it comes, is warm.
Lunch after the river, then the drive back to Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
Optional extras in Jinja, at additional cost, include kayaking, quad biking, horse riding, a sunset cruise, zip lining, island trips and bungee jumping.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Return road transfer from Kampala to Jinja in a private 4x4
- English-speaking local naturalist guide throughout
- Guided nature walk at Sezibwa Falls, entrance fees included
- Guided forest walk in Mabira Forest, entrance fees included
- Boat trip to the Source of the Nile
- Full day of Grade V white-water rafting with certified guides and safety kayakers
- All rafting safety equipment: helmet, life jacket, wetsuit
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- One night's accommodation in Jinja
- Mineral water and snacks in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, unless listed as included
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Fixed departures
A shared departure of up to 8 guests. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
12 years for the rafting. Younger children can join the Sezibwa and Mabira walks and the boat to the source
Safari Duffel
A soft bag or day pack. Hard cases stay at your Kampala hotel
First Group Event
Departure briefing at your Kampala hotel at 07:00 on Day 1
Last Group Event
Drop-off at your Kampala hotel or Entebbe airport on the evening of Day 2
Guaranteed Departures
Departures run with a minimum of two guests confirmed
Alternate Sightseeing
If water levels make rafting unsafe, we offer kayaking or a sunset cruise instead at no extra cost