Christmas in Uganda-Rafting the Nile

The second part of our trip started Christmas day as we headed from Mbale to Jinja.  After a short trip on some really nice roads, we made it to the Nile River Camp.  The Nile River Camp is owned by the Nalubale Rafting and its a great little backpackers place where you can camp, stay in dormitories or get a safari tent right on the Nile River.

Sunset on the Nile

Josh and I pitched our tent and then headed over to the neighboring camp for a sun downer and spectacular views over the river.  Not much can beat enjoying a beer on the banks of the iconic Nile on Christmas Day.  After capturing a few shots of shots of the sunset, we went over nicer hotel next door for a delicious Christmas meal.  Originally Josh and I had planned on being home for Christmas dinner and making our own pizzas, but this meal was just as delicious.  We ordered chili matoke (a potato-like banana) chips to start.  I don't know why we haven't had anything like this in Kenya yet, but I'm planning on seeing if I can replicate them.  Josh enjoyed his half rack of ribs and I dived into a plate of chicken fajitas.  Knowing we had rafting the next day we went back to the tent in hopes of getting a few more hours of sleep.  Little did we know that most of the others there didn't have the same idea we did.  I think the music went on till about 4 that morning!

Practicing before heading out.

The next morning the nerves were in full force as we caught a taxi into town for the rafting.  We headed to Nalubale's headquarters to complete the paperwork, meet with our guides and get a little breakfast.  From there we donned our helmets and life jackets and jumped in the truck.  Due to the new dam on the river, the rafting companies were forced to start their excursions further down the river than they used to.  This translates to a long bumpy ride to and from the launch sites.  Not so good on the nerves or the stomach.

Pouring down rain as we head over the first rapid.

The first hour or so was spent going over basic safety in the raft and the proper procedures in case we were to flip the raft.  About this time the clouds started to look a little darker and thunder was rumbling in the distance.  Just when our guides Bob and Abbey decided we were good to go, the skies opened up and started to pour.  We were wet already; no big deal, right? Normally yes, but it was cold.  Luckily paddling worked rather nicely to keep us warm.

Rapid Time!

Then it was rapid time!  I cannot tell you how nervous I was going over the first rapid.  I didn't know what to expect and really really really didn't want to fall out of the raft.  (Yes I know that seems rather unlikely given the situation) We paddled into the first rapid hard and all jumped down when our guides gave us the signal.  The rapid was a twisting serious of rock and we ended up going over the last part of it backwards.  After a few rapids under our belts, I was getting semi comfortable.  Some rapids were a serious of twists like the first but others were one wave after another.  The wave rapids were the most dangerous in my opinion.  They crashed down over the boat and sent it twisting in one way or another.

Here we go! Love Josh's face!

The last rapid of the morning brought some sunlight and a little more nerves.  First we had to portage the boat over some serious grade 6 rapids (grade 6 = not doable) then put in right before the waves started.  This rapid, named "The Bad Place", lived up to its name.  We hit two serious waves before floating down to our lunch spot.

Going over the first rapid backwards.

After a quick lunch we were back in the boat and headed for rapids 5-8.  The second part of the day was my favorite for many reasons.  One we were blessed with sun and two the rapids came quicker with less paddling in between.  This overall was better for my nerves.  My favorite rapid of the afternoon was called "Hair of the Dog".  It was a series of twists followed by two large waves at the end.  Luckily we managed to stay in the boat, my overall goal for the day.

Hitting some rapids.

By the last rapid we were loving being in the water.  The other guys in our boat were itching for a little more excitement and were hoping to flip the boat.  Still not wanting to go under, I bailed to the safety raft and headed down before everyone else.  As we passed by the rapids the boat would soon go through, my driver said, "Wow, its high.  They are never going to make it through.  This is going to be great to watch."  Loving his philosophy on it all I sat back and wait to see them go under.  They hit the rapid dead on but the wave took the boat to almost a vertical stance.  From there it only went down hill.  Most of the passengers had abandoned ship by this point, including Josh.  Bob, our guide, was the only one left hanging on as the boat hit another wave and went up on its side.  Finally the boat flipped completely coming down on Josh and the rest of the crew.

The boat hits the first wave before flipping.

Now it might be horrible to say, but I loved watching them flip.  All I saw was the raft go up and then come down without anyone in it.  Then here comes seven helmets floating down the river followed closely by four paddles.  The whole time the safety boat driver, Abed, was laughing. As soon as we got away from the rapid everyone jumped in the river and floated the remainder of the way down the river.  At the end we were greeted with a cold Nile Special in honor of the last rapid.  After that it was back in the truck for a long trip back to camp.

Bob hangs on till the last minute.  Note Josh is the one in front holding on to his glasses.

Rafting with Nalubale was amazing.  The guys were extremely laid back yet provided a secure experience.  I never once doubted their ability or their dedication to safety   I'm so glad that we were able to raft with them and really suggest that if you are in Jinja you check them out.  Check out their site here.

Overall the rafting and the holiday were amazing.  Josh definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone with this trip and I am SO glad he did.  I mean how many people can say they were rafting on the Nile?  Paragliding in Africa?  Yeah I thought so....