Best Ways Of Exploring River Nile

River Nile has its source on Lake Victoria Jinja in Uganda. River Nile flows through countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. The Nile course is the longest in the world and lots of interesting points can be found on this incredible river that attracted early explorers to search for its starting point.

 Some of the interesting points of the River Nile course in Uganda are the Source Of the river Nile at Jinja, White water rafting at Itanda Falls, Murchison Falls, the Bungee jumping point at Jinja, and others. The bank of the river Nile is spectacular, especially in Murchison falls National Park. Here several animals congregate to quench their thirst and cool off the day’s heat. It is also a magnet for several water birds including Albertine endemics.

How To Explore River Nile

By boat

Visit Murchison Falls on River Nile

On River Nile, you can sail using a launch from the pia through the Nile course to Murchison Falls. On the way, you may get to see several animals like herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, reedbucks, giraffes, oribi, lions, leopards, hartebeest, and several others. During the game drive on the Northern Banks of the River Nile, you may get to spot a number of animals like Uganda Kobs, and hyenas to mention but a few.

River Nile gives home to serried crocodiles and hippos that enjoy the freebie of River Nile. During the launch trip to Murchison falls, you enjoy an array of riverine birds that grace the river Nile banks. Watch out for the high cliffs from the rift valley remains where several birds nest.

As you get closer to Murchison falls, the boat turbulence changes resulting from the heavy splash of vigorous River Nile water that cascades down a 40 meters high cliff to continue with its course.

When the falls come into view, you watch River Nile squeeze through a 6 meters wide gorge and robustly clash on the rocks before bursting out violently to form a cloudy appearance. On a clear day, a rainbow may form right before your eyes.

When you disembark from the boat and hike to the top of the falls, you watch the most stunning yet adrenaline-stimulating point where all the thrilling action of the Nile happens. River Nile staggers over a bed of rocks for over 80 km before squeezing through the narrow bend. The power of the Nile course is most felt at this point.

Visit the Source of the River Nile In Jinja

The River Nile course commences from Lake Victoria where River Nile water separates from this freshwater lake to continue with its course. This dramatic point leaves you wondering what may be happening underneath as River Nile water departs from calm Lake Victoria water.

 Watch out for several birds that flock to the banks of the River Nile with its spectacular evergreen vegetation cover. Visit the Mahati Maghandi monument where the ash remains of this world-celebrated peace hero were scattered into River Nile.

While water Rafting On the river Nile

You do not need to have the experience to do while water rafting on River Nile. At Itanda falls are professional rafters that help you through all relevant procedures of this activity.

You can do tubing or kayaking on River Nile in case you are not thrilled by white water rafting. Ensure you wear securely your safety gadgets and peddle so that you all can get through the tides. White water rafting has levels but you can select where to end.

 Ensure you pack sunscreen because this is done under the sun and sun rays may affect your skin.

Spot Fishing on River Nile

Some part of the River Nile in Murchison falls National park is a gazette for spot fishing but you need to reserve a boat and captain to take you to this point. You need to seek a spot fishing permit from Uganda wildlife Authority to be allowed to take part in fishing on River Nile. Follow all the necessary guidelines given for a fishing safari on River Nile.

Ferry crossing on River Nile

To cross from the southern sector of the River Nile to the Northern sector you need a ferry crossing which is hourly except at 01300 hours and ends at 1800 hours every day. Ensure you arrive in the park at the designated times so that you do not wait a long time from one bank to cross to another side.

 Bungee Jumping on River Nile

During bungee jumping, you are held by a rope from a high cliff and let down a high Rift valley cliff  that looks over the River Nile course to torch the banks of River. This activity stimulates some adrenaline especially for those afraid of heights. It’s a thrilling adventure too when you succeed and are collected by a boat after touching the water surface.

By Road

Game Drives on the River Nile Northern Banks

This is amazing especially when you take the Buligi track of Murchison Falls National Park. This is the prime game viewing area for Murchison falls National Park. You may have the chance to see lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, statungas, giraffes and several others.

 Watch out for several birds that grace Murchison Falls National park including Black-headed Gonolek, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Green Winged Pytilia, and others. The abundant bird life of Murchison Falls National Park is enhanced by profuse of wildlife and a spectacular landscape whose lifeblood is the River Nile.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi Of Murchison Falls National Park

The forested part of Murchison Falls National Park is a great destination for chimpanzee trekking. Several primate species are residents of Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. You have to book a chimpanzee trek for this area. Two sessions that are morning and afternoon sessions are organized for chimpanzee trekking here.

You may spot other primates like black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, and others.

Birding In Murchison Falls National Park

Several birds flock the banks of River Nile to feed from there marshy supplies. You may get to spot birds like Silverbird, Spotted Morning Thrush, Verreaux’s Eagle owls and others

You need a professional and experience Uganda birding guide to direct you to the best spots where to locate certain birds in Murchison Falls National Park. You must have an escorting ranger guide to protect you when searching for birds in this park.

Quad Biking in Jinja On Nile Course

Quad biking along River Nile is interesting too as you go through the villages along the River Nile banks. You can take this interesting adventure in Jinja as you drive through local people’s gardens, homesteads, and others.

While driving, you enjoy the cool breeze from River Nile along the way throughout the villages.

When To Book Uganda Safari To River Nile

All year-round activities on River Nile are open and amazing. The majority are water activities but even on land like game drives. The dry seasons that is June to September and December through January give you enough time to observe the great wildlife that is in Murchison Falls National Park.

River Nile bisects Murchison Falls National Park into two sectors the southern and Northern sectors. Morning and evening drives provide an opportunity for wildlife viewing, especially the Buligi tracks where Uganda Kobs normally feed. It is very possible to watch animal drama here when carnivores snatch at the ungulates.  

In the low season which is March to May, there are so many infants because food for them to feed on is available. Limited car destruction and congestion because the number of tourists is limited too.

For Keen Birders, the Low seasons that is February to May is bird nest-building time and the birds are moving everywhere to make the best nests. Butterflies are so many too in case you need photos of these amazing insects, you can use this chance.

White water rafting is done all year round but the drier months June to September and December to January are most interesting.  There are less chances of having rains during this time under normal weather conditions. The tides on River Nile flow in a more stable direction during the dry seasons making it a thrilling white water rafting adventure.

What Else To Combine With River Nile Adventures

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda        

Gorilla trekking adventure is the most interesting primate safari in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park are the celebrated homes of the mountain gorillas in Uganda. You can make a combo of Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park and Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

You must reserve a gorilla permit per person per day to be in a position to attend this bucket list-worth activity for many tourists worldwide. Note that the number of gorilla permits released to the public is limited to a maximum of 8 permits.

Demand for gorilla trekking permits worldwide is high which is why a first come first served basis is used when reserving gorilla permits.

Ensure you overnight in the area closer to where your gorilla permit is booked for Bwindi Impenetrable National park so that you do not have to wake up early to drive and catch up with the briefing.

Chimpanzee Trekking In Other Parks

Although chimpanzee trekking can be done in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, you can also do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda destinations like Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale National Park is the largest home of habituated chimpanzees in Uganda hosting about 1500 chimpanzees. Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary is home to orphaned chimpanzees, homeless, and rescued chimpanzees that cannot be returned to their homes.

You need a chimpanzee trekking permit for Kyambura gorge and Kibale National park. Two sessions of chimpanzee trekking are organized per day that is morning and afternoon.

Game Drives in Uganda Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are homes to several wild animals that meander in the wilderness. During early morning and afternoon game drives, you may be able to spot a number of wild animals going about there day to day activities.

 Some of these animals include lions, leopards, zebras, cheetahs, oribi, jackals, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, reedbucks, topis, herds of elephants, cape buffaloes and so many others.

You can tailor an itinerary that follows activities on the River Nile and either of these game parks.

Birding On Uganda Safari

Uganda is a birding destination hosting more than 1000 bird species in different locations. You can do birding in any location along River Nile with other Uganda birding destinations like Mabamba Swamp, Mpanga Forest, Kazinga Channel Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bunyonyi Island, and others. Uganda is endowed with some of the renowned Albertine Rift endemics including those on the IUCN red list.

A few of Uganda birds you may get to see include shoe bill, Rwenzori Turaco, Alpine Chat, Scarce Grey-headed olive back, Western Green Tinkerbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Black bee-eater, African green broadbill, Red-necked Falcon, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and others.

Mountaineering in Uganda

 If you wish to check your level of fitness with a hike on Uganda’s highlands like Mountain Rwenzori, Mountain Elgon, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, and others.

To hike mountain Rwenzori, you need about 7 days of Return trip, expect to overnight at some of the set huts along the way. You need to reserve this hiking experience in advance so that arrangements can be made.

For a day’s hike to some of the mountains, you can climb Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhavura.

Sport Fishing on Uganda safari

 Uganda has several freshwater bodies other than River Nile where you can do sport fishing. You must book your fishing permit in advance. Book a boat and its captain in advance too. Carry your own fishing equipment so that you use it without fear of spoiling any of the hired equipment.

You can combine sport fishing with  activities on River Nile

Nature walks on Uganda Safari

Uganda has several locations where you can take nature walks. The Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National park, Lake Mburo national park, Botanical gardens in Entebbe, and others.

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