Top Things To See And Do On River Nile

The top things to do and see on River Nile are mainly water related activities. River Nile is the longest River in the world that crosses Uganda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt to the Mediterranean sea as the delta.

Most Popular Safaris

3 Day Murchison Falls National Park safari

2 Day Lake Mburo game & Boat safari

3 Day Lake Mburo wildlife, boat & walking safari

4 Day Kidepo Valley Fly in Safari

3 Day Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari

3 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking safari

16 Days Primates, Game & Culture

19 Day Best of Uganda Safari

3 Day Fly in Gorilla Habituation Safari

5 Days Gorillas & Game Safari

Activities to do and see on River Nile in Uganda range from water to off shore activities some including white water rafting, viewing the source of River Nile, Game viewing, birding, Forest walks, Quad biking and others. To enjoy the best experience on River Nile in Uganda, tailor an itinerary to the different destinations situated along the Nile course.

Activities To Do and See on River Nile in Uganda

Jinja Part Of River Nile

White Water Rafting on River Nile

White water rafting on River Nile is a thrilling adventure which doesn’t require any experience. All that is required is determination to peddle through the rough tides. On ground there are experienced instructors who take you through the necessary steps and requirements. White water rafting in Uganda happens at Itanda Falls in Kayunga and Murchison Falls National Park where the water volumes is high

White water rafting has different levels that is high grade rapids but you can stop where you best feel comfortable. This is an adrenaline stimulating activity but very exciting to be part of.

Bungee Jumping at River Nile

Bungee jumping is an exhilarating adventure where you are let down the 44 meters high escarpments to touch the surface of River Nile. You are supported by a single rope that is securely tied to your feet and above the cliff.

Visit the source of River Nile

The source of River Nile was confirmed by legendary explorer John Speke in 1862 an expedition that had been a mystery dating back to the days of the Old testament. River Nile which is the world’s longest River crosses Uganda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt with a delta at Mediterranean Sea.

To get to the point where River Nile has its source, one needs to hire a boat from the pier. The source of River Nile is amazing to get too as during a dry day, you can observe the clear cut difference between River Nile water as it separates from lake Victoria water. River Nile water appears to be in a rush to start its journey while Lake Victoria water appear calm.

The mystery below this point that causes the difference in River Nile and lake Victoria water is still hard to determine.

Kayaking on River Nile

Kayaking is another activity you can be part of when on River Nile but you need to wear your safety gears to protect yourself from drowning.

Swimming in River Nile

If you are an excellent swimmer, you can cool off the day’s heat by swimming in River Nile but be careful not to get to the deeper ends of the River if you are not an expert swimmer. Avoid swimming to the hazardous parts of River Nile or stepping on the sleeper rocks in the River no matter how close to the ground it is.

Tubing in River Nile

Experience River Nile by taking on a tubing adventure. You can keep floating on River Nile using a tube and enjoy the cool environment around the point River Nile.

Horse Back Riding On River Nile

Enjoy River Nile from a different point by riding on a horse to explore the best parts of River Nile in Jinja. From the top of the horse you get to see vegetation along the banks of this River Nile, enjoy the flow of River Nile currents from a more elevated point.

Quad biking on River Nile Banks

Explore the spots close to River Nile banks especially in the village area on Quad bike. No need to have experience but on ground there are instructors to take you through a quick training. It is a perfect activity to do as a family on a visit to Jinja. You by pass gardens of the local, enjoy the cool breeze from the River banks.

Sunset Cruise and Boat ride

River Nile is breath taking when you take a boat ride on a clear day as the sun casts its rays on the surface of the river. When you look over to the river banks, you may spot a number of birds and vegetation that make part of the shoreline.

Visit to the Owen Falls Dam

The Owen Falls Dam is the oldest hydro electricity generating Dam in Uganda and a visit here gives you chance to walk into history. Over time, renovation have been made on this dam but all its former structure has not been put down. Where Bujjagali falls was a new Dam has been constructed but you can still visit where necessary.

Murchison Falls National Park Part Of River Nile

Game Drives

River Nile bisects Murchison Falls National Park into two areas where a number of wild animals that find space. By tacking a game drive on Buligi track, you may get the chance to spot a number of Uganda kobs that are residents of this area and a common spot for viewing lions in action.

While on game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, you may spot herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, hartebeests, oribis, leopards, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and others.

It is best to start the game drives in Murchison Falls National Park early as the early risers get out of there night hideouts and report for duty while nocturnal animals return home.

Launch trips to Murchison Falls National Park

The launch trip to Murchison Falls National Park is exciting with opportunities of spotting a number of animals that move down to the shoreline to quench thirst or enjoy a bath. The hippos and serried crocodiles are permanent residents of the River Nile course and you can spot them closer while on a launch trip. The banks of River Nile are flocked by a number of birds especially the water birds.

Murchison Falls is formed when river Nile staggers over a bed of rocks for about 80 kilometers then squeeze through the 6 meters wide gorge to form a cloudy appearance.

As you approach, the Murchison Falls, expect boat turbulence changes from the powerful fall of River Nile water that cascades the 43 meters high cliff to touch the floor of rift valley. Watching this point is amazing as on a bright sunny day, you may get the chance to see the rainbow form right before your eyes

Hike To the Top Of the Falls

A hike to the top of the falls while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park gives you an opportunity to the see where the fracas of Murchison Falls is generated from. Before Murchison Falls is formed, River Nile flows 80 kilometers over a bed of underlying rocks then push though the 6 meters wide gorge before pushing through to form the Falls.

The top of the falls is an adrenaline stimulating point however, you get the chance to see where it is all generated.

Birding on River Nile Banks

The banks of Rivers Nile provide a comfortable home for a number of water birds and these can be seen flocking here to pick some freebies. In Murchison Falls National Park, more than 350 species are residents of the park some of the birds you may find in Murchison Falls National Park include Black headed Gonolek, Silverbird, Vitelline Masked  Weaver, spotted Morning thrush and others. A number of water birds are often seen on banks of the river.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Do the chimpanzee trekking experience in Kaniyo Pabidi forest which is 8 kilometers from the Kicumbanyombo gate of Murchison Falls National Park. Chimpanzee are the closest human relatives with about 98 % human DNA. Even though these chimpanzees donot live on the banks of River Nile, there enjoy the breeze from this river which conditions the forest and the trees in it receive water which helps them survive.

To do chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi forest, you need a permit which you need to book in advance.

How safe is an adventure on River Nile

River Nile is a water body that may get dangerous in case you fail to follow the instructions given by instructors or the locals on ground when you take part in the activities along the banks. Ensure to wear the necessary safety gears especially if you have to sail on River Nile.

For activities like white water rafting on River Nile, ensure there are on ground instructors to take you through the necessary procedures but also participate in the adventure in order to enjoy the entire experience. Sometimes, River Nile water splashes on the rocks along its course but try not to step on them because they get slippery.

Do not try to swim in River Nile in case you are not a good swimmer especially at points where currents are heavy. There are spots along River Nile that are marked hazardous try not to get to them for your safety.

While in Murchison Falls National Park, note that no swimming is allowed in the waters of River Nile because crocodiles and hippos are common residents here.

When Is The Best Time To Do A Safari A Long River Nile

The best time for activities along River Nile is the dry season even though there are no major effects of the River in other seasons. During the dry season, River Nile course is more controlled so a number of activities along the river are done normally. During the dry season within Murchison Falls National Park, more animals are seen along the river banks as they move down to quench thirst or take a bath.

The wet season may also offer a moment to see an increase in water volume within River Nile course and during the launch trip to Murchison Falls National Park, you get to watch a more vigorous outburst of River Nile water through the narrow bend. The water gets high and flows faster than normal along the river Nile course.

Chances of spotting more infants during a Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park are more common in the wet season when the grass is higher to act as hiding spot for these vulnerable new borns.

What to Pack For a Tour Of River Nile

• Binoculars to get a clear picture of fur hidden animals and birds. Some times you may be incapable of spotting far ranging features or animals so you may need the assistance of binoculars.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from sun burns and to apply while at the pool in case your lodge has one. Even during outdoor activities like white water rafting along River Nile.
• When the dry spell heats Murchison Falls National park and inja that is expected between June to September, and Mid December to Mid January, temperature may rise to about 29 degrees centigrade.  You need to pack some light wear like sleeveless and shorts with flip flops. The color of clothes to pack must be dirt friendly like Khaki.
• Try to avoid bright colors because they may look suspicious to some wild animals and cause them to charge at you. The wild is dusty at times which may make your clothes dirty in case they brightly colored.
• A camera for taking memories of your honeymoon adventures in Murchison Falls National Park and Jinja
•  Some hard cash to exchange into local currency in case you need to have an on ground transaction.
•  Another fully charged buttery to switch with in case one runs low.
• Insect repellant as the wilderness has stinging insects that may hurt your skin.
• First Aid kit for just in case of any illness that is known to you.
• Toiletries just in case the lodge doesn’t provide as your skin may be sensitive to random supplies.
• Energy snacks to bite while on game drives and other activities in the pack.

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