Explore the Nile

Best time to visit River Nile

The time of visit varies depending on the seasons that’s wet or dry, however, you can explore the Nile all year long. The best months for are December – February and June – August with less slippery trails and great photography moments. The best time for birdwatching is March – September and Migratory bird watching in November – April. The wet seasons are April, and November with higher rains that may interfere with your activities.

However, due to global warming there has been a change in the rainfall patterns therefore this can change year after year.

Top Safari Activities on River Nile

Boat ride to the source of River Nile

When you arrive at the source of the Nile you will be welcomed by the traditional dances and folk songs of the Lusoga dialect. As you ascend inside the Nile, you will see a number of African craft shops with artifacts sourced all over the country with a Ugandan signature. You will be taken to a tour of the Mahatma Gandhi monument whose ashes were sparkled in the Nile after cremation in other rivers in the world.

Later you will take a traditional motorized canoe to the actual point of the source where John Speke declared Uganda as the source of the Nile.

At this spot you will see the difference in the flow of the river and lake waters separation and also, it’s a great photography spot. During the boat cruise you will have sights of different bird spices like Africa Fish Eagles, Great Comrades, pied King fisher, Cattle Eaglets

White Water Rafting

The River Nile is the best place that offers the best white water rafting activity in the world. The equatorial climate in Uganda has made it favorable for the activity to take place all year in Uganda. The stunning scenery and all year sunshine with short rainfalls spells make white water rafting unique and memorable. The water rapids in the Nile will offer you an adventure of a life time full of unmatched excitement coupled with pools of water for swimming and other wildlife. White Water rafting in Uganda is operated by three licensed companies that is Raft Uganda, Nile River explorer and Nalubale raft. Rafting only has one session every day and starts at 8am – 2pm everyday by all operators and each person pays $150. The rate is inclusive of boat, life jackets, rafting gears while at the rafting headquarters.

However, rafters have to arrange for their transportation and pay for there meals and Trek Africa Expeditions has these packages for you to choose from.

Bungee Jumping

This also happens on the Nile where a tourist jumps off a high point and descends downwards 40 meters to kiss the Nile waters. It takes a shorter period so we advise you combine it with other activities. This activity is operated at Jinja Nile Resort hotel and the permit costs $150 per person.

Quad Biking

This is the second popular activity that offers tourist an encounter with the local communities. The activity can be done by all tourists from solo travelers, groups, families to couples which comes with fun and excitement. The activity is divided in three categories that is 3 hours, half day or full day quad biking. We encourage all our guests to arrange the activity in advance for proper planning of your safari to the adventure capital. The price for the activity rangers from $60 – $150 per person.

Horse Riding

This will offer you a chance to enjoy Uganda’s country side with sights of farm lands, homestays and the people. This activity can be done for 2 hours, 5 hours or 8 hours and operated by horse riding Uganda. The activity will cost you from $60- $200 per person depending on the session chosen.

Biking on the Nile

This is an activity that is picking up and takes you to the different villages of Jinja that surround the River Nile. The routes include these villages: Bujagali trail, Bugembe trail, Mabira forest trail all with sights of Lake Victoria. The Mabira forest trail will offer sights of wildlife and birdlife like Monkeys, baboons, tree species and so much. Trip fees range from $20 – 100 for the bike and guiding fees

Jet Boating

This is done using a high-speed boat where tourist harp on as they hit the water rapids of the Nile with breath taking views. Jet Boating costs $150 per person for 3 hours

Where to stay at the Nile

There are a number of places to stay while on the Nile which ranges from Budget, Midrange to Luxury accommodation. Budget accommodation ranges from $30 – $150, Midrange from $200 – $250 and Luxury from $300 – $1000.

• Nile River Explorer Camp
• Crested crane hotel
• King fisher resort Jinja
• Jinja Nile Resort
• Wildwaters Lodge

For your planning purposes you can visit the Nile for a 1 day or multiple days depending on your budget. We recommend that you combine this tour with other classical places in Uganda like Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Jinja tour, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kidepo Valley National Park.

Furthermore, cross border safaris can be added in Rwanda like Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park. In Kenya don’t forget to add on the Masai Mara National Reserve for the wildebeest and Amboseli National Park for the big five. These combinations will just add a slice to your safari as you touch each of the East African countries.