Expedition trips – Uganda – the White Nile

Expedition Trips – Uganda – the White Nile

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

General info on Uganda

Some descriptions from world-class paddler and guide, Stan Ricketts;

“> > Uganda’s definitely a very cool place. > > The river is truly amazing, classic big volume warm > water > > stuff in a very beautiful setting, lots of different channels so you can > > just run different rapids every day for a week!! The river is in a > shallow > > valley so it’s lush jungle islands teeming with bird life, fish, otters, > > monkeys, giant likkevaans (Nile monitors) and all sorts of interesting > > sights. > > As a play river it’s out of this world, with everything from massive big > > trashy holes too green waves to perfect little cartwheel slots. I> > t’s a winner > > place for kayak instruction as well. There’s 4 km’s of flat moving water above the first big > > rapid, with two class 2/3 rapids. We live at a camp on the banks of the Nile, and there are 7 play waves to > > choose from right in front of the camp, 2 of them absolutely perfect > > beginner waves with big eddies either side and down stream. Although you > > can run some super big and ballsy lines, in most of the rapids there’s > the > > ‘mild’ option where you can paddle a sneak route down the side for those > > feeling a bit sketchy. C> ome > > now, come all, and lets party!!

> > Stay cool in the cape ekse and tune howzit to anyone who cares.

> > Guidance and respect, Stan.”

People and culture

Situated at the geographical heart of the African continent, Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the 30-plus different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the hilly southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, relics of the hunter-gatherer cultures that once occupied much of East Africa to leave behind a rich legacy of rock paintings, such as those at the Nyero Rock Shelter near Kumi.

At the cultural core of modern-day Uganda lie the Bantu-speaking kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Ankole and Toro, whose traditional monarchs – reinstated in the 1990s after having been abolished by President Milton Obote in 1967 – still serve as important cultural figureheads. According to oral tradition, these centuries-old kingdoms are offshoots of the mediaeval kingdoms of Batembuzi and Bacwezi, which lay in the vicinity of present-day Mubende and Ntusi, where archaeological evidence suggests that a strongly centralised polity had emerged by the 11th century. Three former kings of Buganda are buried in an impressive traditional thatched building at the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala.

Elsewhere, Uganda’s cultural diversity is boosted in the northeast by the presence of the Karimojong, traditional pastoralists whose lifestyle and culture is reminiscent of the renowned Maasai, and in the northwest by a patchwork of agricultural peoples whose Nilotic languages and cultures are rooted in what is now Sudan. The Rwenzori foothills are home to the hardy Bakonjo, whose hunting shrines are dedicated to a one-legged, one-armed, one-eyed pipe-smoking spirit known as Kalisa, while the Bagisu of the Mount Elgon region are known for their colourful Imbalu ceremony, an individual initiation of young boys to manhood that peaks in activity in and around August of every even numbered year.

But for us, the main attraction will always be the magnificent White Nile … We have been running an annual trip for about 8 years now – come and join us!

PADDLEZONE 8 DAY ITINERARY

Saturday: Fly out from Cape Town International to JHB, connecting flight to Entebbe. Arrive early evening and drive to Camp.
Sunday: Warm Up section, Dam wall down to camp in the morning. Afternoon Bujigali Falls
Monday: Bujigali to Silver back morning run. Lake tour to source of the Nile in the afternoon.
Tuesday: Full day section with NRE
Wednesday: Head down to Kalagala falls and paddle 2 day section to Hairy Lemon
Thursday: Nile special surfing, possible paddle from Kalagala in afternoon.
Friday: transport back to NRE in the morning via town. Visit to the market. Silverback in the afternoon.
Saturday: Silver back and afternoon free for shopping etc.
Sunday: Early rise for Entebbe – flight to JHB and link to Cape Town International.

Dates

The trip datesabove represent the core dates of the trip. Participants who would like to alter the arrival and departure dates can arrange this with us prior to the trip – why not stay an extra week? If you choose to stay on longer, your trip price will not alter but you will be responsible for your accommodation and food costs, as well as your airport transfer for the rest of your trip. Off river activities and accommodation upgrades should also be arranged through us prior to the trip.

What does this include

Flights ex JHB or CT
Shuttles to and from Entebbe
Shuttles to and from Hairy Lemon
Shuttle to dam wall, day 1
One day rafting trip, including light lunch & dinner
Two days at Hairy Lemon with 3 meals per day
Camping fees at NRE or equivalent
Guiding and instruction on river and off

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get there?

We fly SAA, direct from CT/JHB to Entebbe, Kampala.

Do I need a visa?

Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa – for those who require one – can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport. Cost: $50.00 – make sure you have cash in US Dollars

Should I use a card, cash or travellers cheques whilst in Uganda?

Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against Visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, at Entebbe International Airport, and in a few other large towns.

What do I pay for?

You can expect to pay for the first dinner in Kampala, meals away from Hairy Lemon as well as the last celebratory dinner in Jinja. All drinks are for your account. The markets have a vast range of Aid clothing and shoes of good quality but not much in the way of curios. Food, depending on what you want, is really good value.

Do I need any Inoculations

Yellow Fever vaccinations are compulsory and you’ll need proof for your visa. Hepatitis A is highly recommended. Inoculations should be given at least 10 days before the trip in case of any adverse reactions.

What about Malaria?

Uganda is a malaria area so contact your doctor or a travel clinic to select the best anti-malarial for you. A tip for those considering Larium – make your doctor aware of any mental health problems you (or a family member) may have had as Larium is NOT recommended for people who’ve had previous cases of depression etc. Also, if you do opt for Larium, make sure you take a test dose a while before the trip to check that you don’t have an adverse reaction. Naralone is very good but not widely available – some travel clinics offer it.

How do I get my boat there?

Your boat is included in your baggage allowance. The best is to pack all of your paddling gear into your boat, seal it with an old spraydeck and wrap it in bubble wrap or plastic. Wrap your paddle up well and get ‘Fragile’ stickers from check in. Your boat and paddle will be checked through as ‘outsize luggage’. If anyone asks, you are travelling with a paddleski

How much space do I have for my personal gear?

Your personal gear has to be packed into your hand luggage unless you are willing to pay for excess baggage. Fortunately, you won’t need much clothing and can travel light. Uganda is almost on the equator so weather is usually mild to warm.

What is the river like – how experienced do I have to be?

This is a high volume river with warm water. You can be a novice paddler but you’ll need a solid roll to avoid lots of swims. Experts will also find plenty to challenge them on the more difficult lines. The White Nile offers everything from Class 2-3 rapids to Class 5-6 and above! This is big water paddling at its best. The average flow runs at between 800cms to 1500 cms. The river is split into a vast array of channels and you could run a different channel every day for a month! It is essentially a play river with a large number of waves and holes to play in with big eddy’s and warm water. Bliss! We will ease into the big water slowly to be able to gain confidence. This is a guided trip so safety is our priority and top SA paddler Andrew Kellett will offer guidance and instruction where appropriate.

Where will we be staying?

The basic trip price includes camping at a campsite right on the river. You also have the option to upgrade to a dormitory, a 2 person ‘Banda’ or a luxury tented camp but this MUST be pre-booked with us. All of these options are in close proximity so the group won’t be split up.

Two nights will be spent at the Hairy Lemon Camp – an awesome spot on an island near to one of the best playholes, Nile Special. Here, accommodation is in dorms but, again, you have the option to upgrade.

Where will we be eating?

Besides the meals provided in the package, we will normally eat at NRE or from a vendor out side NRE. There are also some local restaurants we might eat at depending on the concensus. Lunch and dinner will be provided when you accompany a rafting trip as well as all meals during your stay at the Hairy Lemon . Work on approx $10 per meal and and less if bought from local vendors. You’ll also need to allow for at least one meal out in town for your own account (approx $15-$20).

What options do I have for accommodation?

Dormitory: Add …….. to trip price

2 person banda: Add ………per person sharing to the trip price

Nile Porch Tented Camp: Add ……. per person sharing to the trip price

All prices approximate – contact us for a quote.

Is the trip suitable for non kayakers?

There are various excursions available for non kayakers, on and off the river. For example;

1 day rafting trip: R900 – R1100.00pp
Visit to village community project: recommended donation of R150.00
Day or overnight visit to Chimp Sanctuary in Lake Victoria: cost depends on accommodation and transport used but chimp permit is around R500.00
Visit to Jinja Market: a real African experience
Horseriding

What should I pack?

Lightweight tent (arrange to share with one of the others on the trip to reduce the weight)
Light sleeping bag – temperatures are mild to warm
Roll mat
Paddling gear – warm water so you don’t need anything too heavy
Personal clothing – generally lightweight stuff is best, remember a fleece for the evenings and light, long pants, socks and long sleeved shirt (anti-mosquito)
A light rain jacket is recommended.
Mosquito repellent, anti-malarials
Toiletries
Spending money (drinks, meals, souvenirs)

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