Adventure tourism is an indispensable tool to exploring the beauty of nature. Mother Nature has numerous mysteries to offer and to reveal them, one should be enthusiast. When adventure is mixed with sports, it makes a whole new world of life changing experiences, joyous moments, overcoming fears, celebrating passion and much more. Looking to exploring Uganda, the Pearl of Africa? Below are some of the adventure sports one can do while on a Uganda safari.
Hiking and mountaineering
Are you are an active tourist with hunger for hiking expeditions? Would you like to have some of the best scenic views in the world? Then, the best way to experience the lush green heart of Uganda is to hit the mountain trails. During a hiking safari in Uganda, you will be able to surround yourself with the breathtaking views of the tropical paradise of Uganda. While on safari in Uganda, hiking can be done on half day basis, full day or even more days depending on what mountain or hill you are hiking. Most hikes in Uganda will enable you discover mountain ranges, indigenous forests, lakes and rivers with special focus on our flora and fauna which is also accompanied by the stories and legends of the trails you trek.
Uganda has experienced a lot of volcanic activity along the East African Rift Valley which has led to the formation of various high peaks and beautiful scenery. Some of the commonly hiked mountains of Uganda include; Mountain Elgon with its highest peak Wagagai towering to 4321 meters above sea level, Rwenzori mountains with the Magherita Peak on Mount Stanley rising to 5109 meters above sea level. There are also threee Virunga volcanoes where you will find mountain Muhavura at 4127 meters, Mountain Mgahinga at 3474 meters, and Mountain Sabinyo at 3669 meters etc. For miderate hikes, there are several other places where you can go hiking. Please notet that the hiking adventure activities are done all year round and can be done by both professional climbers and amatuers.
Quad biking
This is one of the active adventures done in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. You can participate in this adventure with your family and definitely your kids can participate. Anyone can ride a quad bike so, previous experience is not necessary. You will ride through the Bujagali bush and explore the rural side of Jinja. This activity gives you experience the Ugandan village life where by you will see people passing through their daily chores! On a normal working day, you will see people planting their crops, harvesting and drying their millet in the sun. You might also see some ladies carrying food on their heads like a bunch of matooke, jack fruit and also some carrying fire wood, taking it home.
This activity is managed by a local tour company known as All Terrain Adventures that have experienced guides who will guide you through out the activity and will provide you with all the necessary equipment for the activity. You can do quad biking any time of the year.
Bungee jumping
Jump over the Source of the Nile and get your nerves tingling in one of the world’s bungee jumping centers of the world – Jinja. You will jump from at 34 meters tall height and dive straight into River Nile or just swing over it. Adrift Uganda manages and provides the best services for this activity. It is one of the activities not to miss out on your Uganda safari.
White water rafting
One of the most adventurous things to do on a trip is to go river rafting. River rafting is one of the most thrilling experience one could ever come across in his/her lifetime. So, if you are planning a vacation in the coming months, then in order to make your trip the most enduring and unique one, you must go to a place which offers good white water rafting experience. Get out of the comfort zone and try out something new! Raft the wild waters of the Nile River and experience Africa differently. Make your personality an adventurous one and try the most amazing river rafting experience. If you are already one of the adventurous ones, then white water rafting will surely make your trip the most memorable one. Get over your water phobias and enjoy the amazing and thrilling experience of river rafting
This activity is a leisure sport that has become popular in recent years and is always on most Uganda tourist list. The activity allows you to navigate through the world’s longest river – River Nile. The most renowned river in Africa, this white water rafting trip is a must do for all those who want to talk big. The activity can be done half or full day, a full day rafting will take you through 5 waves which range between grade 3 and 5. The full day raft will take you around 5-6 hours and the experience will be one that you will always have to talk about.
Boat trips
Boats are always looked at as a way to see the world; in most cases, boats are the best and frequently the only way to properly see a destination. Uganda provides some of the most exciting areas for boat trips while on a Ugandan safari. The country has many rivers, lakes and channels where boat trips can be done. Popular water bodies include Lake Victoria which is the largest flesh water lake in Uganda, River Nile the longest river on the planet, Lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest lake in Uganda plus Kazinga Channel which is the largest natural water channel in the world. You would not like to miss boat trips on one of the above mentioned water bodies once in Uganda.
These water bodies will present you with a variety of water birds that are so interesting to see like the African fish eagle, pied kingfishers, African Jacana, Great White Pelican, Saddle billed stork, Cormorants, Hadada Ibis among others.
Horse riding
Horseback riding is not a very common activity in Uganda! However this is one the most exciting adventure. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to tour the country’s attractions. You can enjoy horseback riding in two locations. Go to Jinja and experience a horse ride organized by Nile Horseback Safaris. During the session, take a ride along the River Nile passing along some of the local homes.
In Lake Mburo national park, the activity is organized by Mihingo lodge and the tour operator you booked your safari with. Here you will do a game drive on a horse which is the best way to get closer to wild animals.
Kayaking
An adventurous trip to Uganda is incomplete without Kayaking the Nile. Kayaking offers the best way to explore the world’s longest river. Kayaking will allow you get away from the engines and noise. There are some options for kayaking; you might either choose a flat water kayak which is slow, calm and relaxed to the source of the Nile or white water kayaking where you will pick your own route through the white water of the mighty Nile.
