In March 2010 Nalubale Rafting’s Head Guide Reuben Connolly will lead the first ever commercial rafting expedition on the part of the White Nile from the Owen Falls Dam in Jinja to Karuma Falls on the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. It is a distance of approximately 300 kilometres.

The eight day journey will take the expedition team through challenging grade 5 white water, across the immense Lake Kyoga and vast papyrus swamps. The end destination is the scenic Karuma Falls.

As this is the first time we navigate this part of the river, Nalubale rafting has decided to sell the seats at cost price. We do so because we need to learn more about where the ideal camp sites are, what the re-supply options are, what obstacles there might be, etc before selling this trip as a high quality product. This means that all team members must be prepared to deal with unexpected situations during the journey. The team members must also be prepared to participate actively in all daily chores, from rowing in the blazing sun to making tea in the dark before the sun rises to washing the dishes at night. In short, everyone will be expected to put in a fair amount of hard work.

It is very likely that we’ll fall behind schedule. If this happens then we’ll have to row both day and night. No matter what, the journey will include a full night of rowing across Lake Kyoga under a full moon. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

At the end of the trip, there’ll be a party at Karuma Falls. The next day the team members will either return to Jinja by car - or continue on a safari in the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park.

Continent or Region: Africa

Country or State/County: Uganda

In March 2010 Nalubale Rafting’s Head Guide Reuben Connolly will lead the first ever commercial rafting expedition on the part of the White Nile from the Owen Falls Dam in Jinja to Karuma Falls on the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. It is a distance of approximately 300 kilometres.

The eight day journey will take the expedition team through challenging grade 5 white water, across the immense Lake Kyoga and vast papyrus swamps. The end destination is the scenic Karuma Falls.

2 international guides and 2 local safety kayakers form the core expedition team. They are all first aid trained and have many years of rafting experience in Uganda.

On the first two days of the expedition the team will navigate a number of major rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 5. Because of this an additional number of safety kayakers and an oar boat will accompany the team. Normal Grade 5 rafting procedures and safety guidelines will be followed.

Reuben Connolly