Top Adventure Sports to Do in Uganda: Looking for a fun and exhilarating way to have an adrenaline rush? Perhaps you are experiencing a need to face your fears. Uganda boasts fantastic adventure and extreme sports worth adding to your bucket list for a fun-filled Uganda safari. For years, Jinja has been the most famous place for adventure activities and extreme sports but we now see many more being introduced in different parts of the country. Apart from Jinja, we also have Sipi falls, Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Bunyonyi on the list of destinations to visit for adventure tours in Uganda.
With the popular wildlife and primate safaris in Uganda’s national parks, travelers can choose to combine wildlife activities with adventure sports to have the most of the ever dreamt African adventure. Our wildlife and adventure tours in Uganda mix activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boat rides, rhino tracking with whitewater rafting and zip lining among others.
Most adventure activities in Uganda suit family travel. However, they have age and weight restrictions and it is important to find out the details before you book your tour. As an adrenaline junkie, no matter your adventure preferences, there is something for you in Uganda. From the list below, you can find the most suitable adventures for your travel needs;
- Abseiling
- Whitewater rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Jet boating
- Hot Air Balloon
- Kayaking
- Sport fishing
- Mountaineering
- Zip lining
- Mountain biking and cycling
Abseiling
Abseiling is an exhilarating adventure that involves the use of strong ropes, pulleys and a harness system to descend the participant from the top of a cliff to the bottom.
Abseiling in Uganda takes place in Sipi falls. The participant is fastened on the rope which is connected on a harness and with the help of a pulley, the expert operator gradually helps you to descend. This is one of the most popular and enjoyable extreme sports in Uganda. The experience of watching Sipi falls while abseiling is unmatched. You can go abseiling in a pair, with a friend or your loved one. Abseiling at Sipi does not require expertise, all you need is being fierce.
Whitewater rafting
If you are looking for a wild spot to challenge your fears, think about rafting in Jinja in eastern Uganda. The River Nile’s grade 5 rapids here are rated among the world’s top wildest yet safest whitewater rafting destinations. The varying levels of rapids on the river cater for all rafting enthusiasts. Beginners can go for rafting at grade 3 since they are more relaxed while expert rafters face grade 5 rapids which run faster, are wild and extreme. Rafters are accompanied by an expert river guide who moves in a smaller inflatable boat to come in, in case rafters need help along the river as well as guiding on the route through.
The age limit for whitewater rafting is eight (8) years and children are allowed to raft on a condition that they can fit in the life jackets.
Make sure to carry extra clothes for change after rafting, towel, shorts, loose clothing and a glycerin.
Bungee jumping
Bungee jumping is one of the most thrilling adventures you can ever do on earth. In Uganda, the bungee jumping platform is built 44m above the Nile in Jinja. Face your fears for heights by participating in this adrenaline rush activity. A harness is tied around the ankles or lower abdomen of the participant with a strong rope that connects to the platform, then move to the jumping platform and the professional guide gets on the count down just before you dive in to the adrenaline section. You will have an upside down view of the surrounding and the water.
Age limit for bungee jumping is 13 years and the maximum weight is 235kg.
Jet boating
The experience of exploring the mighty River Nile on a Jet boat does not need any swimming experience. You simply move under guidance of a professional jet boat pilot who rides the boat at an incredible speed spinning several times. It is an exciting family activity that allows all members to enjoy together in the same boat. Participants are provided with high-floatation life jackets, spray jackets and helmets for safety.
Hot air balloon
An exciting adventure that allows travelers to reach breathtaking heights and enjoy beautiful aerial views. Unlike other adventures like whitewater rafting and abseiling among others that have a wild nature, hot air balloon is a smooth adventure. The activity involves pumping hot air into a balloon so that it will be able to float in the air when flown under the control of an expert pilot who operates it.
Hot Air Balloon in Uganda is done in Murchison falls national park. Travelers can choose to go for the morning session which winds up with a bush breakfast or the evening session that allows you enjoy the lovely view of the sunset. The flights offer fantastic views of the vast plains of the park, herds of animals including buffaloes, antelopes and giraffes among others plus the stunningly meandering Victoria Nile.
Kayaking
Need for Kayaking in Uganda still takes you to the Nile in Jinja where you can go through the raging water or choose to explore the river by leisurely paddling on its calm sections. Visitors receive a kayak briefing that helps them to control the kayak and have an enjoyable experience. Among the things taught include backward paddling, control skills, rescue techniques, forward paddling and capsize.
Sport fishing
Uganda has rewarding sport fishing sites at the Nile river in Jinja, Murchison falls and below Karuma falls. Experienced and first time fishers are supplied with fishing gear, drinking water and other equipment but fly fishers are advised to carry their own gear. Most targeted fish species include Nile perch, catfish, yellow fish, and tilapia. Sport fishing in Murchison falls national park offers a chance to participate in many other interesting safari wildlife activities such as boat cruise, game drives and hike to the top of the falls.
Fishing techniques used in Uganda include spinning, bait fishing and trawling. The best time for sport fishing in Murchison falls national park is from mid-January to early April when the water level is lower and clearer.
Mountaineering
Mountain climbing and hiking safari is a popular adventure with amazing scenery and hidden attractions to see. Hikers enjoy the experience while exploring mountains including Mt. Rwenzori, Mt. Elgon and the Virunga ranges (Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabinyo).
The Rwenzori mountains in Mt. Rwenzori national park is the prime mountain climbing safari destination in Uganda. Depending on the climber’s fitness, they can do short or long hike. A Day hike on Mt. Rwenzori rewards hikers with spectacular views of Kasese town and sights of primates and various bird species. You can go for more trekking days or hike to Margherita peak, the highest point in Uganda with fascinating views of valleys, lakes and other attractions to yourself.
Zip lining
Uganda’s most popular zip line system is the Mabira forest canopy super skyway. It offers a canopy tour of the once largest tropical rain forest in Uganda, Mabira forest. The experience starts with a walk through the forest from the camp to the zip lining point where the adventurers can sight some residents like baboons, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and a number of bird species. The zip lines at Mabira offer breathtaking views of the forest canopy as travelers swing from one point to the other.
You can also go zip lining at Lake Bunyonyi. This is one more adventure worth adding on your Uganda gorilla safari. The activity offers a thrilling experience to travelers as they soar over the waters of the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi. From the lovely views of the endless Kigezi hills, the local communities and the chance to touch the water when swinging on the skyway, zip lining at Lake Bunyonyi is awe-inspiring.
Mountain biking and cycling
Adventurers will hit two stones when they go mountain biking or cycling in Uganda as they enjoy the exploration which comes with magnificent views of the landscape plus working out when riding through somewhat long distances or hilly regions. Popular mountain biking sites in Uganda include Bugembe Viewpoint, Mabira Forest reserve and Bujagali ride trail. You can go cycling around Fort Portal or connect to the surrounding areas like Kasese then get on a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth national park. Lake Mburo national park is the answer for travelers looking for cycling tours within a wildlife reserve. They take you close to and take photos with the beautiful wild animals including giraffes, zebras and waterbucks among others.
Uganda is more than just home to the endangered mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions and the elusive shoebill stork, but also a hotspot for adventure. Whether you want it as a family or need to join a travel group, and it doesn’t matter if you are an expert or beginner looking to challenge your fears for the first time. We arrange tailor made adventure safaris that match your travel needs.
Planning for a Uganda safari and are looking for an expert safari planner? Get in touch with us today for a remarkable adventure tour.
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