Uganda is well known for big animal safari’s and for good reason.  There are some amazing national parks there where you can see 4 of the big 5 (rhino’s can only be seen in a sanctuary as they’ve been hunted to extension in the wilds of Uganda).  But did you know there are other adventures offered in Uganda?  That’s right, there are some amazing other things to do and experience!   I recently had an opportunity to adventure in Uganda and here are some of the exciting things I found to do! (To learn about a safari trip click here.)

The silverback checks me out, I wonder what he was thinking.

• Gorilla Trekking

While going on safari in Uganda is a very popular activity you can take safari to an extreme by going gorilla trekking.  Enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest.  Gorilla trekking Is unlike going on safari as you are on foot the entire time.  Your guides take you deep into the impenetrable forest, slashing and dodging your way through the thick growth.  Navigating your way over steep hills and down valleys as you search for the elusive mountain gorilla.  The guides who take you on this adventure are reformed and repurposed gorilla poachers and getting to know them a little will grant you access to a myriad of interesting stories about the area.  Be aware as you trek that it is possible to encounter more than just the local gorilla population in the forest as it is inhabited by leopards, forest elephants, monkeys, honey badgers, and many other animals (remember you’re on foot!).   Once you find the majestic mountain gorilla you’ll experience an adrenaline rush like you haven’t before.  You’ll realize just how large these animals are and how close you can get to them.  There aren’t many experiences more exhilarating than being 7 feet from  a roaring silverback gorilla. (To learn more about gorilla trekking click here)

A silver back strolls down the path in front of me.

The first step is always the worst.

• Waterfall Repelling

In an area on the west side of Uganda there is opportunity for an unique experience.  Run by local adventure enthusiasts there is an extreme adventure company based in the Noah’s Ark Hotel.  They offer an opportunity to repel down one of the largest waterfalls found in Uganda.  It is located on the east side of Mt Elgon in the small town of Kapchorwa.  After a quick safety briefing and gear check you’ll head down through the village to the waterfall cliff site.  The waterfall itself is approximately 300’ tall and an intimidating site from the top.  After more safety talks you’re hooked up to the rope and off you go.  To truly understand the magnitude and size of this amazing waterfall you have to be hanging next to it.  Once you reach the bottom you’ll be soaked as the mist and splash from the waterfall envelops you.  The hike back to the top of the waterfall is also interesting.  You’ll pass by all of the old ceremonial caves as the guides regale you with stories of the old days.  If you happen to be in eastern Uganda near Mt Elgon, give these guys a try, its an experience you won’t soon forget.  This area is also well known for mountain biking, trekking, and rock climbing.

Yes, that’s me on the far left.

Yes, we are in that water somewhere.  That’s the big water on the Nile.

• White Water Rafting on the Nile River

If action sports are your thing then Jinja is where you need to be.  Widely known as the adventure capital of Uganda, Jinja is located just to the west of the capital city of Kampala.  Offering adventures for every taste, Jinja caters to tourists seeking opportunities to experience more than the common African tour.  Among the offerings of this area there are quad-biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking and horse back riding.  But the main attraction is the big water found on the river Nile.  Having rafted all over the world I can honestly say that this rafting was like nothing else I’ve encountered.  The amount of water rushing through the gigantic river makes even the smallest of rapids appear huge.  Ranging from class 3 to class 6 this experience is sure to delight and engage even the most seasoned of rafters.  Remember when you’re on the Nile its not a matter of if you will fall in, but when.   Don’t pass up the opportunity to encounter this amazing river.

While these aren’t all of the adventures you can have in Uganda (camping in the bush, rhino trekking, hot air balloon safari, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and the list goes on) they are some of the more unique and interesting ones.  So the next time you happen to find yourself in Kampala and are wondering where you’re going to get your next adrenaline rush think back to this article and seek out a few of the more off the beaten path adventurous things you can do!

If you need help arranging your Ugandan adventure, make sure to contact our friend in Uganda: Sander.  He will create an adventure to your personal style and make sure that your trip is something you’ll be talking about for years to come.