This is the easy, no-stress guide for anyone planning to do white water rafting on the Nile River in Jinja, Uganda with Kiira Rafting.
1. Do You Need a Visa?
Yes, but it’s simple:
- Most people (USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, UAE, Kenya, etc.) pay $50 and get the visa online or at the airport.
- Do it here: visas.immigration.go.ug
- Bring your yellow fever certificate (very important).
2. How to Fly to Uganda
Land at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) – only 2–2.5 hours from Jinja.
Direct flights from:
Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Brussels, Nairobi, Kigali, Addis Ababa, London (new direct from May 2025).
Direct flights from:
Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Brussels, Nairobi, Kigali, Addis Ababa, London (new direct from May 2025).
3. How to Reach Jinja from the Airport
→ Book rafting with Kiira Rafting = 100% FREE pickup & drop-off from Entebbe, Kampala, or any Jinja hotel
→ Private taxi (if you arrive early): 350,000–500,000 UGX ($95–135 USD)
→ Shared tourist shuttle: 100,000–130,000 UGX ($27–35 USD) per person
→ Private taxi (if you arrive early): 350,000–500,000 UGX ($95–135 USD)
→ Shared tourist shuttle: 100,000–130,000 UGX ($27–35 USD) per person
4. Best Times/Months for Rafting in 2026
- MonthsWave SizeWeatherCrowd LevelDec – FebBIGGEST waves everDry & sunnyVery busyJun – AugAlso hugeDry & coolBusyMar – MayStill big + greenerSome rainQuieterSep – NovStrong Grade 5WarmQuietest
We run trips 364 days a year ( also open on 25 December).
5. Where to Sleep in Jinja (we pick you up from all these places)
Feel free to visit : Kiira Rafting Accommodations and Book yours .
Category | Hotel / Lodge | Price per night (for 2 people, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | Nile River Explorers Backpackers | 60,000 – 150,000 UGX ($16 – $40) |
Budget | Nile Porch, Gately on Nile | 100,000 – 200,000 UGX ($27 – $55) |
Mid-range | 2 Friends Guesthouse, Nile Village Hotel | 250,000 – 450,000 UGX ($70 – $120) |
Mid-range | Jinja Nile Resort, Heaven on Earth | 350,000 – 550,000 UGX ($95 – $150) |
Luxury | Wildwaters Lodge (private island) | 1,500,000+ UGX ($400+) |
Luxury | Lemala Wildwaters | 2,000,000+ UGX ($540+) |
We pick you up (and drop you off) for FREE from every single one of these places! 
6. What to Bring on Rafting Day
- Swimsuit & quick-dry clothes
- Sandals with straps (no flip-flops)
- Sunscreen + hat
- Towel + dry clothes to change after
- Small money for tips & drinks (20,000–50,000 UGX is normal tip)
→ We provide: life jacket, helmet, paddle, drinking water, and FREE professional photos + GoPro video
7. What Happens on the Rafting Day
06:30–08:30 Free pickup from your hotel/airport
08:30 Arrive at Kiira Rafting base – tea/coffee & breakfast snacks
09:00 Full safety briefing + paddle practice
09:30 Start rafting!
12:30 Big BBQ lunch on a private island (chicken, beef, fish, veg, salads, fruits, soft drinks)
13:30 Second half – the biggest rapids (Silverback, Itanda, etc.)
16:30–17:00 Finish, cold Nile Special beers / sodas, watch same-day video
17:30 Free drop-off back to your hotel
Evening All photos & edited video sent to your WhatsApp – completely free
08:30 Arrive at Kiira Rafting base – tea/coffee & breakfast snacks
09:00 Full safety briefing + paddle practice
09:30 Start rafting!
12:30 Big BBQ lunch on a private island (chicken, beef, fish, veg, salads, fruits, soft drinks)
13:30 Second half – the biggest rapids (Silverback, Itanda, etc.)
16:30–17:00 Finish, cold Nile Special beers / sodas, watch same-day video
17:30 Free drop-off back to your hotel
Evening All photos & edited video sent to your WhatsApp – completely free
8. Price 2026
Package | USD | UGX (approx) |
|---|---|---|
Full-day Grade 5 rafting | $140 | 520,000 UGX |
Full-day Grade 5 (Ugandan/resident rate) | $90 | 330,000 UGX |
Family / Gentle float trip (Grade 1–3) | $95 | 350,000 UGX |
Private raft (your own boat) | +$250 | +950,000 UGX |
Everything is included: transport, food, drinks, photos, video, equipment.
9. Ready to Book?
→ Go to kiirarafting.com/book-now
→ Call Or WhatsApp +256707394159 (reply in minutes)
→ Pay small deposit online – rest on the day (card or cash)That’s really everything!
Come have the best day of your Uganda trip with us.See you soon on the river!
→ Call Or WhatsApp +256707394159 (reply in minutes)
→ Pay small deposit online – rest on the day (card or cash)That’s really everything!
Come have the best day of your Uganda trip with us.See you soon on the river!
Kiira Rafting Team
