Raft the Source of the Nile in Rwanda
Did you know the Mukungwa River near Musanze in Rwanda is a tributary river to the river Nile? This river is a tributary of the Nyawarongo River that flows into Lake Victoria, and eventually the River Nile!
If rafting or canoeing on the Nile is part of your bucket list, great! It is a great wee wild adventure!
The River Nile and it’s sources
The Nile is the longest river in Africa. There are ten countries which make up the catchment area of the River Nile and Rwanda is one of these countries. The White Nile begins in Lake Victoria (Tanzania) it flows north until it meets the Blue Nile in Sudan.
Rafting in Rwanda on the Mukungwa River, Musanze
Rafting the Mukungwa River in Rwanda is a great half day adventure. We canoed the Mukungwa River the previous Saturday.This next adventure is on a different section of the river (south of the gentle waters where we canoed for half a day).
The terrain on either side of the Mukungwa River at this point is the same. Local villages, where the fields reach right up to the banks of the river with lush vegetation of banana trees, passion trees, maize fields.
The arrival of the rafts at the launch site results in hundreds of happy children appearing from nowhere to help with the rafts and paddles or simply bounce on the rafts whilst we set up and receive out briefing. Not only do the kids come for a look at the rafts but mums and dads come too to see what all the excitement is about.
We receive PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices/ Life jackets) and helmets. Next we receive our paddles and a thorough safety briefing on what to do and what to expect. Our senior guide, Renson, has a GoPro attached to his helmets, so all our phones are left in the vehicle for safety.
Now lets play!
Is the Mukungwa River a dangerous river to raft?
No.
This section of the Mukungwa River as grade 2 to grade 3 rapids. With an expert guide and their support team this isn’t dangerous.
If you were to fall out of the raft there are numerous staff members to assist you and get you back in the raft.
This section of the river is fun. Perfect for beginners, new to rafting.
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Some sections are gentle and relaxing, where we can choose to go for a swim in the warm sandy waters of the Mukungwa River.
I, Mandy, choose not to have a swim. Cory can’t resist going for a float in the river!
Are there any crocodiles or hippos in the Mukungwa River?
No.
There are no crocodiles or hippos in this section of the Mukungwa River. There are hydro dams of the river which prevent this sort of wildlife and there have not been any crocodiles or hippos in the river for scores and scores of years.
What should I wear for rafting on the Mukungwa River?
You will get wet!
Wear long sleeved top and long trousers.
Wear old shoes you don’t mind getting soaked. We wore our trainers and they were dry by the next morning.
Tie your hair back if you have long hair.
What equipment will I need to raft the Mukungwa River a source of the Nile?
All safety equipment is provided.
We recommend you take a change of clothes with you for the end of the rafting trip on the source of the River Nile.
You might also want to take a kanga, or sarong, as you won’t have any privacy at the end of the rafting trip. Then you can change your clothes.
The raft trip ends in another village. So best to get your friend to hold the sarong around you to allow you to peel off some of your wet gear.
Then you won’t cool down too much.
Is Rafting the Source of the Nile in Rwanda fun?
Yes!
Adrenalin, splashes, fun rapids, wave trains, laughter, bouncing and waves from villagers! Rafting in Rwanda is Awesome!
You will love it!
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