Hey all,

This is for all you paddlers who enjoy making the effort to get around the world to some of the best kayak destinations the planet has to
offer or to those who would love to in the near future.
The Nile for nearly a decade has been the premiere big (warm) water destination in the world; if anyone disputes that start a new thread and we can discuss.
Back to the point - Tragically, the most popular section (Bujagali to Silverback) will be lost forever in a matter of months (hopefully years).

My question is this - will you still make the effort to travel to Uganda once this classic section is gone, knowing that there still is Nile Special and the big ones like Ithanda and Kalagala?
OR will you look to other destinations such as the Zambezi or Futualafu (provided that dam doesn't get under way as well) or even somewhere else to get your big water fix?

Thought this could be an interesting discussion for all those interested, seeing as the forums are being swamped with gear queries.

Any thoughts?

Scotty R

Man, I don't even know!

I am a pretty new paddler (started two years ago) so obviously I have never been out there for kayaking, and to be quite honest it's sad to think about because I know that if I don't progress quickly enough and get out there soon I really will be missing out on some great paddling because of the damning that's happening world wide. So I really have no idea what to think but I guess I just hope I do eventually get the chance to paddle these world famous rivers and hopefully they haven't been dammed by the time I'm ready!

Probably will consider traveling to the White Nile even after the dam is completed. The latest estimate from the dam builders is that there will be no further changes until April 2010 and I'm considering going there before that. As you said there's plenty of great white water destinations all over the world so going to the Nile third time after the dam is finished is probably not on the top of my list, but not written off by any means.

Uganda is so much more than just the river. And even after the dam paddling will be amazing over there.

I'm not sure... I think I may head over in the next couple of months for a 2 week stint. Then I can see for myself. Looks good though. If the water wasn't too low I guess people would still head there... But then again, I've never been so can't truly comment

I must say, provided that the lower section still gets good water levels I could definately go back for Nile Special, Malalu and Ithanda. Staying at the hairy lemon is just such a fantastic experience.
For me the most tragic thing about the dam is the loss of the back channels, those are so sweet.
I've always preferred the river running on the Zambezi, thus I can see myself heading there more so now. However, in saying that there is just something very special about that the whole area of Jinja; something Livingstone doesn't have.
Hopefully Zimbabwe will be sorted out sooner rather than later coz the town of Vic Falls holds a similar place for me as Jinja does.

Hairy Lemon - fantastic expeience endeed... Having the Special within a warm-up paddling distance, hopefully Malalu (hasn't been high enough for a few years now... ). But the food, the food... SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE FOOD!
As for heading down there even after the dam, will probably still do. Though not as much as I used to, imagine the Special will get crowded...
Such a shame.

The Bujagali Falls and the back channels is a very powerful setting. Not for just us kayakers, but to the local people as well. It's really a shame to loose it

I thought the food at Hairy Lemon was good - you don't have to eat burgers and fries every day you know

I agree with you Tuomas, i found the food quite pleasant at Hairy Lemon as well.
There has been a lot of talk about the White Nile and it seems lots of you would go back BUT not as much as before.

Thus, where do you see yourselves going?

I'm probably going to be heading to the Zam more so, seeing as it is closer and I actually prefer the river to the Nile. Although it would be great if river access was easier or if companies up there could make the experience that much better. What do you think?
Must say I would also like to get to Chile and the Futualafu.

Regarding the Zambezi, I think your spot on. Everything is just so easy on the Nile. Arranging shuttles for example requires minimal effort. What I've heard from the Zambezi is that everything is a bit of hassle and that's not something I'm looking forward in my holidays. As for the river itself the Zam is just as if not even more fascinating than the Nile. I haven't been to the Zam yet, but just thinking the whole setting of putting on the Batoga gorge just downstream of the Victoria Falls is mind bending. Really looking forward to go there in forthcoming years!

Tuomas wrote:

What I've heard from the Zambezi is that everything is a bit of hassle and that's not something I'm looking forward in my holidays.

Shuttles and all that were super easy for me. Porters carry your boat down and up. No problem. After a walk out they thrust an ice cold beer into your hand. What a way to end a glorious day on the Zambezi.... hahahaha

I've done a review on the DVD Empire which will be on Playak soon. Russia and the former USSR countries have some incredible WW.... You should check out that DVD But I guess many people are looking for some sort of 'plug and play' type destinations where there isn't much thinking involved As long as you're on a river, it's going to be a good day!

Unfortunately, that doesn't happen any more. Getting too and from the river has now become a hassle. Not like the godd old days.

Because of the transport permit required? Jeepers, that's really sad to hear..