So much of our time spent in our lives is spent working and more often than not we don’t really get the opportunity to get to know our work colleagues as well as we would like or should do. People generally behave very differently at the workplace to the way they behave at home or outside of work, so to get to know each other better The Eye staff (a relatively new team) decided we would all go on what we called “A Team Building Trip” to Bujagali Falls and Jinja. We had three activities planned for the two days we spent in Bujagali Falls & Jinja namely, Quad Biking, Canoeing (Sunset Canoe Trip) and Horse Riding.

We all climbed into our hired bus that Saturday morning excited about our two day trip away as a team. Some of us had never been to Bujagali Falls & Jinja and so our spirits were really high…. The one hour and twenty minute drive from Kampala to Bujagali was pleasant enough and we arrived in Bujagali safe and sound. We headed up to The Nile Porch where we had made reservations to spend the evening. We were warmly welcomed by the staff at The Nile Porch who then explained the sleeping arrangements they had provided for us. We were given a Family Unit that sleeps 6 as well as three Luxury Tents which each slept three people – a Double bed and a single bed in each tent. Jonathan, Moses, Ronnie and Baker shared the Family Unit and Jonathan was fortunate enough to secure himself the Double Bed while the other three slept in

single beds. Jacinta, Charlie and I had our own tents and they are private and look out onto the river

We dropped off our luggage and made our way to the sparkling blue swimming pool for quick relief from the blazing heat where we also ordered some cold refreshments from The Black Lantern. We sat around the pool chatting and laughing - we realised that there were essentially only two real swimmers among us, needless to say shot-gun swimming lessons ensued which caused a lot of laughs amongst us.

After a change of clothing we headed up to the Nile River Explorers bar for more refreshments and a chance to take in the fabulous scenery of the fauna and flora that makes this part of Uganda so very special.
It was time for us to get going and so we made the quick three minute walk from the NRE Bar to All Terrain Adventures Uganda Ltd where we were about to go on our first scheduled Activity – the 1 Hour Short Haul Safari….

QUAD BIKING with All Terrain Adventures Uganda Ltd.

Arriving at All Terrain Adventures we were warmly welcomed by the owners, Peter and Shirray Knight who took us up to their Café which is situated above the Office for some more refreshments and a chat before heading out on the Quads which were being organised for us according to our respective sizes.

We were supplied with overalls, helmets and goggles (Boots are also available if you don’t want to damage your own footwear) which came in very handy indeed and Peter and Shirray explained the rules of the road and what we could and couldn’t do. No “heroes” are tolerated on the Quads and anyone wanting to go quad biking needs to sign an indemnity form beforehand. After being kitted out we headed to our respective Quads. Godfrey, one of the All Terrain staff & guide explained how the Quads operated.

We then started our engines and did some training on one of the three tracks that All Terrain Adventures have in the area to get you accustomed to the bikes. I know of a number of people who have never ridden a Quad before so training beforehand is essential. One of our staff members found it really difficult and so it was decided that they travel on the same Quad as our guide - this way, they would still get to experience the trip with us without having to actually ride the Bike.

We set off on our One Hour Safari that took us onto the dirt roads and into the local village – on occasion the roads were windy and in some parts rather narrow which made for some very sharp manoeuvring round the corners. The open stretch of dirt road allowed us to “open up” and this gave us the opportunity to use our gears – I was unfortunately behind Charlie who took it upon himself to slow down and just as I was approaching took off at a rate of knots which left me with a mouthful and face full of dust and dirt.

After 30 minutes of driving we stopped for refreshments at Kyabirwa Falls and a chance to take in the beautiful surroundings. We were also lucky enough to watch the River Rafting boats coming down the river where we saw them tackling one of the Grade 5 rapids (Total Gunga).

Back on our quads and we headed back, meandering through the farms, forest and village sections. Our One Hour Safar Trip was over before we knew it and the next time around we indeed to go for a longer period as it really is a lot of fun and an excellent way to spend time with your friends and family.

Quad Biking Safaris to name but a few:
SHORT HAUL SAFARI - 1-hour plus training beforehand. This is an Entry level trip. Get a taste of the beautiful sections of the river downstream from Bujagali Falls. This safari is suitable for all ages. The cost per person is 60,000/=.

EXPLORER SAFARI - 2-hours plus training beforehand. This is the most popular trip. The trip takes you along the River Nile through the farms, villages and forests of this really beautiful part of Uganda. The cost per person is 80,000/=

TWILIGHT SAFARI - Start about 5pm to get out along the riverbank for the sunset then get spoilt to a delicious traditional Ugandan banquet out in the Kyabirwa village. Return to Bujagali about 8.30pm. The cost per person is 90,000/=

For more information, please contact Peter or Shirray Knight at All Terrain Adventures Uganda Ltd on +256 (0) 772 377185 or email info@atadventures.com.
Their Website address is www.atadventures.com. All Terrain Adventures are located in Bujagali Falls, Jinja – Uganda.

By the time we were finished our Quad Biking we were starving so after a quick shower we thought we would try out the restaurant that is located right next door to All Terrain Adventures called Eden Rock. The food served at this restaurant is mainly local dishes and since I don’t eat meat I chose the Garden Salad and the rest of the team chose the whole fried Talapia with Chips and salad and the Steak and Chips. The portions were huge and I am told that the food was really very good – I can only vouch for the salad, and as salads go it was fair. Prices per meal are reasonable but be prepared to wait up to an hour for your food as everything is prepared on order and there is only one cook. If you like, you can always spend the time waiting for your food by playing pool and having a few drinks.

CANOEING with Kayak the Nile.

“Not everyone wants to White Water” - Another of our Team Building activities was to go on a Two Hour Sunset Canoe Trip on Lake Victoria, and so at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon we met up with Jamie Simpson from Kayak the Nile at the Nile River Explorers Campsite. We all climbed into the waiting Matatu which took us through Jinja town and down to the lake to get ready for our Gin and Tonic Canoe Trip. There was a lot of excitement amongst the Eye Team as well as an element of nervousness as most of us have an inherent fear of being in water as only two of us can swim properly.
When we got down to the river Jamie equipped us all with life jackets and explained some of the rules while on the water. We were put into pairs and once our partners had been selected we stepped into the open canoes ready for our Canoe Trip. Moses and Charlie were paired up and they looked like pros as they set off. Baker and I were right behind them, we were not going to be outdone. Ronnie and Jonathan took a bit of a dodgy turn and they ended up amongst the reeds and struggled for around 10 minutes to realise where they were – with a bit of help from Jamie they were back on track and with the rest of us. Jacinta was in the same canoe as one of the crew so she was in safe hands and looking quite pleased with herself.

We canoed along the banks of Lake Victoria for about 15 minutes when Jamie and his crew served us iced cold Gin and Tonics (complete with slices of lemon) to quench our thirsts and those who preferred beers or soda got them. We all felt so free and so alive! The sun was setting and there we all were sipping ice cold G&T’s (some of us Soda’s) in canoes on Lake Victoria with the most breathtaking scenery and bird life all around us. This was the life, this is Africa!
Half an hour into our trip we could see that a vicious storm was brewing so Jamie asked us to speed things up a bit, which we did. It then became a race amongst the team to see who could canoe the fastest (there is nothing like good old team spirit). Baker, my partner in crime on the canoe did very little to help with the paddling and I had to constantly repeat the words “left, right, left, right…. so we could get ourselves into some sort of a rhythm. My arms felt like lead balloons but I wasn’t about to give up on the “race” to get to the end to avoid the storm ahead.
The clouds were black and heavy and as we reached our destination the skies opened up and we ended up in the downpour. We climbed onto dry land while Jamie and his crew gathered all the canoes together. We all headed back up to the waiting Matatu which then took us back to the NRE Campsite, wet and happy. Our Canoe Trip was very memorable and a wonderful experience for all of us and we cannot wait to join Jamie and his crew from Kayak the Nile again. Next time though, I am taking no prisoners!

Canoe Trips Available:
The Two Hour Sunset Canoe Trip on Lake Victoria includes all equipment, guiding training, complimentary G&T’s or soft drinks and a pick up from Jinja Accommodation. The Minimum age is 4 and the cost is 30 USD per person. Booking is essential and there are departures every evening.

There is also a Multi Day Scenic Trip on the Nile that takes you paddling as far as Lake Kyoga. This Option includes Transport, Guiding equipment, all meals and drinks. You will need to bring along a tent and sleeping bag, although you can rent these items. Here you will experience stunning bush camps, great food, fine wines, secluded river swims, cold beer and breathtaking scenery. You can even bring along your fishing rods!
The costs for the Multi Day Scenic Trips are:
2 Day at 295 USD
3 Day at 395 USD
4 Day at 495 USD

For more information, please contact Jamie Simpson at Kayak the Nile on
+256 (0) 772 880322 or email info@kayakthenile.com.
Their Website address is www.kayakthenile.com. Kayak the Nile is located in Bujagali Falls, Jinja – Uganda

It’s amazing how hungry you get when you are active and after having done the Quad Biking in the morning and the Sunset Canoe Trip in the late afternoon we made a reservation at The Black Lantern for dinner for the 7 of us. Various meals were ordered from the famous racks of pork spare ribs to the very tasty Pasta dishes – the menu caters for everyone. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very relaxed and one is made to feel very at home. The service at the Black Lantern is good although the food does take a while to arrive. On the whole it is a pleasant dining experience and the staff hospitable. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
For reservations or further information please log onto www.nileporch.com/blacklantern
Or call +256 (0) 782 321541.

HORSE RIDING with Nile Horseback Safaris.

Nile Horseback Safaris is the latest adventure sport to be introduced to Jinja, in beautiful Uganda, the adventure capital of East Africa.

They offer a variety of rides along the beautiful White Nile and any riding ability can be catered for. We keep several beautiful Thoroughbred horses, all well schooled and trained. Popular safaris are the two hour river and village rides or the wonderful luxury overnight package, staying at The Haven, a beautiful riverside lodge.

Monkeys, birds, otters, huge rapids and plenty of Ugandan people smiling and waving make this horse riding experience distinctive and fascinating. Arrangements can be made for everything from transport, accommodation and fishing trips, as well as safaris by vehicle to all of Uganda’s wonderful variety of game parks, lakes, mountains and jungles.

Family owned, Nile Horseback Safaris also welcomes children to learn to ride. Why not drop the kids off in the morning while you check into one of Jinja’s beautiful lodges and the kids will be dropped off again in the evening! Or you can just chill out and read a book in a hammock on the beautiful lawns overlooking the Nile. Anything is possible - just call Nile Horseback Safaris to arrange your weekend away.

Nile Horseback Safaris are based near to Jinja, the source of the White Nile, an easy hour and a quarter drive east of Kampala. Take the road opposite Nile Breweries towards Kayunga, travel for 4 kilometres and turn right at our sign. Follow the dirt track and you’ll find them right beside the river.

For more Information or bookings please contact Nile Horseback Safaris:
Tel: +256 (0) 774 101 196
Email: info@nilehorsebacksafaris.com
Web: www.nilehorsebacksafaris.com

RIVER RAFTING

Although we opted for drier options for our Adventure trip we can highly recommend you go River Rafting. You have a choice of opting to book through one of 4 River Rafting Companies, namely: Adrift, Nile River Explorers, Nalubale Rafting and Equator Rafts. Each one of these companies is able to put together Half Day, One Day or Two Day Rafting packages as well as Family Trips for you and more often than not can combine your river rafting experience to include other activities like Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Kayaking/Canoeing, River Boarding, Bungee Jumping, Mountain Biking or camping. Essentially each package can be tailored to suit your own needs. Prices do vary according to your needs but most One Day and Two Day Trips include transfers to and from Kampala, as well as drinks (beers & sodas) and a tasty lunch. For more information on either of these specialised River Rafting Companies, please call, email or log onto their Websites as outlined below:

Adrift:
www.surfthesource.com
Email: adrift@surfthesource.com
Mobile: +256 (0) 772 237438 or +256 (0) 772 454206
Telephone: +256 (0) 41 252720

Nile River Explorers:
www.raftafrica.com
Email: rafting@starcom.co.ug
Mobile: +256 (0) 772 422373
Telephone: (+256) 043 120236

Nalubale Rafting (Rafts Supreme Ltd):
www.nalubalerafting.com
Email: bookings@nalubalerafting.com
Mobile: +256 (0) 782 638938 or +256 (0) 782 638939

Equator Rafts:
www.equatorrafts.com
Email: equatorrafts@equatorrafts.com
Mobile: +256 (0) 772 318072
Telephone: (+256) 0414 259221/4

MOUNTAIN BIKING with CYCLE-PATHS MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS

As Jinja seems to be growing as a destination, so do the activities available there. Cycle-Paths Mountain Bike Tours have now joined in the fun. If you are looking to capture the feel for the African lifestyle, this is the way to do it. Cycling though villages at a leisurely pace gives you an insight into village life and you get to meet many of the locals along the way. The guided trip around the Bujagali Falls area is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. You cruise down the banks of the Nile weaving in and out of local village tracks and have a breather in some of the most spectacular view points on the river. This trip usually takes between 11/2 – 2 hrs and can be extended with a ride into Jinja town for those feeling energetic.

For those of you who are feeling like a challenge the Bugembe View point tours the one for you. Making your way out of Jinja, you climb steadily up to the view point. As you get higher you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Victoria, Jinja, Bujagali and beyond. Once at the top you sit down, have a rest and are provided with a yummy lunch. Now comes the best part of the day…. The downhill! This is when you start hearing your heart beat in your chest and your conscience is telling you to slow down! As you ride back into Jinja your pulse is back to normal and your legs are telling you it’s been a great day. This trip takes between 4-5 hrs, which means you need plenty of water and sunscreen!

So whether your after a slow paced cruise to take in your beautiful surroundings and bird life or and energetic, challenging uphill with amazing views and of course the exhilarating downhill, Cycle-Paths Mountain Bike Tours can cater for you and your group. With excellent, informative guides, great routes and quality mountain bikes and helmets, it is a very affordable and safe experience.

For more information please contact Cycle-Paths in association with Nile River Explorer’s on +256 (0) 782 648544

So, forget Victoria Falls, Jinja is taking over as Africa's Adventure Capital – Get there, it’s well worth every penny spent and you will be guaranteed of having a lot of fun and a whole heap of adventure!