Rafting the Nile

our fearless rafting group!

As of a few weeks ago, I had kind of resolved myself to the idea that I would not get to raft the Nile while I was here. Most of the people here have (a) already done it and don’t want to pay the money to go again, or (b) didn’t want to do it in the first place and STILL don’t want to. So, I had, begrudgingly, become ok with the fact I wouldn’t get to go…

Until a week ago Tuesday, that is! We met for Bible study on Tuesday night and in lieu of our conversation, Rachel (an eMi intern from New Mexico/Colorado) mentioned that she needed to get cracking on making plans for all the interns to go. My heart leaped and I asked (you know, incredibly nonchalantly), “Um, how would you feel if I tagged along with you guys?” Yes! I was in. I haven’t looked forward to something so much in a very long time. Goodness – RAFTING THE NILE!!!

And yesterday, the day finally came. Kidding aside, I was truly chomping at the bit to go. I woke up at 6 to meet up with everybody at 7:15 just down the road. We hopped onto a matatu and headed out to Jinja. When we arrived at the Nile River Explorers place, we had a quick breakfast, a “really informative” safety speech, and off we went.

With helmet, life vest, and oar in tow, we divided up into our raft groups and set out. Our “Shoot the Shoot” team was made up of me, Megan, Travis, Ryan, Josh, Matt, and Danny. (Not that the names mean anything, but since I’m referencing them, I figured I’d “introduce everybody” J) Rachel and Brittany combined with a couple of guys to form the “All is Well” boat.
We all climbed into our raft and let our guide know that our goal for the day was not to stay in the boat. And man, oh man, did we do just that. We flipped over almost every single rapid that we came to – even the little Class 3 one! In this pic, I’m sure that the three guys (who had pulled the rope down with them as they fell out) had no impact on its capsizing whatsoever…


Granted it was really fun to capsize, especially on the small waterfall. All the other groups probably thought, “They are soooo bad. They flip on every single rapid!” It was also especially fun to have to get back IN to the raft. You see, all the guys had enough upper-body strength to hoist themselves in. Megan and I, however, no matter how many times we attempted it, could not, and every time, one of the boys had to grab us and pull us in. = Motivation to work up more arm strength.

The journey down started with a Class 1 rapid, then a Class 2. (I’m pretty sure I’m keeping these numbers right, but forgive me if I switch them up.) Then we came to a Class 3 – where we flipped – followed by a short relaxation break. Err, more like a cigarette break for many of the rafters. Then, came the first Class 5. It was so legit. The rapids pummel each other left and right, the current and the waves look like they’ll eat you alive! And yet… you survive!


I just have to say, that people keep asking how it was, and the only words I am able to come up with – ME and my extensive vocabulary who can spell and bore my students for hours with words that they don’t think they’ll ever use in their lives – are “sweet,” “awesome,” “wicked,” and “legit.” Hello, my name is Kristi and I am from California.


After the first Class 5, there was another break time, during which we had to paddle for a short ways in order to get our snack. Glucose biscuits and pineapples – yum! It was really interesting watching the guy cut up all the pineapples; I feel like it takes me so much longer to simply do one, let alone 15 or so! And while on a raft none the less!


Once we had sufficiently littered and thrown all of our pineapple rinds into the river, we kept paddling for a very. long. time. But, in the end, it was worth it. We had another Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 (Now that I think about it, I really don’t remember the order, all I know is that we finished on a Class 5. We’ll skip ahead to that.)


The last rapid of the day was monstrous. Definitely the scariest one of the day, which was a fantastic way to end it! I am going to preface the next part by saying that I don’t know how many of you have been sucked underwater by a raging current and forceful pressure, but WHEN that happens, it feels like it lasts forever! Needless to say, WHEN our boat capsized again on this final rapid, I was knocked out of the boat and went under. I was probably only under for, you know, 6 seconds, but it felt so much longer. All the thoughts flash through your head, “Augh! I can’t breathe! I don’t have any air!” and “Mom is not going to be happy that I died this way.” and “All I can see is green, where’s the surface?”

Obviously, since I have written this blog from you, I am still alive and well. I made it to the top and one of the safety guys came and helped me back to my raft. A little shaky, but definitely better for it! :) For more pics, check out my Facebook album!