Bungee Jumping in Jinja, Uganda’s Adrenaline Capital
Bungee jumping is one of the most popular extreme sports, bringing one of the biggest doses of adrenaline. The activity involves jumping from a ledge with your legs tied up together and a bungee cord connected to it.
Wikipedia describes it as an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated.
This is one of those things that some people feel they must do in life. In East Africa, it can only be done right over the Nile in Jinja, Uganda and is managed by Adrift Adventure Company. Adrift has promoted bungee jumping since they started operations in Uganda in 2003.
The thrill of bungee jumping comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When you jump, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated. Although, one of the safest sports, bungee jumping is not for the faint hearted.
Conditions for Bungee jumping
Before starting the bungee jumping first, you have to meet the following conditions;
- Minimum weight is 35kgs.
- The minimum age is 13 years.
- For women, you must not be pregnant,
- Must be free of heart conditions, pressure and other health concerns.
After meeting all the above conditions are met, you sign an indemnity form which removes liability from the company in case something goes wrong. Don’t worry about something going wrong.
According to Adrift, the sole company in charge of bungee jumping at the Nile, have never had any accident in more than 10 years of their operations. The tower at the site is built to support up to 260kgs weight of the jumpers.
Jumping at times are quite challenging to some tourist, the fear normally sets in as you climb the 44m high tower and look down. Once there, some people often ‘chicken out’ and give up returning to “base” safely on the ground where they watch others take the plunge. They later climb back after gaining confidence.
The fear is just in your mind. Just be confident as you climb, you can make it and the exciting is indescribable. If you surround yourself with fear, you cannot make the jump. You need loads of confidence and never look down prior to jumping. Looking down kind of demotivates you seeing that you are 44 metres to your fall.
Once you are the tower, two people tie your legs with latex cords and have a rope holding you firmly as you “fly” in the air. This process makes it very secure. To remove the fear and put more confidence, look far off and not down, or close your eyes before the crucial jump. They will count 1, 2, 3 and you are then asked to jump off the 44m high platform.
Once you jump and in the air, you can choose which direction to go as they “fly” you about with the rope taking you up and down. You may swing several times and most times you touch the water. This is what the call “tea-bag”. When you go for the jump, asked for a “tea bag”. Most people feel it is doable after jumping, or seeing their fellow friends jump. You are tempted to jump over and over again after the first jump. Try it out this year and you will have achieved a very big feat.
Did you know? Jinja is commonly known as the source of the Nile River. It is a charming town in East Uganda. It takes you about 2 hours from the capital city, Kampala. The town has recently emerged as the adventure capital of Uganda. In addition to Bungee jumping, you can doo Kayaking & Canoeing, River Rafting & Tubing, Horseback Riding Tours, Horseback Riding Tours among other things.
Recommended Safari: Murchison Falls & Jinja Adventure 5 Days
You can book a bungee jumping tour with us while in Uganda. Inquire Now. If you need a fully inclusive Uganda safaris that feature bungee jumping, please let us know. East Africa is where we live and we’ve mastered ground handling over the year. We can as well combine or tailor your safari to include all highlights such as white water rafting, game viewing, gorilla trekking, cultural experiences among others.
