For those who want more control than a raft offers, kayaking on the Nile around Jinja ranges from instructional courses for beginners to multi-day expeditions for experienced paddlers. Nile River Explorers runs half-day kayak tours on the calmer sections suitable for beginners, while the Freestyle Kayak World Championships have been held on the Bujagali rapids — an indication of what the river can offer at the top end.
Several of the adventure operators also offer stand-up paddleboarding on the quieter stretches near town. This is a gentler way to spend time on the water, though the current is deceptively strong in places. Full-day kayak trips follow the same general route as the rafting runs and can be combined with camping on the river banks.