During your internship with Try Medics in Uganda, you’ll have the chance to participate in various activities throughout the weekdays. Additionally, there are arranged weekend trips where you’ll get to explore the best of what Uganda has to offer. In this blog, the students visit Jinja, a city located in southern Uganda known for its fantastic scenery and numerous activities.
Watch the video here from the Jinja trip:
The Nile is the world’s longest river, and the White Nile originates from Lake Victoria in Uganda. The river stretches north, joining the Blue Nile and eventually spanning a length of 6500 kilometers all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The river runs through Jinja, and most activities in the area are influenced by this majestic river. Upon arrival, the travelers are accommodated at a resort situated on a hill overlooking the river and a roaring waterfall. The view is breathtaking, and the nature is lush and incredibly green. With the sound of the roaring falls, one reminisces about the upcoming rafting trip the group will embark on the following day.
Adrenaline and Full Speed on an ATV
After arrival, lunch is enjoyed with the picturesque scenery in the background, followed by a departure to the other side of the river. An adrenaline-filled afternoon awaits with ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) along the stunning river. Each participant is assigned an ATV, and after a brief test drive and a quick photo stop with a spectacular view in the background, the tour continues along the river and through small African villages. It’s a unique experience to ride around between local mud houses and gain an exciting insight into how the locals in the area live.
After an exciting tour, there’s a brief stop at the riverbank where a couple of local fishermen are hauling in their catch of the day in their nets. The locals wave enthusiastically as you zoom past on the red off-road trails at full speed. It’s super fun! 😊 The tour heads back to where it started, and everyone returns to the resort to enjoy dinner together. In the evening, there’s time for a beer and some socializing, gearing up for another long and adventurous day the following morning.
Crocodiles in the World’s Longest River, the Nile?
Saturday is dedicated to river rafting on the Nile, and the briefing starts early in the morning. You don’t have to search Google many times to find out that giant crocodiles inhabit the river. Initially, one might think it’s not particularly wise to navigate a small rubber boat over waterfalls with a high chance of ending up in the water. 😊 However, it’s clarified that the crocodiles no longer inhabit this part of the river. For many years, crocodiles have been a source of food among the locals and have been driven out of the riverbeds around Jinja. This means that swimming in the river is safe, and the crocodiles cannot move upstream over the large waterfalls, which is why they are no longer seen here. It should be noted, however, that the Nile crocodile is not an endangered species and thrives in other parts of the river in Uganda and in several of the country’s large lakes.
The rafting trip starts calmly as the group sails down the idyllic river with green vistas on both sides. It’s amusing to observe the local fishermen encountered along the way. Subsequently, some major rapids await, smaller waterfalls where the rubber boat with the students is vigorously slung through. 😊
Horseback Riding Along the Beautiful River
Sunday is for horseback riding along the river. Riding high on the hills near the river provides a truly beautiful view. Additionally, the ride passes through small villages, offering another glimpse into how the locals reside in the area. Overall, the Jinja trip is a fantastic combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and stunningly beautiful nature. One truly understands the lushness of Jinja when standing there in person. 😉
Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, you’ll have the opportunity to ride, as the group is divided based on skill level.
Apply now and look forward to get unique firsthand exposure within the field of healthcare
