White Water Rafting & Jungle Floating Near Bwindi
SANA Gorilla Rafting offers white water rafting, floating and hiking in Western Uganda on the Birira River, close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Kabale, and Lake Bunyonyi. It is designed for travellers who would like to get out of their car, into nature, to get a real Uganda rafting experience, close to the other highlights of the country!
Who are we?
We are Sadat and Nathalie - SANA!
We are a Dutch-Ugandan couple, living in Uganda. We started SANA out of our personal love for the outdoors, specifically our passion for water sports! We want travellers to experience the Western Uganda we love—not only through a car window, but on the water, in its nature, on its trails and with the people who live here.
- Sadat is a renowned international freestyle kayak champion! Check out this Redd Bull documentary.
- Nathalie is a Dutch Medical Doctor
- Together we provide fun, adrenaline and safety
- We offer outdoor activities and, on request, itineraries
The activities/itineraries we offer
Add these to your Uganda adventure!
Pick the pace that suits your group. Not sure? Send us your ages, travel date and route, we’ll recommend the best fit. River Birira has calm sections for families and wild sections for adrenaline seekers. Don’t forget to check out our highlight: Overnight Rafting!
Family Rafting / Floating
Would you like to take your kids rafting in Uganda? Enjoy a safe and fun family rafting trip with gentle rapids and beautiful river scenery.
White Water Rafting
Looking for the best white water rafting in Uganda? Paddle Wild, untamed Class III–IV rapids in a lush rainforest gorge on the scenic Birira River near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Overnight Rafting to Ishasha
This is our highlight! A unique overnight rafting adventure, ending in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park. It's 2 days on the water, combining rafting and floating. The night you'll camp under the stars.
Waterfall Hike
Explore one of Uganda's most beautiful waterfall hikes, surrounded by a rainforest, scenic trails, and breathtaking views in Western Uganda.
Itinerary: Discover Uganda by it’s waters!
Do you want to travel through Uganda, combining the safaris and great apes with outdoor sports and rafting? You’re at the right address!
Itinerary: Rivers, Ridges and Rainforests
Are you the type of traveler looking for the ultimate physical challenge? Would you like to mountainbike, hike and paddle your way through the Ugandan Jungle without spending a minute in your car?
Check other exciting activities and itenaries
why choose us?
We want to get you out of your car into Uganda's nature
location of birira river
Birira River Rafting (SANA Base)
- Only 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth
- Seamless integration into western gorilla safari circuits
- Wild, untamed Class III–IV rapids in lush rainforest gorge
- Reviewed as a bigger highlight than the gorillas! Check our reviews below.
From a recent guest
“Forget Jinja, this is the place to be!”
Koen Dolphen · Google review
“More than a fun rafting experience.”
This was an amazing experience clearly worth the travel for.
The scenery is amazing, the team is extremely professional and make the experience very fun. Thanks again to Juma, John, Akili and Singa for the great service. Surely one of the best rafting experience I ever did! – Marc DESLONDES
Questions before you raft?
Message us if your question is not answered here. Someone from the SANA team will reply. Email us or message us on WhatsApp.
Where are you based?
We are based in Rukungiri in Western Uganda. This makes SANA a natural addition to trips that include Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Do you offer accommodation?
Yes. SANA Bed & Breakfast in Rukungiri offers comfortable double, twin and single rooms—ideal for staying before or after your adventure. Double or twin rooms are $50 per night including breakfast for two, while single rooms are $30 per night including breakfast. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant and local bar, with dinner available when booked in advance. View accommodation details.
Do I need rafting experience?
No previous experience is needed for the activities shown here. We’ll help you choose the right trip for your age, confidence and group.
Can children join?
Yes. Family rafting and floating, as well as the waterfall hike, are available from age six. Main rafting and overnight rafting are from age twelve.
What should I send when I enquire?
Your preferred date, number of guests, children’s ages and where you will be staying are enough to start. We’ll confirm availability and next steps.
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