BUNGEE JUMPING IS BACK ON THE NILE - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUNGEE JUMPING

Bungee Jumping Tower at Bungee Uganda just above the Nile. Photo by Dominic Tugume 

I know most people have Acrophobia; an excessive fear of heights and this manifests as severe anxiety. A person could have an attack just walking upstairs or climbing a ladder. Sometimes the fear is so great a person can't move. Acrophobia can create a dangerous situation for someone who has it. But I hope it won’t attack you while reading this blog or while having a look at the photos in this blog. Hahaha. 

Anyways fear of heights aside, so, the long-awaited adrenaline rush activity; Bungee Jumping is back again!! This should excite most of you reading this especially adventure seekers like me. So let me take you back a bit. Some of you might be remembering that we had Bungee Jumping in Jinja before, this is like 3-4years back and was being managed by Adrift. But the activity was halted due to some technical issues that needed to be worked on for the safety of the clients and yes I confirm to you that it's back again under the new management of Bungee Uganda, and we were privileged to launch it on 23^rd October 2021. And the waiting is no more. Most people have long waited for this activity to be back again including me, and I’m super excited for it to be back again.

GETTING TO KNOW ABOUT IT

So, early this year 2021, news started circulating that Bungee Jumping was going to be launched soon towards the end of April 2021 and we kept our hopes high. I kept in touch with Sasha N Babito the Manager at Bungee Uganda, to keep posted when Bungee Jumping officially is back, to which she agreed. But April ended and the activity wasn’t launched, we were a bit disappointed with a few friends who were really interested in the activity. But we kept our hopes high and they informed us the activity will be launched in August and we got excited again, August also ended and nothing happened and this was because the equipment delayed a bit to arrive here in Uganda and you remember we went into another lockdown in June and that slowed down everything. Long story short we get information in late September that it was going to be officially opened in October and we get excited. At this moment we knew the long waiting was no more. We ask if there would be a fam trip and we didn’t get feedback immediately. On 29^th September 2021, Rob Davies sent a WhatsApp message in one of the Tour Operators groups that read; and I quote “Calling all tour operators. If anyone would like to experience Bungee Jumping at the Famous Nile High Bungee in October please let us know so you can try before we open commercially. Call or email info@bungeeuganda.com” Guess What! This was an answered prayer. Immediately I sent in an email as if that wasn’t enough I followed up with a phone call and it was an automatic yes. I got so excited and the rest is now history.

TRAVELING TO JINJA

A week to the event me and a friend Faith Mwihaki aka Bush Gal, started looking for tour operators who were going to Jinja so that we can travel as a group; first to save on transport but secondly, it’s more fun to travel in a group than just an individual or 2, that’s according to me anyway, some prefer traveling soles, 3 days to the event we hadn’t found out how we were actually going. So we start doing ground mobilization and asking a few friends that we knew wouldn’t miss, to find out if they were actually going. Some responded in agreement, while others this was a new song in their ears. Long story short we finally teamed up 8 with us and we got a van to take us. We agreed on the price to be paid for transportation and the meeting point. So, Saturday 23^rd October 2021, was the day of the event and we gathered at Total Opposite Uganda house at 7am at dawn. We left at 7:30am and by 11am we were in Jinja, only to be told the activity will start at 3pm. This meant we had to wait till 3pm. We relaxed a bit at the restaurant and later drove to Bujjagali and Jinja town and we came back at 2:30pm

Photo Moment at IGAR Petro Station in Jinja. L-R, Dominic, Cathrine, Allen Tetsi, Patricia, Brendah and Pius. Photo By Dixon Newman 

GETTING SET

Immediately we arrived at Bungee Uganda we signed an indemnity form, literally consenting that in case anything happens to your 100% responsible! Hahaha! Luckily nothing wrong happened. Hihihi. Anyways, measurements were taken as well, just to help the jump masters know which cord to use while jumping. For your information, different cords are used for different weights for example a cord used by a person who weighs 70+ Kgs is not the same cord used by a person of 50kgs or less. They’re different. Key to note while taking your measurements, they do not allow you to carry anything like phones, bags, watch, etc on you because it might increase your weight and a wrong measurement will be taken.

So after the measurements, it was time for the first six jumpers to climb the tower. Luckily I was among the first 6 Jumpers of the day and the 3^rd Jumper in my group the way we traveled. Upon reaching the pinnacle of the tower, we were briefed by the Jumpmasters and told us generally about Bungee Jumping plus the dos and don’ts.

After the briefing, we were helped to wear the Bungee harnesses. These are the main wear and tear components of Bungee Jumping.  50% of the Jumper depends on the harness. And before they wear you any harness you’re asked which style of Jump do the jumping. Now for your information, there’re so many types of Jumps i.e Swallow Dive which is the most commonly used, Back dive, Bat drop (Not so common), Railing Jump, and Pogo Jump. However, at Bungee Uganda, only two are mainly used for the clients the Swallow Dive, which you may call Ankle diving with your head first, and the Back Dive/Body.

Now, these two Jumps are different and they have different harnesses. For the Swallow dive, you are given an ankle harness and for the Back dive, you’re given a body harness.

I asked, “Which one is more fun?” “Ankle is more fun!” The jumpmaster replied! “Give me the ankle harness then,” I said! At the time my confidence and my excitement were way up in the clouds. The first 3 jumpers went and jumped and I was the 4^th to Jump.

MY TURN TO TAKE THE PLUNGE

After the 3^rd person took the plunge, I was called, confidently I walked the bungee tower aisle. They double-checked, if the harnesses were well fitted, crossed-checked my weight again, I measured 64.2 with the harnesses on me. “Blue cord,” the jumpmaster said. This meant they were to change the cord for me, to use the blue cord other than the red one which is for 70+ Kg people.

“What’s your name?” One of the jump masters asked. “Dominic is my name” I replied! “I’m Nick. Nice to meet you Dominic” He added. “Nice to meet you too Nick,” I said! “Are you ready to jump?” Yes, I am” I replied. “Alright, this is what is going to happen, Dominic, you’re going to come over here, on a count of 5 to 1 you jump. When you hear go, stretch your hands up and dive. When you dive, spread your arms and bounce, Okay?” Loudly he said!

 “Okay,” I replied. Now, it was time for me to dare the devil in a death game. “30 seconds, Are you ready?” “I’m ready” I replied. The countdown began “5, 4,3,2,1. Go!” Fear engulfed me after looking down where I was going and I hesitated to jump. “Wait! Wait! Wait!” I shouted! “Repeat the instructions” I requested.  He called me back. “Dominic, don’t try to imagine how you’re going to jump, Okay? When we count to 1 just jump we’re going to take care of everything, Okay?” “Okay” I replied in affirmation. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go……..” And that was it.

Showing off on the Cord/Rope shortly after I jumped from the tower. Photo by Pius Muhamya 

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Now, this was followed by a 10-15 second silent moment after the word Go. My eyes were open but couldn’t see or imagine anything, I was literally dead. Everything my heart and mind just stopped functioning I was half dead, when you ask me what exactly happened in those seconds I can’t tell at all. The speed was so terrible, I think Newton’s law of gravity is best applied here. Until I reached a certain point the cord bounced me back, that’s when I smiled and I was shocked that I was still breathing. For your information the Bungee cord is elastic and this helps you to be able to bounce. I bounced thrice and that was the best moment more me though it was short. You bounce as the pulling cord swings you left and right, up and down before you finally descend to the rescue boat.

MY BUNGEE JUMPING EXPERIENCE

I have done now 3 adrenaline rush kinds of activities (Abseiling, Water Sliding, and Bungee Jumping) next is White Water Rafting and all are really amazing and thrilling, special in their own way, a bit scary and freaking-out by just imagining them and in reality but I think Bungee Jumping is my best so far. I’m even running out of words to best explain this but just to encourage you to take a leap of faith to do Bungee Jumping. The feeling, after taking the plunge is just enormous, fabulous, magical, phenomenal, overwhelming, Incredible, and unthinkable. I can compare this feeling to when you’re sentenced to death but you just find yourself alive and well.  

HOW SAFE IS THE ACTIVITY?

The activity is 100% safe. Before I did the activity I had all these erroneous and flawed thoughts about Bungee Jumping, just like some of you who're reading this are. I could imagine something going wrong and then boom, in the river. Just like many of you. Am I lying?

But, just to inform you, several safety measures are taken before you head up on the Bungee jumping tower, while on the Bungee Jumping tower and while you’re jumping until finally, you get into the rescue boat. These safety measures include:

To begin with, the activity was approved by the government as a safe activity and it is regulated, everything that is being used is known and has been tested and approved by the responsible authorities.

Secondly, the equipment being used; the Bungee Cord, Pulling Cord, Carabiner, Pulley, Bungee harnesses, etc are of world standard and have been fully approved to be safe, strong, and to be used.

Thirdly, the jumpmasters/Instructors are well trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to help you do the activity.

As if that's not enough before you Jump, your weight is taken and recorded, this helps the jump masters to know which cord you use on a particular person.

The other thing is, you’re well briefed and asked questions in case you have any complications like Blood pressure, then you’re advised accordingly.

You’re doubled checked by 3 different senior instructors to ensure that the harnesses are well fitted onto your body to avoid anything wrong to happen

The rescue team with the rescue boat is also well located in the river waiting for any jumper to be rescued and they do that professionally.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

First and foremost expect fun and enjoyment while you’re jumping and bouncing. The first 10 seconds might be freaky but that’s okay and very normal for every human being.

Secondly, expect to come out alive and well. It’s not a death sentence it’s just an adventure and adrenaline rush kind of activity.

Thirdly expect joy and happiness after doing Bungee Jumping. You have no idea the overwhelming joy you feel after conquering your fears. Fear is awful, you need to face it.

Last but not least, beautiful lasting memories that you will cherish forever. This is a lifetime experience that you will never get elsewhere affordable as it is in Uganda.

WHERE TO DO BUNGEE JUMPING FROM IN UGANDA?

Bungee Jumping in Uganda is only done in Jinja at Bungee Uganda at the famous Nile River, 87.4Kms from the Capital Kampala, and 1.8kms from Amber Court Market Jinja. Bungee Uganda is Located in Jinja on Kimaka Road/Jinja Budondo Road, Behind Nile Jinja Resort (Mada Hotel).

HOW MUCH IS BUNGEE JUMPING?

The current prices of Bungee Jumping as of 2021 are; depending on the nationality (prices are per person per jump. The second Jump is 50% off the initial price and the 3rd jump is absolutely free)

·         Ugandans Ugx 200,000/=

·         East Africa Community (EAC) $100

·         Foreigners $115

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE, WEIGHT, AND MAXIMUM WEIGHT?

The minimum age doesn’t apply here but the minimum weight of a person is 35kgs below 35kgs you’re not allowed to do Bungee Jumping and the maximum weight is 300Kgs that combines Bungee Harnesses (Body and Ankle Harnesses) and Carabiners (Lock Buckles) and the Cord.  

DO YOU FEEL ANY KIND OF DIZZINESS OR PAIN AFTER JUMPING?

Personally, I didn’t feel any pain or dizziness after jumping, I was very okay. A few of my friends just felt some little pain in their arms but that takes a little time and the pain will be no more.

 

Thank you so much for reading my blog, hope you learned something. Please leave a comment, Question or Supplement below, or anything in regards to this blog.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MLINZA FARM

 

About The Farm

Mlinza farm is a mixed demo farm located in Zirobwe-Wabitungulu, Luwero District 60kms from the Capital of Kampala. The farm was started in 2018 and has been operating for 3 years now, started by Mr. Mulindwa Eric and Ms. Carol Zawadde where the name Mlinza is derived from. It's a combination of Mulindwa and Zawedde to make it Mlinza in short.

Mlinza Farms Ltd has two Farms; one in Kiruhura, and the other in Zirobwe, where we visited. The Farm in Kiruhura is basically for goat breeding whereas the farm in Zirobwe is a mixed demo farm. This farm seats on 15 acres and they rear different species of Birds, domesticated animals, and grow crops as well.

The birds they rear include; Ducks (Perkins Ducks, Kayuga Ducks, and the Local Ducks), Turkeys these are local ones majorly, Chicken; these are croilers and local chicken

Cocks Corner 

Perkin Ducks 

Animals are Goats (Boer crosses and Local Mubende Goats), Rabbits, and Guinea Pigs.

Boer Cross Goats and Local Mubende Goats in the Goats Pen 

Breeding Hutch for Rabbits

 

Rabbits in their Hutch 

Domestic Guinea Pigs 

Fish is the other thing they rear, and they have majorly 2 fish ponds and 1 that we left being dug. The fish species here at Mlinza is Catfish majorly.

The crops include; Pineapples, Bananas, Cassava, Potatoes, Yams, and Sweet Potatoes. Others include; Watermelon and Strawberries.

As a mixed demo farm, they do a couple of things and these include:

·   Production

·   Processing

·   Marketing of Agricultural produces

·   Agrotourism/Agritourism

·   Community Outreaches.

However, for this blog, we shall concentrate on Agro tourism which was our main visit to the farm as a tourism professional and a travel blogger.

For starters, Agro-tourism/Agritourism could be thought of as crossroads of tourism and agriculture. It is a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors to the farm to entertain and/or educate the visitors and generating income for the farm because it's not charity. Hahaha, just a prank never mind. Agritourism should at least include the following;

·   Combining the essentials elements of tourism and agriculture

·   Attracting members of the public to visit agricultural operations and participate

·   Designed to increase farm income and,

·   Provides recreation, entertainment, and/or educational experience to the visitors

All the above-mentioned are at Mlinza Farm. This amazed and delighted me as well because agritourism isn't something that many have ventured into yet it has a very big potential for the growth of domestic tourism.

ACTIVITIES ON THE FARM

Whereas Mlinza farm in Zirobwe was started 3 years ago, Farm trips began in January 2020, when they first hosted a group of 250 farmers who had come for agricultural education purposes. Since then the farm has been receiving several visitors both for tourism purposes and agricultural purposes. And lately, it has been more of the tourism purposes. This has been mainly because of the amazing activities on the farm that amaze most of the visitors while on the farm. These include;

Farm Tours

These include School tours, Individual tours, and Group tours on the Farm for both education and tourism purposes. The Farm is big enough seated on 15 acres, Carol Zawedde the CEO of the farm was our tour guide on the farm. She gave us the full details about the farms and what exactly they do. The tour involves you walking around the different animal houses and gardens to see how crops are grown.

Animal/Bird Feeding.

This activity involves, the visitors engaging in feeding the different birds and/or animals. For example the Turkey, Rabbits, Chicken, and the Goats. It's an amazing activity especially if you love spending some quality time with these domesticated birds and animals. While feeding you're taught about their behaviors, feeding habits, and how to take care of them. The activity can go as long as you want to be provided you have enough time.

Turkey Feeding 

Meat Tasting

This is everyone's favorite activity who visits the farm, including us, and of course, you know why. This should be Meat Feasting because it is not just tasting but feasting. With Meat tasting, you choose different types of meat you would love to eat and how you would love prepared depending on the number of people and the amount of money. For example Grilled, Pot-Boiled, Roasted, Pan-fried, or Deep-fried. This is served with either, Potato Wages, Cassava, Posho, Rice, Sweet Plantain, alongside fruit and vegetable salads. The Meat was plentiful, Mouth-watering, appetizing, Tasty, and Flavoursome. OMG, I don't know how to even explain this. Leave alone your usual chicken, have you tasted Pot-Boiled Chicken or Pan-fried Rabbit Meat before? OMG, this is as a sapid and worth every penny. Before we ate "I was at the edge of my seat". Lo, and behold I saw the beautiful wooden food boxes appear on the table. I couldn't hold my excitement. Hahaha. Of course, fruit salads were served first and everyone ate baby portions to have enough room for the meat. Haha. This is a worthwhile experience and highly recommended. 

Getting Set for a Mega Meal 

Food Set-Up 

Pan-fried Rabbit Meat 

Pot-Boiled Chicken 

L-R: French Beans, Duck, Turkey, Pan-Fried Rabbit Meat and Vegetable Salads 

Pineapple Hunting

Not the usual hunting of animals you know, hahaha, this is quite different and interesting, no hustle at all. Here you go to the Pineapple garden and pick as many Pineapples as you can carry in your hands. Quite interesting right? Oh yeah. It is really interesting. You only play 10,000/- for this activity.

Pineapple Garden where Pineapple Hunting is done from 

Fishing

This fishing isn't one of casting nets, no, please. Ponds aren't lakes but you're given a hook that is used in trapping the fish in from the pond and you take the size of the fish you catch with you. Yes! Mlinza Farm is really interesting.

One of the Fish Ponds where Fishing is Done. 

Camping

Just like any tourism destination, visitors may wish to spend a night and Mlinza farm has a small campsite with the requirements. They have tents but you can wish to carry your sleeping bags because these aren't available yet but in plans to procure some according to the CEO Carol. There's a campfire place just at the farm where you can camp at night and entertainment is provided as well while camping. The CEO has a plan of constructing cottages for the guests soon.

Games and Entertainment

Though for us we didn't have time for games, the farm has both indoor and outdoor games. Among the indoor games include; Cards, Chess, Ludo. And the outdoor games include; volleyball and Football. The farm has a volley Court and a football pitch near the farm where visitors can play football with the farm employees. The Volley Ball Court is right there at the farm entrance on the left. This is to give you company and not to feel bored while on the farm and trust me you cannot feel bored.

Future Prospects

Mlinza farm has plans of introducing new animals in addition to the few they have now to increase production on the farm

There's also a plan of constructing visitor cottages to improve on the visitors experience those who will be interested in spending a night at the farm.

How the whole experience was.

Generally, the whole experience was awesome and worthwhile, we spent roughly 5 hours on the farm and every minute on that farm was worth it. From the activities to the feasting time, everything was marvelous! The people on the farm are hospitable and the Carol the CEO is just amazing and so welcoming. We're going back to Mlinza farm on 16th October 2021 and if you're interested please let me know we have limited slots available. But we can always plan for you a farm trip to this amazing farm as Wildfriends Africa Safaris. Just let us know and we plan it for you any time with a minimum number of 4 people.

PICTORIAL OF HOW THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS

A selfie Moment with Carol Zawedde CEO Mlinza Farm 

A Selfie Moment After of Meal with my mates Julie and Victoria