Although much of Africa is technically a desert, the second largest continent in the world has everything from tropical ecosystems, high mountains, and even a glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro. Rafting trips in Africa vary as much as the climates – from the big, Class V waters of the famous Zambezi River in Zambia to the crystal clear rapids in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, to the multi-day float trips in South Africa. A common feature on all Africa whitewater rafting trips is spectacular wildlife and astounding scenery. Africa’s vast wilderness is home to hippos, crocodiles, gazelles, cormorants, and kingfishers. Ethiopia’s Omo River even has a section named "hippo alley." Rafting trips in Africa are offered in Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia / Zimbabwe.

The massive continent of Asia offers some of the best whitewater rafting trips in the least-rafted regions. Expedition style trips are often the name of the game and big whitewater, spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife, and some of the kindest people in the world make rafting adventures in Asia enjoyable and memorable. With the Himalayas spanning the northern part of Nepal, Bhutan, and India and the southern reaches of China, many of Asia’s rivers are big water melting from the snow and glaciers on the world’s tallest peaks.

Bali Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Ayung River, Telaga Waja River, Melangit River

India Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Zanskar River

Nepal Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Karnali River, Sun Kosi River, Tamur River

When the snow melts from the 22,000 foot peaks in the Andes Mountains, it flows into some of the most incredible rivers in the world. Chile’s Futaleufu River in the Patagonia region is backdropped by these wondrous snow-capped peaks as well as the rivers highlighted in Peru, Ecuador and Argentina. Turquoise green waters, varied rapids, and hikes with spectacular vistas make rafting in South America one of the world’s premier rafting destinations. A whitewater rafting trip on this continent is the perfect adventure and the best way to experience South America’s pristine rivers.

Argentina Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Alumine River, Atuel River, Corcovado River, Hua-Hum River, Juramento River or the Manso River.

Chile Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Futaleufu River

Ecuador Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Jatun Yacu River, Quijos River, Toachi River, or the Upano River.

Peru Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Urubamba River, Apurimac River, Cotahuasi River, or the Colca River.

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Location: Ethiopia on the Sudanese border.

The Omo River is sourced in the Shewan highlands and flows into Lake Turkana near Ethopia’s boarder with Sudan.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-III+ / Beginner

Class III-III+ whitewater makes for fun and excitement without a steep level of challenge on Omo whitewater trips. Previous experience isn’t required, but the Omo River is very remote, and trips last over a week, so participants should be ready for high adventure

Scenery: Isolated canyon, diverse tribes, wildlife

Omo River rafting trips offer access to remote Ethiopia as they travel through deep, thickly forested canyons before ending with lazy, open sections. The river is dotted with waterfalls, natural water slides, and abundant side hikes. “Hippo Alley” is one of many spots where wildlife flourishes. Isolated tribes like the Kwegu and the Mursi live along the banks of the Omo and commercial trips typically stop to visit them.

Season: September – December

River trips on the Omo typically last one to two weeks, depending on what section of the river is being explored.

Location: East of Addis Ababa

The Awash River flows along the boarder of Ethiopia’s Awash National Park, home to many species of birds and exotic African wildlife.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

Only 17 miles of the Awash River are commercially rafted—trips last one day.

Scenery: Dry woodland, gazelles, ostrich

Flowing near the Awash National Park, Awash River rafting trips take rafters through dry grassland and acacia forests. This territory is home to many large animals—tan kudus with long curved horns, clever baboons and graceful gazelles. Hippos and crocs are common in the water and the skies are alive with hornbills and bee-eaters.

Season: Year-round

One day rafting trips are available on the Awash River.

Location: Near Bahir Dar

The Blue Nile is one of the main Nile’s primary tributaries and begins in Ethiopia’s Lake Tana before flowing toward the Sudanese boarder and on to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

Level of Difficulty: Class I-V / Beginner – Advanced

Rafters will find several options for commercial trips on the Blue Nile depending on what level of challenge is desired. Gentle float trips offer a relaxing way to experience the Blue Nile’s beauty. Exciting whitewater is abundant on other sections, and can be rafted in one to four day sections.

Scenery and Wildlife: Excellent Bird Watching

Blue Nile River rafting trips are a delight for bird-watchers who will encounter species ranging from the giant kingfisher and great cormorant, to the little green bee-eater and lesser black-backed gulls.

Season: November – February

Whitewater and float trips are commercially available on the Blue Nile from November to February.

Ethiopia is a fascinating country on Africa’s eastern Coast. Never under formal colonial control, its history stretches back to the time of Abyssinian Princesses and ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. Its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery provides an intriguing and unique backdrop to Ethiopia river rafting trips.

Blue Nile River Rafting Trips (Class I-V):
Blue Nile River trips range from gentle float trips to exciting and challenging whitewater adventures.

Awash River Rafting Trips (Class III):
One day trips are offered on this 17 mile stretch of river near the Awash National Park.

Omo River Rafting Trips (Class III-III+):
Ethiopia’s Omo River gives rafters a chance for true expedition-style adventures on remote, multi-day trips. Steep canyons, isolated tribes, and abundant wildlife give these trips a unique flair.

Location: Near the town of Macas in the Amazon jungle.

The Upano River is the longest multi-day rafting trip in Ecuador. It’s located in the rugged, mountain Morona-Santiago province of Ecuador. The Upano River flows through the Namangosa Gorge where the Shuar Indians live. Flowing through a remote and mostly untouched region of Ecuador, the Upano River truly gives rafters a multi-day wilderness rafting experience, including great hiking, spectacular wildlife viewing, and exciting rapids.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-IV / Intermediate

Throughout the five or six day trip, rapids range from mellow Class II to more thrilling Class IV. The Upano River is wide and meandering in the easy sections. There are big roller coaster waves in the intermediate section, and more challenging boulder garden rapids in as the gorge narrows in the Class IV sections.

Scenery and Culture: Waterfalls, toucans, and butterflies make this a world-class jungle experience

Nicknamed the “River of Sacred Waterfalls,” the Upano River gorge is a jungle paradise. Bright, beautiful wildlife fills the canyon will color. The native Shuar Indians, who live along the river banks, have a rich, fascinating culture and history. They rely on the Upano River today for fishing, washing, drinking water, and mining for gold.

Season: High Season is December – March

The best time to raft on the Upano River is in the Southern hemisphere’s summer, a perfect break from the cold winter months in North America.

Location: Santo Domingo region, 3 hours from Quito

There are two sections on the Toachi River, the Upper and Lower, and they are both located just a few hours from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The Toachi River is the most popular rafting destination in Ecuador because of its close proximity to an international airport. It flows through a sub-tropical forest on the western (coastal) side of the Andes Mountains.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

The rapids on this lowlands river are an excellent introduction to whitewater. There are big splashes and fun drops, but rafting on the Toachi River is not overly challenging. Depending on the water levels, the Toachi River can increase in difficulty.

Scenery: Plenty of wildlife in a beautiful canyon

The brightly colored flowers create a vibrant backdrop for Toachi rafting trips. River otters can be spotted playing around and tall palm trees line the canyon.

Season: Year-round

Like many of Ecuador’s rivers, rafting trips on the Toachi are available throughout the year, depending on water levels.