All my life, I was thinking of exploring new places in Uganda and East Africa, when I got a chance and joined African Jungle Adventure Ltd, I knew that maybe it’s the right time to make my dream come true. When I had worked for one year with the company, my workmates came up with an idea of celebrating this one year with the company in style, and we thought of organizing a daytime outing trip.
That weekend, you drafted out the program, and we were to visit Kireka Recreation Park, where many amazing family activities are done.
Considering the numerous beautiful places around Kampala, we unanimously decided on Kireka Recreation Park because its atmosphere perfectly suited us. On that special morning, we all met at the main office of African Jungle Adventures Ltd and began our journey by ensuring the car had sufficient fuel. Driving along the northern bypass, our brief trip felt like a mini-safari as we passed through Bwaise, Kalerwe, Bukoto, and Naalya in quick succession. Once on Kamuli-Kireka road, we inquired for directions and were helpfully guided by Boda Boda Guys (motorcycle taxi drivers) to turn right at Bam International Group. Although it was within walking distance, we soon arrived at the park entrance.
The Park
Kireka Recreation Park is a fantastic place for families, with fun for all ages. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, boat rides, various sports, wall climbing, cycling, monkey bars, rope courses, and zip-lining. Activities in this park start at just Shs5,000. The main reason why we visited the park was to try zip-lining. At the entrance, we each received a ziplining bill for a mere Shs20,000. As it was a weekend, the park was quite lively. The grounds are extensive, and as we walked in, we passed a sports area featuring a turf field, basketball and netball courts, swimming pools, a picnic area, and a children’s playground. The park buzzed with activity; families relaxed on picnic blankets, couples snapped photos, and kids played on the vibrant green lawns, creating a scene that felt almost cinematic.
The adventure park entrance is a moderate-sized gate with a wire mesh fence that leads to a narrow elevated bridge with black wooden railings. We stopped to take some photos before crossing. From this vantage point, you could see almost the entire park – a beautiful landscape filled with numerous trees, green lawns, and happy faces everywhere you looked. While being close to nature brings a sense of freshness and peace, my excitement for the upcoming adventure thrills grew even stronger, almost making me forget they were just moments away. The air was fresh, the breeze was soft, and it felt as if nature itself was welcoming us.
Zip-lining in the Park
As we crossed the bridge towards the adventure area, a flurry of activity surrounded us. People eagerly scaled climbing walls, jumped on tires, and stacked crates, while others navigated high rope courses. To the far right was the registration area for zip-lining. We went directly there and encountered a couple who had just finished their ride; the wide smile on the woman’s face clearly showed her enjoyment.
The staff were exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic. After signing the visitor’s book along with two other individuals, we were told to prepare. They provided us with helmets and rope harnesses. I volunteered to go first and was securely fastened into a rope harness, ensuring my safety. We followed suit, capturing photos and videos throughout this process to preserve the memories. From there, the guide led us to the initial platform, where we climbed a wooden ladder-like tower that resembled a simple wooden ladder. At the top, we received instructions on how to complete the zip-lining adventure. The instructor first demonstrated using my harness, telling us how the system operated. He attached one rope from the harness to the pulley, leaving the other rope unclipped.
“For each of you, I’ll leave the secondary rope unlocked. However, as you approach the end marked by the rope-mesh shield, pull down the loose rope to engage the lock and slow down before reaching the barrier, allowing the other guide to assist you.” He repeated the instructions twice, ensuring we all understood.
The first two participants soared across like superheroes, greeted by cheers from the crowd below. Joan, one of my workmates, was completely at ease, even daring to go hands-free midair, letting out a joyful scream as we captured the moment on video.
Then, the situation took a turn—the third participant was acrophobic. Though she started with confidence, fear set in as she neared the rope-mesh barrier. In her panic, she failed to pull the brake rope, causing her to slide backward instead of stopping. She drifted toward the middle of the zip line, suspended above a water body, which heightened her fear and prompted her to call for help. As the crowd reacted with nervous laughter, some pulling out their phones to record, the staff remained composed.
They seemed unfazed, having likely witnessed similar incidents before. In such emergencies, participants are advised to stay calm. As she waited for her pulley to move, a rescue team member swiftly donned his gear, secured his carabiner to the zip line, and zipped backward toward her. Upon reaching her, he reassured her, fastened her harness to his own, and together, they glided safely to the finish. At the endpoint, cheers erupted as he encouraged the young girl to stay and complete the activity.
Then, it was my turn. The unsettling scene had shaken me to my core. I often joked about my fear of heights, but this time, it felt genuine. I asked the instructor to go over the safety instructions again, and he gladly obliged. Once I felt ready, he gently guided me to the edge of the wooden platform, prompting me to bend my knees slightly. And then—whoosh! I was soaring through the air.
The wind whipped past, my racing heart slowing to awe as I gazed down at the magical, green landscape below. The water sparkled invitingly in the sunlight. I felt like a bird in flight, and my confidence in my swimming abilities quickly dismissed even the thought of a possible fall. Safety precautions were in place; however, a boatman was stationed below, ready to assist in any emergency. As I zipped past, he gave me a reassuring thumbs-up. The crucial braking maneuver soon arrived. Following the instructor’s countdown, “Ten… nine… zero! Pull the rope!” I yanked the rope with both hands, slowing my descent. I landed with a soft thud against the mesh barrier, and with the guide’s assistance, I was soon back on solid ground, embraced by my friends.
We had to climb another tower for the return zip line. This time, the ride was on a lower zip-line, and even the other girl who had earlier been overwhelmed with fear completed her second run with confidence and triumph. I, too, grew bolder, letting go with one hand and waving as I soared through the air.