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Rafting Tour On The Omo River

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Must Visit City
Addis Ababa
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The Omo River is an exciting river for rafting as it is easily navigable and its intact environment adds to its charisma. The Omo River cuts through a wild and unexplored land at a junction . .
Country: Ethiopia
City: Addis Ababa
Duration: 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s)
Tour Category: River Rafting
Package Itinerary

The Omo River is an exciting river for rafting as it is easily navigable and its intact environment adds to its charisma. The Omo River cuts through a wild and unexplored land at a junction which brings three countries together, The Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia before flowing in to lake Turkana which is divided in to Ethiopia and Kenya.

As you raft through the desolate lands, you are sure to enjoy every bit of the exhilarating trip. Along with the enticing brownwaters of the Omo River, a rafter is bound to get thrilled by the splendor of the breathtaking scenery. Streaming through the gorges, you can get a glimpse of the mystifying tribal culture along the riverside. It is even said that some of these desolate places by the riverside are still virtually unknown to the rest of the world.

SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE RAFTING:

White water rafting is not just for the crazy hard-core mountain people anymore. This popular sport is now more mainstream than ever before. But there are a few steps that you and your family can take to ensure that your white water experience is a good one that you will look back on your experience in a positive way for years to come.

Choose a licensed and professional rafting outfitter

When shopping for an outfitter, ask them questions. See how long they have been in business under the current ownership. Ask them what kind of training their guides have and what government entity manages their outfitters permit and training practices. This will let you know that you are working with a professional outfitter. Picking a professional outfitter will help ensure that the following rules are followed.

Always wear a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD).
Although just because you wear a life jacket, it doesn’t mean it will save your life. It must be worn correctly. All buckles must be clipped and the jacket should be fitted snug to your body. The trick here is to have the jacket fitted so you can breathe yet the jacket should not be able to be pulled up over your head. Always have your professional guide fit your jacket. This will ensure a perfect fit.

Be safe and comfortable. Wear protective gear.
Whitewater Rafting SafetyAlways wear a helmet no matter what level of rafting you are participating in. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t let your kids out to ride their bike or go rollerblading without a helmet, why go whitewater rafting without one? It just makes good sense.

Make sure you have the right outerwear for the day.
In early Spring, the water may be a little chilly. Wearing a wet suit, splash jacket, and proper river shoes can make the trip much more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without the chill. Some outfitters rent this gear. A reputable outfitter will have gear for you. Find out before you book if the outfitter has gear for you. Raft Masters includes this gear as part of the package at no additional cost. On the other side of the spectrum: be prepared for sunny clear days. This can be accomplished by wearing quick-drying clothing like polypro and wearing sunscreen and a cheap pair of sunglasses with UV protection.

Hold the paddle properly.
Holding the paddle properly can be a huge safety concern. One hand should be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand should ALWAYS be on the end of the shaft over the “T” grip. The “T” grip is made of hard plastic and can blacken eyes and knock out teeth. Keeping your hand over the “T” grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen.

Stay in the boat!
This sounds like common sense, but it can happen. One minute you are in the boat and the next you are swimming next to it. When rafting, pay attention and watch for rocks coming from downstream. Your guide may use a command called “Bump” just before the boat hits a rock. If your guide calls out, “Bump!” lean in while placing your paddle “T” grip on the floor of the boat. Make sure you still keep your hand over the grip. If the “Bump” command is executed correctly your blade end of the paddle will be up in the air and your fist over the grip will be on the floor of the boat. This should keep you in the boat.

Know the proper swimming techniques.
Whitewater Rafting boat when swimming in the river, whether you fall out or you jump in for fun, there are two techniques. The first is the “Down River Swimmers Position”. This is on your back, nose, and toes to the sky with your head up so you can see where you are going. Feet downstream with your knees slightly bent. This way if you come in contact with a rock you can use your feet and legs as shock absorbers and push off the rock. Arms should be out to your side to help keep yourself in control.

Know the commands – High-Siding.
When you are listing to your guide’s safety talk before the trip, pay extra attention to the part about high-siding. High-siding is a command that your guide may call out as a last-ditch effort to keep the boat from capsizing. Remember: don’t panic! Chances are this won’t happen, but if it does you will have wished you paid attention during the safety talk. This situation tends to stress both guides and clients out but really it is a super easy command to execute.

Never panic!
Panicking is a waste of time.

Listen to your guide during the safety talk and on the water.
Your experienced Raft Masters’ guide is trained to know exactly how to handle any type of situation encountered while on the river.

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