The World Rafting Cup Comes to Kenya: Sagana Hosts the 2026 Global Finale — Be There for History
History is about to be made on Kenyan waters. From 5th to 12th July 2026, River Sagana will host the 2026 World Rafting Cup, the third and final leg of the global series, following earlier rounds in France and Italy. This is the first time Kenya, and only the second time any African nation, will host an event of this magnitude.
Over 1,500 athletes from more than 40 countries will descend on Sagana to battle it out on the Tana River, widely recognised as one of the finest white water rafting courses in the world. Run concurrently with the Africa Continental Rafting Championship, this is set to be one of the largest international sporting events ever staged in Kenya.
Whether you are a die-hard adventure sports fan, a Kenyan looking for an unforgettable weekend, or an international traveller wanting to combine world-class sport with an African safari, this is the event of the year. And Lindberg Holidays & Safaris is here to get you there.
World Rafting Cup 2026 — Event At A Glance
Event: 2026 World Rafting Cup (Final leg of the global series) +Africa Continental Championship
Dates: 5th – 12th July 2026
Venue: Rapids Camp, River Sagana, Kirinyaga & Murang'a Counties, Kenya
Participants: 1,500+ athletes from 40+ countries
Disciplines: Sprint, RX (Rafting Cross), and Slalom — Classic Format
Categories: Senior Men, Women, Mixed, and Para-Rafting
Rapids difficulty: Grade III / IV
Distance from Nairobi: Approx. 2.5 hours by road.
What is the World Rafting Cup?
The World Rafting Cup is the premier international white water rafting competition, organised under the World Rafting Federation. It is contested as a multi-leg global series across the world's best rafting rivers, with teams accumulating points across each round. In 2026, the series runs through France, Italy, and culminates in its grand finale on Kenya's River Sagana.
Rafting is a high-adrenaline team sport where crews of paddlers navigate roaring white water rapids in inflatable rafts, competing across several intense race formatsthe explosive Sprint, the head-to-head RX (Rafting Cross), and the technical Slalom. Every discipline demands split-second coordination, raw power, and nerves of steel.
For Kenya, hosting the final leg is a landmark momenta powerful statement that African rivers belong on the world stage of competitive adventure sport.
Why River Sagana? Kenya's world-class rafting venue
River Sagana, flowing from the foothills of Mount Kenya as part of the mighty Tana River system, has earned its place among the best rafting destinations on earth. Its glacial-fed waters create fast, powerful, and crystal-clear Grade III and IV rapids the exact conditions elite rafters dream of.
Sagana has previously hosted Olympic qualifiers and the inaugural Africa Rafting Championship, giving it a proven track record of staging high-level international competition. The Kenya Rafting Federation has long championed the river's unique advantages:
- World-class natural rapids that meet full international competition standards
- Safe waters free from the crocodile and hippo threats found on many other African rivers
- A stunning setting at the foot of Mount Kenya, surrounded by lush forest and farmland
- Established adventure tourism infrastructure with experienced guides and safety teams
- Just 2.5 hours from Nairobi, accessible for both local and international visitors
The Lindberg World Rafting Cup travel package
Getting to Sagana and experiencing the World Rafting Cup is effortless with Lindberg Holidays & Safaris. We have built a fully inclusive package so you can focus entirely on the action and the atmospherewe handle every logistical detail.
Inclusion Detail
Return transport Comfortable bus from Nairobi to Sagana and back.
Departure point confirmed on booking.
VIP championship access Full event access including VIP viewing area to
watch the world's best up close.
1 night accommodation Therema Gardens — comfortable riverside
property in the heart of Sagana.
Meals on half-board Dinner and breakfast included during your stay.
Water throughout Drinking water provided for the full duration of the
trip.
Package price: KSH 9,500 per person. Secure your slot with a deposit of KSH 4,000 — balance payable before travel.
International visitors — combine the Cup with a safari
Travelling from abroad for the World Rafting Cup? Make the most of your trip.
Sagana is just 2.5 hours from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi).
We can build a custom itinerary pairing the rafting championship with a Maasai Mara safari, an Amboseli trip with views of Kilimanjaro, or a Zanzibar / Diani beach escape.
Visa note: International visitors should apply for the Kenya eVisa well in advance of travel.
Contact our team to design your complete Kenya adventure around the Cup dates.
About Therema Gardens — your accommodation
Therema Gardens is a well-established property in Sagana known for its comfortable rooms, lush gardens, and easy access to the Tana River. It is the ideal base for the championship weekend, close enough to the action but peaceful enough to rest properly between days of racing.
How to book your World Rafting Cup package
- Message us on WhatsApp: +254 743 377 948 — let us know how many people are travelling
- Pay your KSH 4,000 deposit via M-Pesa to secure your slot
- We confirm your booking and send full departure details.
Balance of KSH 5,500 payable before travel. With a global event of this scale drawing thousands of visitors, slots and accommodation fill fast — book early to avoid disappointment.
Book your spot at the World Rafting Cup 2026
Event dates: 5th – 12th July 2026, River Sagana, Kenya
Package price: KSH 9,500 per person (all-inclusive from Nairobi)
Deposit: KSH 4,000 secures your slot
WhatsApp: +254 743 377 948
Email: lindbergsafaris@lindbergsafaris.com
Website: www.lindbergsafaris.com
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rafting experience to attend?
Not at all. The Lindberg package is a spectator experience — you watch the world's best rafters compete from the VIP viewing area. No water experience is required to be part of the action.
When exactly should I travel?
The event runs from 5th to 12th July 2026, with the most competitive racing and finals towards the end of the week. Our package covers the peak championship days. Please contact us for exact travel dates and departure times.
Can international visitors join the package?
Yes. Sagana is just 2.5 hours from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We welcome visitors from all 40+ participating nations and beyond, and can build a custom itinerary combining the Cup with a safari or beach holiday. Remember to apply for your Kenya e Visa in advance.
What should I bring?
Light clothing for warm days, a fleece or light jacket for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Bring cash for lunches and personal purchases. Don't forget your camera — the action is spectacular.
Is the package available for groups and corporates?
Absolutely. We cater for friend groups, corporate teams, schools and clubs of all sizes. Contact us on WhatsApp for tailored group pricing.