Meet Amina Tayona, Uganda's pioneering kayaker, whose adventurous spirit takes her from the exhilarating rapids of the Nile to the heights of one of Africa's tallest bungee jumps. As she navigates the challenges of the wild, she proves that anyone can conquer their fears and achieve greatness. Explore Amina’s world of adrenaline and inspiration!
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00:00She has mastered the rapids with skill and power.
00:07Amina Tayona is Uganda's pioneering female kayaker.
00:11And Jinja, where Africa's biggest water body, Lake Victoria,
00:15empties itself into the beginning of the White Nile,
00:18is her playground.
00:20My name is Mama Africa because of my spirit.
00:24I am fearless. If I want something, I go after it.
00:31Tayona started kayaking in 2009.
00:35At the age of 16, she was inspired to try out the sport
00:39by a visiting female kayaker.
00:4215 years later, there are about 10 professional females
00:46among Uganda's 100-plus kayakers.
00:55Tayona's main job is to guide tourists
00:58seeking thrills on Africa's longest river.
01:03Anyone can overcome challenges if they make the effort.
01:06God created us without fear.
01:08It is we who create fear within ourselves.
01:15While the River Nile may seem an exciting playground for Tayona,
01:20it's also a tough adventure.
01:22In her 15-year career,
01:24Tayona has witnessed a number of tragedies.
01:27One that happened at this point hit her particularly hard.
01:38My childhood friend drowned in a spot known as the Dutchman,
01:42a dangerous grade 6 rapid.
01:44He struggled with mental illness and entered the rapids alone,
01:47without a helmet or life jacket.
01:49We lost him that day.
01:52Despite the dangers, Tayona has not stopped exploring the Nile.
01:59This evening, she is taking her bravery 140 feet higher.
02:06Tayona is taking a leap of faith
02:09at one of Africa's tallest bungee-jumping towers.
02:13Whatever you think you can't do, you actually can.
02:16I was raised to chase my dreams and what I dream, I achieve.
02:20That's why I have the courage to see my dreams come true.
02:44This is one of those daring moments,
02:47perfect for an adrenaline junkie.
03:02I love tackling challenges that might seem scary to others,
03:05so that when they see me overcome them,
03:07I feel like a hero.
03:09I love tackling challenges that might seem scary to others,
03:12so that when they see me overcome them,
03:14they are inspired to do the same.
03:18Are you ready to overcome your fears like Amina Tayona?
03:22What's your next adventure?