From offering World-class adventures to unwinding opportunities along the banks of the source of the Nile, Jinja is simply remarkable. Most of Uganda’s adrenaline activities such as sport fishing, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, quad biking, kayaking, horseback rides, boat cruises and mountain biking can be enjoyed in this Eastern based Town. Before anything else, Jinja is known as a home to the source of the Nile in addition to hosting the first Hydroelectric Power station in Uganda (Owen Falls Dam or Nalubale Dam) as well as the famous Kakira Sugar Works.

Location of Jinja

Jinja is a Town/City based within the Eastern side of Uganda within the popular Busoga sub-region and is snugged along the northern shores of Lake Victoria-largest freshwater Lake in Africa. This beautiful and famous City is about 50 miles (81 kilometers) by road, East of Uganda’s Capital (Kampala). In terms of altitude, it sits within an area of 1204 meters above sea level.

History of Jinja City

The City of Jinja was established in 1901 by early British settlers, although its Urban Plan was made by Ernst May (a German Architect and renowned Urban Planner) under Colonial rule in 1948. It is this same popular planner who reportedly designed the initial scheme for Kampala that saw the creation of neighborhood units. It is from his extricate that the idea of building Estates was derived to cater for the ruling elites in many places at the outskirts of the City center. For this, slums were also cleared leading to the displacement of over 1000 residents of Jinja in the 1950s.

Mesmerizing things to see and do in Jinja

Jinja City is popularly referred as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa” and this title is for no reason. It is hear that almost all of Uganda’s adrenaline activities are done. Expect to engage in:

Whitewater rafting along River Nile

Few adventure experiences can match to the thrill of paddling on the ferocious Grade IV and V rapids of River Nile, the World’s second longest River. The idea of getting wet and wild, jaw-dropping sceneries and just the adrenaline rush make this experience worthwhile. This adventure is conducted all year round although the dry season is preferred by travellers for the reasonable water levels. Expect to undertake the activity in groups with varying distances and rapid intensity to explore. There is also an option for grade 2 family boat that caters for visitors who are as young as 6 years and the elderly. Also expect to sight a number of bird species during this adventure.

Explore the Source of the Nile

We now know that the source of the Nile (second longest River in the World) is found in Uganda and you can discover this point during a boat trip. It is at the indicated point that the Nile starts its long journey to its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea.

Quad biking

There are only two places in Uganda offering this experience, and Jinja is one of them. With or without experience, you can be able to explore the rural areas, banks of the River Nile and fishing villages on an ATV quad Bike after being offered free training.

Bungee jumping

The City of Jinja is also known for offering Bungee jumping opportunities and a matter of fact, it is the only place where the adventure can be enjoyed. Expect your adrenaline to pump as you freely plunge yourself about 45 meters down into open space with strong ropes tied around your waist or ankle. Get a chance to touch the River Nile water during this experience.

Horseback rides

What an interesting experience to explore the shores of the Nile River, lush vegetation and generally the countryside on a horseback! With this, you don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy the experience because free training is offered to first-time visitors (novices) and experienced riders alike. This activity also offers chances of bird watching along the banks of River Nile.

The popular Nyege Nyege Festival

Since 2015 until 2020 (due to Covid-19), the annual Nyege Nyege Festival that celebrates good music (of different genres) from across Sub-Saharan Africa was always hosted at Discovery beach within the suburbs of Njeru, about 20-minutes’ drive from Jinja’s CBD.

River Nile Boat rides

Your visit to Jinja City shouldn’t miss the River Nile Boat ride that rewards visitors with beautiful views of verdant vegetation, numerous bird species and fishing villages where local fishermen can be seen casting their boats or harvesting their day’s catch. Opt for a sunrise or sunset boat cruise with views of the sun rising or gentling setting, accompanies by Champagne and Nyama Choma.

Besides the above, other things you can do in Jinja are jet boating, kayaking on River Nile, playing golf, tours of local markets as well as colonial buildings, community/village tours to learn about typical Ugandan rural life, mountain biking/cycling, independent birding tours, day tours to the lush Mabira Forest, tour of Kyabazinga (Busoga King) Royal Palace, walks around vast sugarcane plantations and the famous Kakira Sugar Works, tour of Speke Memorial Monument, Sport fishing, visits to Hydroelectric Power Stations (such as Owen Falls Dam/Nalubale Dam), tours of Bujagali, Itanda and Ripon falls, Tubing the Nile and day tours to Ssezibwa falls.

Best time to visit Jinja

Jinja can be visited all year round.

Fantastic places of lodging in Jinja

As a Town area and renowned tourist destination in the country, Jinja offers a wide range of accommodation facilities in form of Resorts, Safari Lodges, Hotels, Hostels, Guesthouses and Campsites among others, ranging from budget to luxury. The popular ones are the Haven Jinja, 2 Friends Guesthouse, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, Nile Discovery Resort, Bridge way Guesthouse, Sunset Hotel International, Bilkon Hotel, Jinja Nile Resort, Explorers River Camp, Gately on the Nile, Source of the Nile Hotel, Kingfisher Safaris Resort, Nile Front Cottages, the mansion Hotel,

Getting to Jinja

Situated in Eastern Uganda, Jinja is about 50 miles from Kampala City and that’s about two and a half to three hours’ drive. The best and obviously most popular way to get there is by road-private or public means, with Matatus found in New Taxi Park for visitors planning to use the latter.