Jinja offers many tourist attractions because of the River Nile, and Jinja is one of the most scenic towns in Uganda. Jinja is situated in eastern Uganda, and it takes only two hours’s drive from Kampala. Jinja used to be one of the leading industrial towns because of the hydroelectricity dam along the Nile. Click here to view our mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

 

The Nile River is Jinja’s key attraction, with almost all tourism activities centered in one district. Jinja town attracts tourists all year round who may wish to relax after long mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, and other safaris in the different parts of Uganda while enjoying the amazing tranquility of the Nile. Click here to see our recommended gorilla trekking tour 

 

The Nile supports a number of adrenaline-raising tourism activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, quad biking, and horseback riding, among others. No wonder Jinja was nicknamed the “adrenaline center” of East Africa. Besides water sports, travelers can also tour the old colonial-style buildings and old Hindu temples. Jinja is considered one of the best places for cultural tourism in the Pearl of Africa.

 

White water rafting

Whitewater rafting is undoubtedly one of the top activities to be done in Jinja, in particular. The Grade 5 white water rafting encounter in Jinja is the best-done in Africa. Whitewater rafting is a scary activity but thrilling and exciting. Whitewater rafting can be organized based on a half-day or full-day activity.

 

Whitewater rafting doesn’t only involve navigating via the rapids but also allows travelers to make stops at some of the islands. The islands offer a collection of green vegetation, many bird species, and primates such as velvet monkeys.

 

Jet Boating

 The jet boating experience is also like whitewater rafting, but with a unique difference. Instead of using balloon rafts, travelers conquer the rapid Nile with a high-speed boat moving at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. This activity costs $100 for adults and also gives travelers the same adrenaline rush typical of all the other water activities on the Nile.

 

Bungee jumping

Bungee jumping is one of the craziest tourist activities you will ever participate in in your life. Bungee jumping involves jumping from a high tower of about 44 meters above sea level and down towards the Nile waters with a rope tied to your ankles. Bungee jumping is known around the globe, but in Uganda, we are talking about doing it on the longest river on earth. Bungee jumping is not for the faint-hearted; it may take like 2 minutes, but the memory can last a lifetime.

 

Golfing

Jinja has the Big Game Mini-Golf course, which is intriguing. Jinja’s golf course field was constructed with large statues of the big five, namely leopards, lions, buffaloes, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and other creatures. A typical golfing day has something to do with putting past the rhino, teething past the hippos, rounding the python, hacking the buffalo, or bogeying beside the lion. Golfing in Jinja offers as a unique golfing experience.

 

Visiting the source of the Nile

Tour the source of the River Nile, which is the longest river in the world and flows from Uganda up to the Mediterranean Sea after passing through many countries such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and finally Egypt. A trip to the source of the Nile is done using a speed boat. Travelers can go to the point where the river starts its journey to the sea. John Speke was the first European to discover the source of the Nile in 1858.

 

Visiting the monument to Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic leaders of the 20th century. Mahatma Gandhi is also considered to be the father of the nation of India and is remembered for his great role-playing during India’s transformation into a democratic nation and for the work he did in Africa.

 

Visiting markets

Travelers can take a tour of churches and old Indian buildings. Jinja, as an industrial town, has always had a large Indian community. These communities came to Jinja as traders as early as the 18th century, after the construction of the Uganda railways. Travelers can go and view the old Hindu temples and other estates that are owned by the Indian communities. After touring these temples and all other old architectural buildings, you should also visit the main Jinja market to see how local people in Jinja do business and go about their daily activities.

 

Visit the rural village.

A tour of Jinja is incomplete without a close encounter with the local people. A visit to one of the villages allows travelers to experience how Africans in the rural areas go about their lives. Tourists can choose to camp near the village houses or live with one of the families for a day or night. While there with the local family, learn how the locals in Jinja cook local food such as matooke or how they make a local potent gin called "Waragi.”.

 

Quad Biking

Go on a quad biking safari through the forests, farms, villages, and banks of the Nile. Travelers do not need any experience in order to participate in quad biking. The quad biking companies offer free practice sessions for all participants. During your briefing and training session, travelers are warned against overtaking and riding at very high speeds. Travelers should be aware of kids and animals crossing the roads. Quad biking in Jinja is more adventurous by the end of the day.

 

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is not as intense as white-water rafting or bungee jumping. Horseback riding gives travelers another way to experience the Nile River and Jinja countryside. The horses are healthy and owned by an Australian expatriate. Just like quad biking, horseback riding takes travelers along the banks of the Nile and all surrounding areas.

 

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Jinja is organized to allow visitors to experience the Nile River and nearby villages. Mountain biking is very challenging physically due to the unpredictable terrain and routes taken. Mountain biking takes between one and three hours via villages, farms, and along the banks of the river. Jinja offers another option of biking through the Mabira Forest Reserve, situated about 20 kilometers away from Jinja town, where tourists are taken by car to the starting point.

 

Visiting Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is Uganda’s largest natural lowland tropical forest in central Uganda. Driving to Mabira Forest takes about 2 hours from Kampala. Mabira Forest protects over 200 species of birds and approximately 5 primates. Mabira Forest has become popular as a camping spot for many tourists.

 

Launch cruise along the Nile

A boat cruise on the Nile takes half a day and is a good time to mingle with others, enjoy, and party with close friends for a beautiful moment together. Jinja has both day and night boat cruises, which all offer chances to eat and drink while enjoying the River Nile and its creatures such as bats, monitor lizards, monkeys, otters, and many bird species.

 

Bird Watching

Jinja is known as the best place for bird watching in Jinja. Birding tours are arranged by companies in Jinja for both residents and seasoned birders. The companies operating birding activities provide binoculars, recording devices, and a book for identifying birding species. Bird watching is done using boats within the river banks and numerous islands that are close to the source of the Nile.

 

Visiting the Ssezibwa Falls

The Ssezibwa Falls are perched along the Kampala-Jinja highway. The Baganda people regard this spot as an important cultural site where the spirit of their ancestors’ rests. Tourists love this place because of the crystal-clear water falling from a steep cliff into the forest. Touring Ssezibwa Falls isn’t all about the falls but the beautiful scenery, with lush green forests that act as sanctuaries for many bird species and small primates.

 

Tubing on the Nile

Tubing on the Nile is another amazing adrenaline-raising activity that makes Jinja unique and a great place to visit. Tubing on the Nile involves drifting along the river Nile on an inflatable tube while sun bathing, viewing the birds, unlimited islands, green forests, and local people bathing by the river banks.

Jinja, located on the shores of the longest river, the Nile, and endless Lake Victoria, is Uganda’s second-largest town; it was once Uganda’s capital city. Jinja's tropical atmosphere is made up of lush vegetation and major attractions. The undisputed source of the Nile is Jinja's main attraction. Jinja harbors the source of the Nile, which is the world’s largest river, spanning between three countries: Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda. 

 

 Jinja is a low-rise town with some interesting hidden histories, ranging from fabulous Asian architecture during the colonial period. Jinja, which suffered under Idi Amin's regime, was once Uganda's largest industrial heartland, but you can still enjoy the leafy suburbs at their peak.

 

Jinja is the adventure capital where travelers can embark on a breathtaking excursion down the Nile in the setting of wild rapids within Grade 5 as they relax in all sections of Uganda’s beauty. Bujagali Falls is apparently the most famous section; it is the source of the Nile, and Owen Falls Dam is where Uganda’s electricity is generated.

 

Jinja town is a tourism hub and a spiritual place where uncommon witchdoctors are situated on the lush banks of the Nile. Owen Falls Dam's waters are calm and peaceful; it is a place that adds value to the Busoga people who were submerged. Travelers can still enjoy exciting white-water rafting in this location.

 

Jinja offers several accommodation options that include hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and campsites. These accommodation facilities are located in the middle town, residential quarters, banks, and islands of the Nile. These facilities are categorized as budget, mid-range, and luxury facilities.

 

Wild Waters Lodge: This lodge is constructed on one of the forested islands within the Nile, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Wild Waters Lodge has ten rooms that are surrounded by thick forest trees and have balconies overlooking the River Nile and its rapids.

 

Explorers River Camp Jinja

Explorer River Camp Jinja is built along the Nile, offering views of the new Lake Bujagali. It has beautiful scenery and a beach with majestic views of the Nile. Explorer River Camp has free shuttle services from Kampala to Jinja. Barbecue services and camping are arranged on the beach while partying.

 

2 Friends Guesthouse

2 Friends Guesthouse offers mid-range accommodation facilities in the heart of Jinja town. The guesthouse has luxury rooms near the pool area, with rooms that are designed with great African art.

 

Bilkon Hotel: This is also a mid-range accommodation facility in Jinja constructed along the main road heading towards Kampala. The hotel offers 64 clean and comfortable rooms that are single rooms, double rooms, or twin rooms. Other hotels include Brisk Hotel Triangle Jinja, Gately on the Nile, Jinja Source of the Nile Hotel, Sunset Hotel International, the Haven Lodge, King Fisher Safaris Resort, Jinja Safari Hotel, Jinja Nile Resort, Bridge Way Guest House, and Mansion Hotel.