Jinja
Jinja is popularly known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa. It’s located in the Eastern part of Uganda, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It’s popular for its water adrenaline activities and it’s considered as one of the top places with the best water activities in the world.
The origin of the name “Jinja” comes from the language of the two peoples (the Baganda and the Basoga) that lived on either side of the River Nile in the area. In both languages “Jinja” means “Rock”.
- Read More
In most of Africa, rivers like the Nile hindered migration, this explains the ethnic boundaries along the Nile as one moves north from the river’s source on the northern shores of Lake Victoria.
Jinja
Jinja is popularly known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa. It’s located in the Eastern part of Uganda, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It’s popular for its water adrenaline activities and it’s considered as one of the top places with the best water activities in the world.
The origin of the name “Jinja” comes from the language of the two peoples (the Baganda and the Basoga) that lived on either side of the River Nile in the area. In both languages “Jinja” means “Rock”.
- Read More
In most of Africa, rivers like the Nile hindered migration, this explains the ethnic boundaries along the Nile as one moves north from the river’s source on the northern shores of Lake Victoria.
Things To Do While In The City
- White Water Rafting
This is one of the adventurous activities that can be done in Jinja which takes you through the Nile water rapids. It’s a fun activity for anyone who engages in it as it is a once in a lifetime experience.
White water rafting doesn’t need experience to take part and so it can be enjoyed by all and all visitors are given protective gear. It’s so much fun getting to go through the Nile waters and overcoming some fears. Pictures are taken to keep the memories of the Nile and the white water rafting trips are either half day or full day.
- Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping involves a person jumping from a great height while connected to a large elastic cord. It’s a fun-filled experience which everyone should experience in their lifetime that will get your adrenaline pumping and leave you with a strong memory of it. Bungee Jumping is a safe activity that is not for the faint hearted. It involves jumping from a 44 metre tall cliff with a rope tied to your ankles down to the Nile river waters.
- Visiting the Source of RiverNile
River Nile is the longest river in the world and its source is in Jinja. It was discovered by John Hannington Speke on August 3rd, 1858. You will have an opportunity to take pictures at where the longest river in the world flows Northwards.
- Quad BikingIt involves riding on a four wheeled motorbike in some of the remotest parts of Jinja and along River Nile. Quad Biking can be done by all people above 12 years and it can last from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the preference of the person. There is no limit to the number of participants and the activity lasts between 1-4 hours. Safety precautions are taken and visitors are given overalls and helmets for protection against dirt and mud.
- Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the adventure activities that can be done along the River Nile in Jinja. It’s one of the best ways the visitor can explore and experience the Nile river while enjoying the view of the local villages living along the river. Unlike white water rafting, kayaking in Jinja can be considered as the best in the whole world and it’s effortless and just needs a short time to get experience. Experienced Instructors are always available to train participants before they begin the activity. You get to first learn how the river flows, speed, rescue and capsizing skills as well as knowing how to paddle forward and backward. On your visit to jinja don’t feel worried to take a kayak because you will be allowed to take your own route on the mighty Nile river mastering your rapids in a short time. Kayaking company will provide the kayak and safety equipment to use.
- Water biking
Water biking is a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenic views of the mighty River Nile and its surroundings. It’s a safe activity as the participants wear protective gear and are led by an experienced guide during the activity. This activity takes around 30 to 2 hours depending on the preference of the participants.
- Boat Cruise on River Nile
Boat rides are always so rewarding that they take you close to the inhabitants of the river and the beautiful birds can be seen in the trees on the banks of the river. The boat cruises on the Nile can be arranged to the source of the Nile or downstream to Bujagali falls. There are both sunset cruises and day cruises and these give you perfect views and memorablebmoments with friends and family. Amazing photos of the sunset and the moments while on a boat cruise are taken.
- Horse riding
Horse riding is a rare and unique activity in Uganda whereby you get to ride through the areas that are off the main tracks and get close to nature. Horse riding is a safe and reliable activity that all visitors to Jinja need to engage in. Different rides are offered to match the abilities of all visitors. Horse riding activity lasts between 1-3 hours twice a day plus sunset rides. Prior booking is needed as the activity is competitive. Visitors are advised to wear closed shoes preferably with a heel, comfortable clothing, long trousers, carry drinking water, sunscreen and camera.
- Visit to Sezibwa Falls
Sezibwa falls are located in Mukono district along the Kampala JINJA highway. The falls are named Sezibwa, a phrase used in the local language to mean “endless” and they hold a rich cultural value to the Baganda tribe. The falls have breathtaking views making it a spectacular place for photography.
- Visit to Busowoko Falls
Busowoko falls is a hidden gem in JINJA where tourists have an opportunity to enjoy activities such as water massage, tubing on the falls. It’s also a great site for photography for the lovers of photos. There are also cultural dances done by the locals at the site where even tourists can engage and dance with the locals.
- Zip Lining in Mabira Forest
Zip lining is another great activity that has merged to be one of the favourite tourist attractions in Jinja. Zip lining makes you behave like monkeys by soaring through trees over River Musamya overlooking the forest canopy and having great views of the forest. Zip lining in Mabira forest takes you across a network of 5 zip lines stretching over 250 meters guided by well-trained guides so it’s a safe activity to try out. Animals that can be seen include grey cheeked mangabeys, red tailed monkeys and a wide range of birds.
- Tubing the Nile
A thrilling experience involving floating down the river on an inflatable tube while enjoying the scenic beauty of River Nile and its surroundings. It is safe for everyone as the participants are wearing life jackets and are led by an experienced guide throughout the whole Tubing activity. It takes around 2 to 4 hours and can be done on both flat and white water.
Things To Do While In The City
- White Water Rafting
This is one of the adventurous activities that can be done in Jinja which takes you through the Nile water rapids. It’s a fun activity for anyone who engages in it as it is a once in a lifetime experience.
White water rafting doesn’t need experience to take part and so it can be enjoyed by all and all visitors are given protective gear. It’s so much fun getting to go through the Nile waters and overcoming some fears. Pictures are taken to keep the memories of the Nile and the white water rafting trips are either half day or full day.
- Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping involves a person jumping from a great height while connected to a large elastic cord. It’s a fun-filled experience which everyone should experience in their lifetime that will get your adrenaline pumping and leave you with a strong memory of it. Bungee Jumping is a safe activity that is not for the faint hearted. It involves jumping from a 44 metre tall cliff with a rope tied to your ankles down to the Nile river waters.
- Visiting the Source of RiverNile
River Nile is the longest river in the world and its source is in Jinja. It was discovered by John Hannington Speke on August 3rd, 1858. You will have an opportunity to take pictures at where the longest river in the world flows Northwards.
- Quad BikingIt involves riding on a four wheeled motorbike in some of the remotest parts of Jinja and along River Nile. Quad Biking can be done by all people above 12 years and it can last from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the preference of the person. There is no limit to the number of participants and the activity lasts between 1-4 hours. Safety precautions are taken and visitors are given overalls and helmets for protection against dirt and mud.
- Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the adventure activities that can be done along the River Nile in Jinja. It’s one of the best ways the visitor can explore and experience the Nile river while enjoying the view of the local villages living along the river. Unlike white water rafting, kayaking in Jinja can be considered as the best in the whole world and it’s effortless and just needs a short time to get experience. Experienced Instructors are always available to train participants before they begin the activity. You get to first learn how the river flows, speed, rescue and capsizing skills as well as knowing how to paddle forward and backward. On your visit to jinja don’t feel worried to take a kayak because you will be allowed to take your own route on the mighty Nile river mastering your rapids in a short time. Kayaking company will provide the kayak and safety equipment to use.
- Water biking
Water biking is a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenic views of the mighty River Nile and its surroundings. It’s a safe activity as the participants wear protective gear and are led by an experienced guide during the activity. This activity takes around 30 to 2 hours depending on the preference of the participants.
- Boat Cruise on River Nile
Boat rides are always so rewarding that they take you close to the inhabitants of the river and the beautiful birds can be seen in the trees on the banks of the river. The boat cruises on the Nile can be arranged to the source of the Nile or downstream to Bujagali falls. There are both sunset cruises and day cruises and these give you perfect views and memorablebmoments with friends and family. Amazing photos of the sunset and the moments while on a boat cruise are taken.
- Horse riding
Horse riding is a rare and unique activity in Uganda whereby you get to ride through the areas that are off the main tracks and get close to nature. Horse riding is a safe and reliable activity that all visitors to Jinja need to engage in. Different rides are offered to match the abilities of all visitors. Horse riding activity lasts between 1-3 hours twice a day plus sunset rides. Prior booking is needed as the activity is competitive. Visitors are advised to wear closed shoes preferably with a heel, comfortable clothing, long trousers, carry drinking water, sunscreen and camera.
- Visit to Sezibwa Falls
Sezibwa falls are located in Mukono district along the Kampala JINJA highway. The falls are named Sezibwa, a phrase used in the local language to mean “endless” and they hold a rich cultural value to the Baganda tribe. The falls have breathtaking views making it a spectacular place for photography.
- Visit to Busowoko Falls
Busowoko falls is a hidden gem in JINJA where tourists have an opportunity to enjoy activities such as water massage, tubing on the falls. It’s also a great site for photography for the lovers of photos. There are also cultural dances done by the locals at the site where even tourists can engage and dance with the locals.
- Zip Lining in Mabira Forest
Zip lining is another great activity that has merged to be one of the favourite tourist attractions in Jinja. Zip lining makes you behave like monkeys by soaring through trees over River Musamya overlooking the forest canopy and having great views of the forest. Zip lining in Mabira forest takes you across a network of 5 zip lines stretching over 250 meters guided by well-trained guides so it’s a safe activity to try out. Animals that can be seen include grey cheeked mangabeys, red tailed monkeys and a wide range of birds.
- Tubing the Nile
A thrilling experience involving floating down the river on an inflatable tube while enjoying the scenic beauty of River Nile and its surroundings. It is safe for everyone as the participants are wearing life jackets and are led by an experienced guide throughout the whole Tubing activity. It takes around 2 to 4 hours and can be done on both flat and white water.
Where to stay
– Nile Bridge Cottages
– Source of the Nile Hotel
– Source Garden Hotel
– Jinja Nile Resort
– Source of the Nile suites
– Brisk Hotel Triangle
– Wild Waters Lodge
– Green Source Guest House
– Pearl on the Nile Hotel
– Jinja City Hotel
– King Fisher Resort
– JINJA Grand Hotel
– Bikon Hotel
– Emirina Travel Hotel
– Jinja Safari Hotel
– Hotel Paradise on the Nile
– 2 Friends Guest House
– Igar Plaza Hotel
– Nile Village Hotel & Spa
Where to stay
– Nile Bridge Cottages
– Source of the Nile Hotel
– Source Garden Hotel
– Jinja Nile Resort
– Source of the Nile suites
– Brisk Hotel Triangle
– Wild Waters Lodge
– Green Source Guest House
– Pearl on the Nile Hotel
– Jinja City Hotel
– King Fisher Resort
– JINJA Grand Hotel
– Bikon Hotel
– Emirina Travel Hotel
– Jinja Safari Hotel
– Hotel Paradise on the Nile
– 2 Friends Guest House
– Igar Plaza Hotel
– Nile Village Hotel & Spa
How To Get To Jinja
Jinja is located 80kms from Kampala and this journey takes between 1 and half to 2 hours through Mabira Forest and the sugar plantations of Lugazi.
How To Get To Jinja
Jinja is located 80kms from Kampala and this journey takes between 1 and half to 2 hours through Mabira Forest and the sugar plantations of Lugazi.