Jinja is one of the major towns in Uganda located in the eastern part of Uganda. The place is endowed with many attractions and most of them are water based. Jinja known to be a place where you can see the source of the Nile, one of the longest river in Uganda. Lake Victoria one of the great lakes, big electricity dams which supply Uganda with electricity are located in Jinja, one of biggest bridges on the River Nile is in Jinja, railway line, Mabira forest, different falls and many more.
Jinja shouldn’t miss on the backet list of visitors to Uganda, it can be as a relaxing holiday place after along safaris like for wildlife and primate tracking, some visitors decide to end with it and others come purposely to spend many days exploring the area. Tourists on Self-drive in Uganda often find Jinja an appropriate place with many attractions, many affordable lodges, and the roads are good.
What to see and do in Jinja on a self-drive trip
White Water Rafting
This is one of the major activities in Jinja, self-drive client go to Jinja to enjoy this breathtaking activity, refreshing and heathy. It’s the clients client to choose either to do a whole day rafting or half day rafting. River Nile is one of the longest river in the world, doing the activity on such river is memorable.
Bungee Jumping
This is another fascinating activity on the great water body in Jinja. It involves the activity of leaping from a high place while secured by a long nylon-cased rubber band around the ankles. The activity is fun and there are rescue boats on the waters to make sure everything goes on well.
Boat to the source of River Nile
Daily boats are conducted to the source of the Nile. This is a must do activity in Jinja, it is fun and memorable to see how the great river separates from Lake Victoria. Besides, the cruise and the cool environment plus the different views around the lake and the river are spectacular. This is also mostly done weekend holiday clients; it is very possible to self-drive with your family or travelling partners and visit Jinja.
Zip Lining in Mabira Forest
This is done inside mabira forest, you branch off from Lugazi and then follow the sigh posts to griffin falls camp. You will pass through the nature trail in the forest as you appreciate nature, huge trees, different kind of plants, different bird species and many more. The Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway is a canopy zip-line system that sends you soaring between the tallest trees in the rainforest.
Horse Riding
This activity allows you to tour Different villages in Jinja; you will enjoy views of the water, village homes, small trading centers, different bird species around. There is a limit for weight 85kg for the rider for introductory safaris and an 80kg limit for our longer rides.
Visiting the monument of Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi is considered to be one of the greatest and most charismatic leaders of the 20th century. He is also considered to be the father of the nation of India and is remembered for the great role he played during India’s transformation into a democratic nation. Gandhi is also remembered for his work in Africa and one of his last wishes was to have some of his ash sprinkled on the river Nile. A guide can give more details about Gandhi and his work of activism especially in South Africa. Don’t go without taking a photo with the famous monument. You should also read about the best places to visit in Nairobi.
Visiting markets, churches and old Indian buildings
As an industrial town, Jinja has always had a large Indian community. These communities came here as traders as early as the 18th century and after the construction of the Uganda railways. Visitors can go and see the old Hindu temples and other estates owned by the Indian communities. After visiting these temples and other old architectural buildings, you should also go and visit the main Jinja market to see how local folks do business and go about with their daily activities. You might even want to buy some fresh fruits or souvenirs from one of the numerous craft shops. After completing this article, you might find the one about things to do in Mombasa interesting.
Visit the rural village
A tour of Jinja and Uganda in general is incomplete without a close encounter with the local people. A visit to one of the villages allows you to experience how Africans in the rural areas live their lives. You can choose to camp near a group of village houses or live with one of the families for a day/night. While with a local family, learn how to cook local food like Matooke or work with the men to make the local potent gin known as “Waragi”. A guide should be with you to act as an interpreter.
Kayaking and Canoeing
These are just some of the numerous activities that can be done on the river Nile. Kayaking and canoeing offer travelers opportunities to not only experience the great Nile River but also the surrounding villages, local people, farmlands and birds. These activities offer more effortless and quiet experiences compared to whitewater rafting. All participants are trained before embarking on these activities by experienced instructors. The participants learn the flow of the river, back and forward paddling, basic strokes, rescue and capsizing skills. More experienced Kayakers can choose to go to river sections with stronger current and rapids. The company supplies the kayaking/canoeing and safety and equipment.
Mountain Biking
Like horseback riding and Quad biking, Mountain Biking in Jinja is organized to allow visitors explore the river Nile and nearby villages. This activity is very challenging physically considering the unpredictable terrain and routes taken. The activity takes between one and three hours through village farms and the banks of the river. There is an option of biking at the Mabira Forest Reserve located 20 kilometers away from Jinja town where participants are carried by car to the starting point. While at riding through this dense forest, take time to marvel at the beautiful trees, plants, butterflies and monkeys. The Mabira track also leads to hidden local villages, sugar and coffee plantations. By the end of the activity, you would have an idea of how the rural peasants go about their daily lives in Uganda. All the available mountain bikes are of high quality, robust and imported from Europe. The guides are experienced and know how to repair a bike in case it breaks down.
Launch Cruise along the River Nile
The construction of a Dam at the former Bujagali Falls formed the Bujagali Lake that is perfect for boat cruises. This activity can take half a day and is a great time to mingle with others, party and enjoy beautiful moments with close friends. There are both day and night boat cruises which all offer opportunities to eat and drink while marveling at the river Nile and its creatures like bats, monitor lizards, monkeys, otters and birds. Those who love fishing can cast their lines to catch large Nile Perch. Apart from Launch cruises downstream at the Bujagali Dam, boat cruises are also arranged close to the source of the Nile.
Bird Watching
Uganda is known as a one best places for birding in the world – Jinja and the particularly the Nile river are no exception. Birding tours are arranged by companies in Jinja for both inexperienced and seasoned birders. The companies provide binoculars, recording devices and a book for identifying the species. Birding is done using boats by the river banks, the numerous islands and close to the source of the Nile. Bird are most activate in the morning hours and in the evening as they prepare to roost. Birding tours take at least two hours but arrangements can be made for full day Bird watching for seasoned birders. Those who opt for the full day birding experience can expect to spot at least 40 bird species in a day.
Tubing the Nile
This is another of those amazing adrenaline raising activities that makes Jinja such a great place to visit. The activity involves drifting along the river Nile on an inflatable tube while sun bathing, marveling at the birds, beautiful islands, green forests and local people washing by the river banks. The companies offer both single and tandem tubing in either calmer water of the turbulent rapids of the Nile. To guarantee the safety or participants a group of safety Kayakers escort the crew.
Other activities in Jinja
Other activities in Jinja include swimming, Nature and village walks, boat cruises, visiting Sezibwa falls, bird watching in mabira, visiting different falls like kalagala, tubing, and many more.
Points to Note
– Jinja can be visited enroute to other different destinations, for instance, self-drive clients visiting Eastern side of Uganda and ending with the northern can have a stopover in Jinja
– It can be visited after a long safari to relax on the water and doing water-based activities.
– Jinja can be visited any time of the year, though most visitors prefer to visit during dry season months
– Jinja is very easy to access, as you just head straight on Jinja highway.
Other things to see in Jinja include the new bridge on river Nile, Sugar factories like kakira and Lugazi, Owen falls dam, Bujjagali and etc.
Where to sleep in jinja
There are several places where you can stay in Jinja.
Haven lodge Jinja
The lodge is one of the best lodges in Jinja providing friendly accommodation and restaurants. The facility can accommodate up to 60 people in their bandas, honey moon suits, cottages and tents. The services are good, the lodge provide 24-hour electricity powered by solar, WIFI reception and etc. The lodge can be a perfect lodge for many activities in Jinja like rafting, Horse riding, cruising and etc.
The Mansion Hotel
The lodge is an answer to all those visiting Jinja. They offer a luxury accommodation in a serene environment. The rooms are spacious with flat screen, reading Desks, balconies, swimming pool, conference, free WIFI, bar and restaurant and many more.
2 friends Guest House
This is one the most popular hotels in Jinja, located in the heart of Jinja. The guest house is strategically located and can be a base for most of activities in Jinja. They have free WIFI, DSTV, Dining area, swimming pool, Massage, 24h security, Secure parking, 24h standby generator fans Computer with Internet available at reception.
Explore Jinja
Are you living in Jinja or a visitor? Would you like to rent a car and visit Jinja? There are several Uganda car rental options for your trips. Our fleet of cars has various cars from which you can select the best that suits your travel arrangements. It doesn’t matter where you are in this town, we can bring the car straight to your apartment, office or any other place.
Jinja city is one of the most blessed cities in the world due to its richness in providing multiple exciting attractions to the tourists. The city contains a variety of lakes, bridges, waterfalls, dams, and offers multiple sightseeing and adventurous opportunities to the visitors.