The Adventure Capital of East Africa

The Adventure Capital of East Africa, Jinja is Uganda’s second largest town and the colonial manufacturing hub with several industries including textile and Nile brewing the producers of Nile special and Club beer. This is where the Nile River begins its journey from Lake Victoria to Egypt / the Mediterranean Sea. Due to this strategic location on the Nile, Jinja provides the best white water rafting in the world. Fair to say only Zambezi river in Zimbabwe can match Uganda’s white water rafting. Though, recently some of the falls were submerged due to construction of Bujagali hydro-electric falls dam, there are strong rapids downstream, rafting is still popular. The more adventurous will take on grade 5 rapids on the Nile.

Described as the adventure capital of East Africa because Jinja has attracted expats and lots of business who have set up several hotels and recreations centers offering such a wide range of outdoor adventures and leisure activities. While white water rafting is a big thrill, travelers to Jinja city can explore outdoors including kayaking, sailing, bungee jumping, horseback riding, ATV quad biking, biking, hiking, boat cruises and swimming. Nevertheless, the life in Jinja is quite slow compared to that of Kampala

Jinja is located about 83 km east of Kampala and can be accessed in 2-3-hour drive, allowing for day tours. Those who prefer overnight stays, Jinja offers plenty of accommodations in the city and close to the banks of the Nile. There are popular hang-out spots where you can chill and relax. Fun festivals are also organized in Jinja city such as the Nyege Nyege music festival.

Being East Africa’s adventure capital, Jinja is full of breathtaking activities one can opt to do on a visit to Uganda. You can either combine a safari trip with Kidepo Valley National Park and all destinations of the Eastern Uganda circuit or you can opt to do Jinja as a lone destination.

Source of the Nile boat ride

The source of the Nile – world’s longest river is a natural wonder of the world so its source is site to behold. A boat ride takes you at the point where the River Nile waters begin to flow rapidly from the calm waters of Lake Victoria. There’s a small rock island where you can stand at the source of the Nile and take photos. A monument of John Speke the British explorer who discovered the source of the Nile stands tall on the banks of the Nile. You also expect to find craft shops at the banks of the Nile where boat trips start from.

Rafting and kayaking

The Nile River offers rafting and kayaking opportunities and Jinja city is the destination to go. Hard core rafters and kayakers can raft class three to five rapids while beginners can paddle or float. Rafting is done all year round because the strong and constant flow of Nile River. Full and half day rafting trips are offered and gears can be hired from several rafting operators such as Adrift, River Nile Explorers among others.

Sunset boat cruises along the Nile

Enjoy relaxing boat trips along the beautiful Victoria Nile in Jinja. You can go with your drinks and snacks on boat trips, some which can be arranged for family, couple or that one cruise full of people having fun. Boat cruises on the Nile are timed well for sunset viewing in the evening or sunrise in the morning. There are also cruises that extend past 7 pm giving you more fun on the water at dark. As you as you get back from the boat, you continue having fun around Jinja’s popular bars and clubs or restaurants.

Horseback ride

Explore the villages along the Nile as you ride on a horseback. Going up and down the hills, there are beautiful places to stop for picnic. You love to spend time outside, definitely a fun activity to do while visiting Jinja.

All terrain quad biking

All terrain quad bikes cover a lot of ground featuring different terrain and scenery such as villages, farms, rocks and potholes along the banks of the Nile Jinja thus gives you more time to spend outside. Bikes are available for you who will be riding a bike for the first time as well as for experienced riders. For beginners a training secession is conducted for you to get ready. Quad bike tours in Jinja are also customizable for family and rider’s ability. Expert local guides are available to offer kids a ride so bring your family to Jinja for quad biking experience.

Nile Reptile park

This recreational park is like a mini zoo for reptiles which you can see including cobra, python, tortoise, Nile crocodiles, chameleons and all kinds of snakes. They are scary but beautiful and those who are bold enough can hold some of the reptiles such an up close experience. Children can also learn about nature, geography and history of Jinja from the organized exhibits.

Itanda falls

Though located 45-minute ride from Jinja, Itanda falls is not that far and is a great spot to appreciate the falls and beautiful scenery. Options of rafting are also available to try but since the place is hidden, its suggested that you go there with your gears plus snacks and drinking water.

Victoria Nile

Lake Victoria is known as second world’s largest freshwater lake and Africa’s largest lake. Whilst in Jinja, it’s well worth takingguided boat trips to spend your morning or evening relaxing.