Population: 86,500
Location: Jinja District (Area code: 043)
Distance from Capital City: 83km
Economy: Agriculture, Industries, Tourism
Nearest Airport: Kimaka Airstrip (4km from Jinja town)
Description:
Jinja is the most popular town in eastern Uganda and infact the country’s fourth largest. Other towns in the eastern block include, Mbale, Tororo and Iganda. Jinja town lies along the shores of Lake Victoria and River Nile, Africa’s longest river, 83km east of Kampala city.
Jinja was formerly the industrial town of Uganda during the colonial days, until the expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin government in 1970. The town still holds the name as the industrial town of Uganda, as reflected in most Primary education curriculums, though in reality, it has got just the historical attractions and structures built in the colonial era by the Asians.
The town has got much to offer for visitors and it is popularly referred to as the East Africa Adventure Capital, because of the many activities and attraction this old town is endowed with. Top attractions here
include;
The Owen Falls Dam: The 831m long and 31m high dam was constructed in 1954. It is the major source electricity in Uganda.
Coming from Kampala, the dam forms a spectacular gateway to Jinja town. As you cross the top, look down on the raging river below (Nile).
The Source of the Nile: Jinja marks the point where Africa’s longest River Nile, starts its 6,500km journey to the north via Sudan & Egypt up to the Medditerrian Sea. It is worth pay a visit if you consider how many years it took John Speke to explorer the source of Nile. The spot also boasts the Mahatma Gandhi monument, and important shrine visited by Indian communities in Uganda. Gandhi’s ashes were scattered through the Nile from the same place.
On the western banks of the Nile, lies the Speke monument, the point where John Hanning Speke stood to watch the Nile on 28 July 1862 Bujagali Falls. Jinja has some of the world’s best white water rafting at the point called the Bujagali falls, situated 10km from the town centre. Many companies in Jinja operate rafting expeditions along these falls, like Adrift, Nalubale Rafters & River Nile Explorers. Bujagali also boast several campsites for rafters and visitors.
The town also boasts a good number of Asian communities who run most of the big businesses in the centre.
The Madhvani House on Main Street: It is one of the historical buildings with some fine colonial era architecture, dating back in 1919.
The Nile Breweries: This is Uganda’s oldest brewery, built way back in 1952. The brewery is located in Njeru trading centre, a suburb of Jinja Town.
On your way to Jinja and out, you will be flanked by Sugar plantations and Tea estates. The Kakira Sugar Works is one of the largest sugar producers in East Africa.
Jinja Sailing Club: The sailing club faces the shores of Lake Victoria and it has beautiful gardens plus a restaurant.
Golfers are never far from the championship course. Jinja boasts the 9hole (18 tee) golf course established in 1920s. The golf course enjoys views of the Nile and Lake Victoria.
Facilities:
Jinja town boasts a main post office on Main Street, referral hospital and several banks. These include; Bank of Africa, Baroda, Barclays, DFCU, Crane, Diamond Trust, Tropical Bank, Stanbic, Orient, KCB, Centenary Rural Development Bank and many other. Most of these banks change cash & accept travelers cheques.Main Street also houses several foreign exchange bureaus, and they operate Monday to Saturday.
Thing you must do:
We’ve highlighted a few things the Jinja Town has to offer Shopping. Jinja has got several supermarkets scattered along all major streets like the Main Street. These offer a wide variety of fresh food and drinks. Jinja is Uganda’s second town next to Kampala, to own fully stocked crafts shops. Several shops are located along the main Street. Visit the Source café Craft shop (Main Street), has a wide selection of local and imported crafts.
- Bungee Jumping. – Adrift operates the Nile High Bungee, Uganda’s only bungee jump, a 44m plunge into the River Nile
- Quad Biking with All Terain Adventures
- Kayaking with Kayak the Nile.
- Horse Riding. Nile Horseback Safaris
- White Water Rafting. Adrift, Nile River Explorers, Equator Rafts
- Mountain Biking & Boat Launch Cruises along the Nile. Nile River
Whitewater Rafting
This is arguably one of the top things to do in Uganda and Jinja town particular. The Grade 5 Whitewater rafting experience in Jinja is the best in Africa. It is a scary activity but also very exciting and thrilling like nothing else. Whitewater rafting is organized as a half or full day activity. The activity not only involves navigating through the rapids but also making stops at some of the islands. The islands have an amazing collection of green vegetation, birds and primates like Vervet monkeys. Prepare to be thrown out the raft at least once as you head downstream but with nothing to worry about – You will be rowing with some of the most experienced crews in the world. The crew will pick you up each time you are thrown out of the raft. You do not need to be experienced to take part in the activity. The companies know how to handle both beginners and expert rafters. All whitewater rafting companies take safety seriously. Participants are given protective gear and escorted by several rescue kayaks. So why not go for whitewater rafting in Jinja? The memory of floating down rapids of the longest river on earth will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Jet Boating
This experience is similar to white water rafting but with a difference. Instead of using the balloon rafts, you conquer the rapids using a high speed boat moving at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. This activity cost is for adults and will also give you the same adrenaline rush typical of all the other water activities on the Nile.
Bungee jumping
This is one of the craziest activities you will ever do in your life. It involves jumping from a tower (44 meters high) and down towards the Nile waters with a rope tied to the ankles. Bungee jumping is common around the world but we are talking about doing it over the longest river on earth. As one leaps from the raised platform, they get a birds view of the terrain below. This activity is not for the faint heated, It take 2 minutes at most but the memory will last a lifetime. The Bungee jumping site in Jinja is arguably the best and most thrilling in Africa. The jumps are organized both during the day and in the night. The crew has won several international awards for organizing the activity to the highest possible standards.
Golfing
The Big Game Mini-Golf course in Jinja is intriguing. It was constructed with large statues of the big five (leopard, buffaloes, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and other creatures. A typical golfing day involves putting past the rhino, rounding the python, teeing past the hippo, hacking from inside the buffalo or bogeying beside the lion. It is unique golfing experience and comes with a lot of fun, drinks and mingling with the local high class and tourists from all over the world.
Visiting the source of the Nile
As already noted, the river Nile is the longest river in the world. It flows from Uganda all the way to Mediterranean Sea after passing through several countries like South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and finally Egypt. Using a speed boat, tourists can go to the point where the river begins its journey to the sea. John Speke was the first European to discover the source of the Nile in 1858. The site where Speke stood and first spotted the source has been turned into a park with beautiful garden that are perfect for relaxation and marveling at the river Nile. It is one of the most visited places in Uganda. One needs to take a boat to go up to the exact place considered the source of the Nile.
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.
Quad Biking
Go for a Quad biking adventure through the forests, villages, farms and the banks of the river Nile. You do not need to have any experience in order to take part in Quad biking. The Quad biking companies provide free practice sessions for participants. During the briefing and training session, participants are warned against overtaking and riding at very high speeds. It is important to be away of kids and animals crossing the roads. Quad biking in Jinja is very adventurous and by the end of the day, you would have learnt a lot and seen how the rural people live their lives.
Horseback Riding
Though not as intense as white water rafting or Bungee jumping, Horseback riding is a great way to experience the Nile River and the countryside. The horses are healthy and owned by an Australian expatriate. Like Quad biking, this activity takes you through the banks of the river Nile and villages of Uganda enabling you watch the locals go about with their daily lives. Prepare to see excited young children following you before disappearing back to their homes. The horse ride also offers opportunities to view beautiful forests, valleys and hills around the river banks. You do not need to have any experience with horses to take part in this activity. All participants are escorted by professional and experienced guides.
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.
Fishing on the Nile
Jinja has some of the best fishing spots in Uganda and in the Nile Perch; the River Nile has one of the largest freshwater fishes on earth. It is possible to catch Nile Perches weighing over 150 kilograms. Fishing is arranged throughout the day. The best time for fishing on the Nile is in the morning but afternoon trips have also been known to produce amazing catches. Fishing is open to both experienced and first-time anglers. Full day fishing starts in the morning and ends late in the evening with breaks for lunch. For the full day option, anglers need to move packed lunch. The companies arranging the activity provide all the necessary fishing gear, bottled water, safety and camping equipment. Apart from the Nile Perch, the other notable species are the tilapia, cat fish and yellow fish. Anglers are required to release all the fish in the water except for those that won’t recover after being caught. The fishing techniques used include spinning, bait fishing and trawling.
Explorers
Worship Temple: The Hindu Satya Narayan Temple close to Jinja contains shrines to Ambaji, Shankar Bhagwan and shitla Mata. The brooze bust of Mahatma Ghandi located in the outer compound was unveiled by the Indian Prime Minister Gujral.This is a place to visit while at Jinja and learn Hindu about religious belief and History.
Voluntary Work: If you have time, Jinja is a great place to do some voluntary work in a local primary school or orphanage with Soft Power. Its very popular with overlanders who camp at the Nile River Explorer camp.
Volunteers give a day or more of their travels to visit the projects around Jinja and join in. The work will be tailored to suit the capabilities of each volunteer. The project leader will have designated a task for the day which could be anything from teaching a nursery rhyme to laying on the floor .Other places one could also volunteer include Mvule project .
Village Walks
A good way of learning more about rural life is to take part in a village walk. Very knowledgable villagers escort you around Bujagali and show Agricultural production, building techniques and point out different plants and animals. The lifestyle and traditions of the villagers are all carefully explained. The walk finishes with a traditional meal.
Where to Eat & Drink –
Check out where to eat/drink when in Jinja Town
Source of Life; Main Street
Indulge; Iganga Rd
Gately On Nile Guesthouse; 34B Kisinja Rd
2 Friend Restaurant; Jackson Crescent
Explorers Backpackers; Bujagali Falls
Ling Ling Chinese Restaurant; 30-32 Kyabazinga Way
Baraza Bar & Restaurant, Rippon Gardens
Babe’s Bar; Main Street
Flavours; Main Street
Adrift/Nile High Camp
Eden Rock Resort
Little Kingston Da Global Village
Mabira Forest Centre
2 Friends Guest House; 6 Jackson Crescent
Bridge way Guest House; 34 Bridge Street
Gately on Nile; 34B kisinja Road
Nile Anchor Palace; 4 Wakholi Place
Haven River Lodge; Kayunga Road
Holland Park
Getting There & Away:
By Road
Jinja has well surfaced roads which run west from Jinja to Kampala 83km and connecting Jinja to the eastern towns like Tororo 100km and Mbale 145km. Buses and minibus taxis provide transport between Jinja and neighboring towns, operating daily. Minibus taxis leave Kampala from the old taxi park, while Coasters (small buses) are in both the new and old taxi park. There are minibuses which run from Jinja to the Kenyan borders (Malaba, & Busia). Kampala Coaches also picks- and drops -off passengers at its Main Street branch in Jinja, before it makes connections, to Kampala & Nairobi City.
Motorcycles (boda bodas) are the best means of transport to get you to most spots in Jinja. They charge from Ush1,000 up, depending of the destination.
There is an Airstrip located at Kimaka, 4km north of the town.
By Rail
Jinja has a major train station for the Uganda Railway which run between Kisumu in Kenya & Kampala. The train does not take passengers, it handles cargo transit only.
Where To Stay:
With over 30 venues to choose from, Jinja has finest accommodation and recreation facilities. These include;
Jinja Nile Resort; 5km from Jinja town
Hollard Park; Bujagali Falls
The Haven River Lodge; 20km northwest of Jinja Town
Gately On Nile; 34 Kisinja Rd
Wild Waters Lodge; 26km from Jinja Town
2Friend Guest House; 6 Jackson Crescent
Explorers Campsite; Bujagali Falls).
Hairly Lemon.
Sunset Hotel; 16-17 Kiira Rd
Safari Inn; 3 Nalufenya Rd
Nile Guest House Ltd; 13-15 Nanso Rd- Njeru
Nile High Camp
Nile Archor Palace; 4 Wakholi Place
Nile River Explorers; 41 Wilson Rd
Busoga Trust Guest House.
Bridgeway Guest House; 34 Bridge St
Speke Camp; Bujagali Falls
Hotel Triangle Ltd; 26 D-K, Nile Crescent
Eden Rock Resort.
Crested Crane Hotel; Hannington Square
Bilkon Hotel.
Surjio’s Pizzeria and Guest House; 24 Kisinja Rd
Baraza Resort Hotel, (Rippon Gardens)
Kingfisher Safari Resort Hotel.
Tourist Bay Hotel
Have any recommendations on where to eat, stay or play in Jinja Town? Send us your review, listings & we will add it asap!