Jinja town is the adventure capital of East Africa. It is a one stop center for visitors with craft shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and Nalubale Uganda’s largest hydro-power dam. 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.
Jinja is located at the northern end on Lake Victoria in South Eastern Uganda. Getting to Jinja takes only 2 hours drive from Kampala. There are a variety of activities and attractions en route there’s Mabira forest reserve, ecotourism centers offer zip lining tours, Sezibwa waterfalls and the road winds through large plantations of sugar cane.
The town is spread out with few high-rise buildings outside city center. The Town is situated on the east bank of the River, where the longest river in the World, the Nile starts its 6,670 km journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. Jinja is only 80km from Kampala and it takes at least 2 hours drive by road, the slowest section is getting out of Kampala and past Mukono. From there, the going is generally much easier and you pass through areas of sugarcane and tea plantations, Mabira Forest and down from Mbiko into the Nile Valley, crossing the River over the Owens Falls and Nalubale Dams. Finally, you will find Jinja a laid-back contrast to Kampala a very friendly place with a focus on tourism and welcoming hospitality.
There are large houses with big yards in the town with quiet, tree lined streets giving ambience to the laid-back and warm welcome that visitors generally experience on arrival. Rush hour in Jinja is very different from that in Kampala. With much less traffic it is very easy to get around. At least half of all vehicles are bicycles and small motorcycles (boda-boda taxis). Generally there’s a cool breeze blowing in from Lake Victoria, clean air rather than smog to breath.
Along the Main Street there are views out over the lake. Boda – boda motorcycle taxis provide an easy way to get around the town and are found on almost every street corner. There is a slow, steady feel to life here. A recent Town Council campaign to clean up the streets and shop fronts has made Jinja even more attractive.
Tourism is providing a new impetus to Jinja’s economy. Good accommodation, a peaceful laid-back friendly atmosphere, warm weather all year round (almost on the equator but 1150 above sea level makes for a very pleasant climate), features of natural beauty including lake views and the ‘Source of the Nile, plus lots of things to do in the near vicinity such as the adventure activities at Bujagali Falls; these are all elements that are contributing to Jinja’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
There are some very good hotels and guest houses throughout the town and nearby; many restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. There is also backpackers’ accommodation and camping in the town and nearby. Take a walk along Main Street and the adjoining streets in the evening and you will encounter lots of restaurants and bars with indoor, garden and pavement seating
Adventure activities at Jinja:
White water rafting- The rapids of the Nile are best places for indulging into white water rafting in Africa, perfect for adrenaline junkies and learners. Experience a full and half day of heart pounding thrills as you grapple through grade 3-5 rapids and also admire the breathtaking scenery with some wildlife and scattered farmlands and communities.
Bungee Jumping – This is an equally expensive adventure experience in Jinja at a cost of US$125 per person that allows adventure enthusiasts to fall freely from a tall structure at Bujagali and touch the Nile and bounce off the water to really experience a thrilling adventure that will get their adrenaline pumping.
Jet Boating – another thrilling adventure that allows to explore the Nile River using a high speed jet boat. Enjoy 360 degree rotations and feel the cold splash of water all over your body as you ride through rapids under careful guidance of professional boat captains.
Getting Around
Are you living in Jinja or a visitor? Do you need a Uganda car rental to visit Jinja with a driver guide? There are several car rental agencies with a good fleet of cars that you can use for 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.
