Jinja Holidays
The town of Jinja is situated in eastern Uganda, within the sub-region of Busoga. Located just over 80 kilometres east of Kampala, it is easily accessed from the country’s capital city via air or road transfer.
When to go to Jinja
Best Time to Go
East Africa’s adventure capital
Wonderful for watersports
Just 80km from Kampala, near the source of the Nile
Horse riding, quad biking, and fishing
Uganda’s Centre of Adventure
It is known as East Africa’s Adventure Capital, and for very good reason. The watersports available here are among the most exhilarating worldwide. Occupying Lake Victoria’s northern shores, Jinja is close to the source of the White Nile, one of the River Nile’s two principal tributaries. Just outside the town, the river rises from the lake and rushes northwards to the Bujagali Falls before flowing into another lake – Kyoga. This stretch of rapids towards the falls provides opportunities for all sorts of river activities, which are very much the focus of guest accommodation here.
Activities
Jinja is best known for being the source of the River Nile, and there really is no shortage of things to do both in and around the river.
Water Activities
Land-Based Activities
Visit Historic & Religious Sites
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Kayaking cruises are a hit with birders, while stand-up paddleboarding tours are great for those who relish a bit of a challenge. You can also enjoy kayaking amidst the white waters, available for either a half-day or full-day experience. And if you are keen to experience an absolutely epic adrenaline rush, you can bungee jump into or over the source of the Nile.
Plenty of land activities are also available. For example, you can go horse riding – typically, a ride involves a section of the river and a local village. Quad biking excursions follow the Nile as it rushes downstream as far as Bujagali Falls, taking in the dam site, the local forest and farmland. Alternatively, for a little quiet time, you can fish from properties offering a few good spots.
Inland, Jinja is not without interest. Headquarters of both the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation and the Roman Catholic Diocese, this town has a very impressive economic and religious history. Other attractions include a big brewery and the active Hindu temple, complete with bronze bust of Gandhi.
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