Jinja
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Our most recommended things to do in Jinja

Uganda: Jinja Day Tour with Source of the Nile Boat Cruise

Uganda: Jinja Day Tour with Source of the Nile Boat Cruise

Jinja City, located in eastern Uganda along Lake Victoria's shore, is renowned as the adventure capital of East Africa. It's famous for being the source of the Nile River and offering thrilling activities. Historically significant, Jinja combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Below are some of the major attractions on this tour: 1. Ssezibwa Falls The waterfall is part of the Ssezibwa River, which splits into two distinct streams before cascading 17 meters down rocky cliffs. Surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife, this waterfall is not just a natural wonder but is also steeped in local legends and folklore, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience 2. Namawojjolo market This market is renowned for its roasted plantain and nyama choma, a meat and chicken BBQ delight. It's a popular stop for travellers seeking to satisfy hunger and thirst. Its standout feature is the uniquely flavoured roasted chicken, a taste unlike any other. 3. Mabira forest Mabira is one of Uganda's largest remaining natural forests. It is a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. It boasts a rich array of biodiversity, including 312 tree species, 315 bird species, 218 butterfly species, and even 23 small mammal species like primates. The forest's diverse terrains feature rolling hills and meandering streams, making it ideal for hiking and ecotourism. 4. Jinja Nile Bridge This is a modern cable-stayed bridge in Uganda, spanning the Victoria Nile near Jinja. Opened in 2018, it enhances transport connectivity, featuring a striking design with illuminated pylons, making it a landmark in the region. 5. Source of the River Nile and Boat Cruise The Source of the Nile is a renowned geographical landmark in Jinja, where the mighty Nile River begins its journey northward from Lake Victoria. As the longest river in the world, the Nile's source is of profound historical, cultural, and geographical significance. The area around the source is lush and vibrant, offering a serene yet captivating environment. Visitors embark on a boat cruise to explore the point where the Nile's waters flow out of the vast Lake Victoria, navigating through calm waters surrounded by rich birdlife. The cruise is an interactive encounter with the river's origins, combining a sense of tranquillity with a connection to the enduring natural and historical legacy of the Nile. 6. Jinja Central Market The market is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture in Jinja, Uganda, offering a wide array of goods and services, including fresh produce, clothing, and handmade crafts, along with a lively atmosphere that showcases Ugandan life. It's also known for its extensive size, accommodating thousands of vendors and serving as a major gathering place for locals and tourists.

From Entebbe or Kampala: 1 Day Jinja & Source of the Nile

From Entebbe or Kampala: 1 Day Jinja & Source of the Nile

Experience the real adventure in Jinja, the Uganda’s city of thrill. Visiting Jinja will give you a real sense as you come face to face with the source of the Nile, where the Nile starts its journey to Egypt, and this was discovered in 1858 by John Speke. There is a mark at the point where the waters start flowing from Lake Victoria before spreading out and turning into the world's longest river - the Nile. Together with the professional local guide, you will explore the vibrancy of this jinja city. You will be picked up from your place of residence and start on your journey to the Eastern part of Uganda passing through the scenic country sides. On the way you will pass by the Sezibwa falls to experience the nature. Later you will continue to jinja and on arrival in jinja, you will get lunch and later you will get a briefing and get on board for a 1hr boat cruise to explore the source of the river. On the way get ready for different birds species, monkeys on the river Banks and also some fisherman.

From Kampala: Full-Day Jinja Sightseeing Adventure

From Kampala: Full-Day Jinja Sightseeing Adventure

Jinja Day Trip – Itanda & Busowooko Falls Adventure Tour Overview Experience the breathtaking beauty of Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital, on this carefully curated day trip. Departing from Kampala at 7:30 AM, this trip takes you through lush landscapes, the legendary Nile River, and two spectacular waterfalls: the powerful Itanda Falls and the scenic Busowooko Falls. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this journey promises a blend of nature, culture, and excitement. 7:30 AM – Departure from Kampala Your journey begins with a pick-up from your location in Kampala. Our experienced guide welcomes you aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as we set off on a scenic drive to Jinja. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscape—from the bustling city streets to expansive sugarcane plantations and rolling hills. Our guide shares insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places we pass, making the journey as engaging as the destination. 8:30 AM – Stopover at Namawojjolo for a Quick Bite (Optional) For those who wish, we can stop at the famous Namawojjolo roadside market, known for its delicious roasted chicken, gonja (plantain), and local snacks. This is a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and experience an authentic Ugandan food moment. 10:00 AM – Arrival in Jinja & Exploration of Busowooko Falls Upon reaching Jinja, our first stop is the picturesque Busowooko Falls, a hidden gem along the Nile. Why Visit Busowooko Falls? ✔ Breathtaking Scenery. ✔ Lush Greenery. ✔ Nature Walks & Photography. ✔ Cultural Significance. 11:30 AM – Transfer to Itanda Falls – The Ultimate Nile Experience A short drive takes us to the mighty Itanda Falls. 12:00 PM – Arrival & Itanda Falls Experience Known as the “Untamed Nile”. Highlights of Itanda Falls: ✔ Spectacular Rapids. ✔ Birdwatching & Nature Walks. For adventure seekers, optional activities such as white-water rafting or kayaking can be arranged. 1:30 PM – Lunch at a Riverside Restaurant Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurant options: ✔ Jinja Sailing Club. ✔ The Bourbon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch as you take in the breeze and stunning views of the Nile. 3:00 PM – Leisure Time & Additional Activities in Jinja • Boat Ride to the Source of the Nile – Take a guided tour to the exact point where the Nile starts its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean. • Craft Shopping & Jinja Town Tour – Explore local markets, where you can buy unique souvenirs like handwoven baskets, African fabrics, and wooden carvings. 4:30 PM – Return Journey to Kampala Enjoy the relaxing ride back, with optional stopovers for refreshments. 7:00 PM – Arrival in Kampala & Drop-off We arrive back in Kampala, and our guide will drop you off at your preferred location.

Jinja Day Trip with Boat Ride on Lake Victoria & River Nile

Jinja Day Trip with Boat Ride on Lake Victoria & River Nile

Discover the beauty of Jinja on a day trip from Kampala. Visit the Ssezibwa Waterfalls, explore the Mabira Rainforest, and take a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Kampala and head to Jinja. Stop at the Namawojoro public roadside market to taste some of Uganda’s local snacks like Rolex, plantains, chicken and beef sticks. Next, visit the Ssezibwa Waterfalls for a brief hike to the top of the falls. Spend some time in the natural environment, walking among the trees and listening to the birds. Continue to a tea and sugarcane plantation, the main cash crop in the region. Take some pictures of the landscape and plantations before driving through the Mabira Rainforest. Arrive in Jinja and walk on the New Nile Bridge. Drive down to the shores of Lake Victoria and take a 1-hour boat ride on the lake. Connect to the source of the Nile and ride on the Nile River. Enjoy a buffet lunch before driving through Jinja city markets to explore more of the city’s historical buildings and attractions. Finally, depart back to Kampala.

Kampala: 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Kampala: 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Day 1 : Drive to Murchison Falls National Park - Hike to the Top of the Falls After your early morning breakfast, meet your driver/guide at 7:00 AM and listen to a brief on your 3 days Murchison Falls wildlife safari Uganda package. Begin the 6-hour drive to Uganda's biggest national park, Murchison falls National Park. Take a stopover in Luwero District to pick fruits like oranges, pineapples, passion fruits, and jackfruits. Then proceed to lunch at the Kabalega Dinners or Masindi town for lunch at Masindi Hotel. Afterward, drive out of Masindi town to a dirt road for about 20 minutes and arrive at  Murchison falls National Park where the fun begins. You'll immediately be ushered into a wildlife park by a number of stubborn baboons lining up along the road. They'll grapple for goodies, so ensure the windscreens are up else they will snatch anything inviting from the car. Day 2: Morning Game Drive through the park and Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile After your early morning breakfast at around 6:30 AM, your driver-guide together with the game ranger will pick you up at exactly 7:00 AM for the early morning game drive. This is the best time to catch sight of the nocturnal animals and hunters before they return to their hideouts, as well as seeing the early risers. Take a ferry from the South section of the National Park across the Nile that bisects the park. Once on the northern side, you'll be in the area where the most game can be found.  Explore the major game trails especially around the area of Paraa for good game spotting including elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests and hopefully the elusive leopards among others. At around 11:30 AM, return to the lodge for your lunch and some relaxation. Shortly after, set out for the afternoon boat ride on the Victoria Nile which is the highest spot of any Murchison Falls Safari. Spot lots of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many other animals that come to drink water, refresh and cool themselves off the scorching sun and some animals to eat the fresh grass along the river banks. The Nile is also a birds' magnet. You will also be shown the crush point of Ernest Hemingway. The ride takes you close to the base of the Murchison Falls where you are met with yet another view of the lovely falls. Take a hike to the top of the falls before the return ride, then return back to the lodge for your dinner. Day 3: Early Morning Game Drive through the park and return to Kampala to get dropped off at your lodging Wake up early in the morning and get prepared for another game drive through the park. Expect to increase your game count and spot more wildlife on the final day of this trip. At around 11:00 AM, check out of the hotel and drive to Masindi town for a tasty lunch. Then, embark on the return journey back to Kampala where you will be dropped off at your preferred destination.

Uganda: 2 Day Tour to Jinja, Source of the Nile, Sipi Falls

Uganda: 2 Day Tour to Jinja, Source of the Nile, Sipi Falls

Located in the southeastern part of Uganda, Jinja City is found on the shores of Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. In Jinja, the River Nile has its source as it’s here that it starts to flow from Lake Victoria. Below are some of the major sites to visit on this trip; 1. Ssezibwa falls Nestled within the verdant embrace of Uganda’s lush landscape lies a hidden gem, a testament to nature’s artistic prowess. This enchanting natural wonder, a haven of cascading waters, verdant flora, and ancient legends, has remained a well-kept secret, awaiting those with a thirst for exploration. Upon arrival, the sight that unfolds is a spectacle of nature’s artistry—two waterfalls cascade from differing heights through the rocks, creating a harmonious chorus of cascading water that pours into a deep pool. 2. Mabira forest This is one of Uganda's largest surviving Natural Forests. The Forest is predominantly a secondary forest that has grown for more than 100 years with minimal disturbance, hence accumulating an impressive diversity of wildlife, which includes 312 species of trees and peculiar shrubs. It is home to 316 bird species, 219 butterflies, 97 moths and 35 species of small mammals. 4. Source of the River Nile Here, the world’s longest river starts its 4000-mile journey. On arrival, your first encounter is the beautiful gardens in the vicinity. Next are several craft shops and several monuments which have a historical attachment to the Nile. You will have a boat cruise to where the river waters ‘start’ separating from the lake waters. 5. Sipi Falls Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls on the north-western slopes of the eponymous extinct volcano, Mount Elgon in Kapchorwa district adjacent to Mount Elgon National Park, which is 1.7 km from the Kenyan border. The second-highest of the waterfalls, called Simba, comes first. It plunges 85 metres before concluding in a spectacular splash. The next fall, called Ngasire, is the smallest, at 65 metres. The last fall, Called Sipi, is the tallest at 100 metres. Sipi Falls lies at an altitude of 1,775 metres, and a hike to these Falls takes on average of three hours through semi-rugged terrain. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja lowlands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas. Day 1- Transfer To Jinja. In the morning, the guide will meet you for a briefing before setting off. We will visit the Ssezibwa Falls, and Mabira Forest and have a stopover at Namawojjolo for mouthwatering snacks. We shall then proceed to the source of the Nile, where you will have a boat cruise and Lunch. In the evening, we shall transfer to Mbale town for an overnight stay. Day 2-.Transfer to Kapchorwa, Hike to Sipi Falls After breakfast, we shall transfer to Kapchorwa for a hike to the Sipi Falls. In the evening, we shall start our journey back to Kampala.

From Kampala: Jinja & the Source of the River Nile Day Trip

From Kampala: Jinja & the Source of the River Nile Day Trip

Explore the Ugandan countryside and discover the town of Jinja on the shore of Lake Victoria with this full-day tour from Kampala. See a range of sights, including the source of the River Nile, Sezibwa Falls, BoatCruise and more. Get insights from your guide, and enjoy included lunch and hotel transfers. After pickup at your hotel in Kampala, drive for approximately 80 kilometers (around 50 miles) to Jinja. Visit the authentic, original source of the Nile site where the British explorer, John Hanning Speke, first discovered the River Nile (of course the Africans knew there was a river, but anyway). Stand where he stood, and take a picture with the monument. Next, go for a boat ride across the river and into Lake Victoria. See monkeys, monitor lizards, pythons, and maybe even an authentic African Witchdoctor. Admire a truly spectacular natural setting that is ideal for birdwatching and allows for nature walks. This tour is thoughtfully put together and the efficient itinerary also packs in Sezibwa Falls, a walk in the Sezibwa Forest, and hiking to the top of falls. All transportation and entrance fees are included.

Jinja: Day Tour and source of the Nile Visit

Jinja: Day Tour and source of the Nile Visit

This Day Tour of Jinja and Source of the Nile will take you on a journey East of Uganda, You will depart Kampala city with our driver-guide, who will pick you up from your Hotel and drive East to Jinja with a stop at Ssezibwa Falls for a Hike to see the spectacular Falls to enjoy the history behind the Cultural and traditional Significance of the Falls, the serene and beautiful environment as well as Bird watching as you hike to the Falls. You will spend about one hour on this Activity. You will Later proceed to Mabira Forest, to enjoy a Nature Walk through different trails of the Rain Forest Reserve which covers an area of about 306sq Km. Enjoy a natural habitat of tree species, Bird species, Butterflies, Moths, and Small Mammal Species. Enjoy activities like Bird watching, Primate watching Butterfly Identification and general Forest Exploration While on this 2 Hour Activity. Proceed to Jinja as you enjoy a stop at the newly constructed and second-longest Source of the Nile bridge in East Africa at 525 Meters along a busy import and export route for Uganda and Kenya. Proceed for a boat ride to the Source of the Longest River Nile, the Speke Monument where the British explorer Speke first discovered the River Nile the longest river in Africa with Lake Victoria and the Gandhi Monument. Later transfer to Jinja Town for your lunch and a drive through the town of jinja known as the oldest industrial City. Later transfer back to Kampala and proceed to your Hotel for your drop-off.

Jinja: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Source of the Nile

Jinja: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Source of the Nile

Welcome to Jinja! Meet up with our local guide at the main post office and hop from stop to stop along Jinja's main street. Discover Uganda's oldest cafe and try some of Uganda's renowned robusta coffee. Visit colonial buildings such as Uganda's first storeyed building and police station. Learn about Jinja's special place in Uganda's British colonial history. Hear about the first asian settlers and the dark chapter involving the infamous Idi Amin Dada. Visit the central fresh produce market and try fruit and street food. Lastly, visit the world war cemetery and memorials, the old railway bridge and if you choose this option, the source of the Nile.

1-DAY BEST JINJA & SOURCE OF RIVER NILE TOUR

1-DAY BEST JINJA & SOURCE OF RIVER NILE TOUR

This 1-day best Jinja & Source of river Nile Tour is by far the best Uganda short tour from Kampala or Entebbe as it includes visiting a number of places and doing several activities. This 1-day best & Jinja Source of river Nile Tour is a little wonder Uganda short tour which takes you to Eastern region, the adventure capital of Uganda. Jinja is a land of perfect scenery, beautiful landscapes and endless treasures. This 1-day best Jinja & Source of river Nile Tour takes you through the best of them for an experience of your lifetime. This 1-day best Jinja & Source of river Nile Tour starts from Kampala, taking you through the spectacles of tea plantations, sugarcanes and African markets. You will behold and experience the rapids of rivers, the beauty of forests, the sound of waters and the falling of them, right at the source of the Nile and the Sezibwa falls. Sezibwa falls will be the first point to stop over to behold the uniqueness of this unstoppable waterflow of sorts; Sezibwa derives its name from the phrase, “sizibwa kkubo” in the Luganda language which is translated “my way cannot be blocked or hindered” in English. From Sezibwa, the 1-day best Jinja & Source of river Nile Tour will lead you to the exciting Mabira Forest. The forest adventure offers hiking opportunities through which birds, mammals and reptiles among other species can be spotted. After this, you will visit the source of the River Nile to finalize the 1-day best Jinja Source of river Nile Tour The popular activities on this 1-day best Jinja Source of river Nile Tour in effect include: visiting the Sezibwa Falls Cultural Heritage Site to see the beautiful waterfalls and learn about preserved African traditional cultures, a visit to the Mabira rainforest for a trek that brings you close to nature and wildlife such as monkeys and birds, and finally you will take a boat ride on the might River Nile in Jinja and visit the famous Source of the Nile. This a family friendly tour, kids will enjoy themselves very much as the adults discover the eastern outdoors. This tour can also be extended to white-water rafting, Kayaking and Sunset cruise along the river Nile to experience Uganda's most authentic and unique activities on the mighty Nile during your Jinja safari but an additional cost

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What people are saying about Jinja

Overall rating

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.4 out of 5 stars
(10 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend 👍👍👍❤️ It was what I exactly wanted to do in Uganda. I really wanted to see how local people live. I could feel the real African culture. Carol, the guide, is the best guide I ever met. She gave me all the opportunities to try everything, building and painting the hut, buying groceries, get the soil from the nature and cooking. If you are interested in African culture and how people live in Uganda, this tour is perfect for you. The local people will teach you the process how build the African hut. Thank Carol for organizing everything💗

5 out of 5 stars

An outstanding day! We got to see Ugandan life up close in our drives to and from our destinations offering a unique insight into the people and country. The visit to the falls was very spiritual and worth a day in itself. Touring Jinja and the boat tour to see the source of the Nile were excellent. Jude, the Guide, was an excellent driver who provided interesting commentary enroute. All-in-all, a very worthy outing!

5 out of 5 stars

Great day out , perfect schedule for a day trip. Leaving at 5:30 helped to make most of the day. Total hiking on all occasions was around 10.000 Steps. Fatima helped us understand the background, the trip is well curated. Got some view behind the scenes too, especially Jinja. Still need to get used to the gunned service personnel all over Uganda though…

5 out of 5 stars

We had a great day in nature and our driver Sam was able to tell us a lot about the country. The nature reserve around the waterfall is of outstanding beauty and the boat trip on the Nile is a beautiful experience. Don't forget to sip a Nile beer on the banks of the Nile!

5 out of 5 stars

My experience with tourguide Sam was amazing. He provided insights into local culture, customs, history and economic situation in Uganda. I would recommend this tour to all solo travellers comming to Uganda.