Top things to do & see in Jinja
Top things to do & see in Jinja: Jinja is situated in the eastern part of Uganda about 2 hours road drive from Kampala the Capital city of Uganda past mabira forest. Apart from being a city, Jinja is known as the adrenaline center in the entire East African region thus the top tourist destination that attracts several tourists from all over the world to engage in fascinating activities. There are a lot of things to do & see while on a Uganda safari both with in Jinja both inside and outside the city. The major tourist attractions to see while on the safari to Jinja include; the beautiful Jinja city at glance and all attractions with in, River Nile the top thing to see in Jinja is known to be the longest river in Africa and second longest river in the whole world following river Amazon which is the world’s longest river, Itanda waterfalls and the local people among others. On the other hand, there are several activities to do and these include;
Visiting source of the Nile: Source of the Nile is situated along the river Nile itself thus tourists have to cruise on a boat that takes them direct to the spot where Explorer speak stood during his visit in Jinja and confirmed that that was the source of the Nile meaning that the river flows from Jinja towards Egypt as its source was confirmed by an explorer Speke who spotted the exact point and confirmed it to be the origin of the Nile River. In fact a visit to the source of the Nile also enables tourists to spot Speke Monument that was put in place in order to commemorate the Speke for achieving in discovery of source of the Nile. There are other statues including Mahtama Ghandi statue that captures attention of several tourists.
Sundowner: given any opportunity, take an evening boat cruise along the Nile River to have a view of the sun as it goes down over the horizon basically known as the “the sundowner”. Other ways of viewing the sundowner include use of a Kayak and jet boat which more similar to boat cruise but the difference is that Kayaks use paddled. Also engaging in quad biking enables tourists to view the stunning vegetation along the shores of the river as well as different species of birds singing sweet melodies along the Nile River. There are also some mammals spotted along River Nile and some primates such as monkeys.
White water rafting: Whitewater Rafting is carried out on Itanda falls which offers the best white water rafting experience in East Africa that allows tourist to raft up to grade 5 water wave. White water rafting can be done either half day or full day depending on the choice of the tourist and is the most fascinating thing to do at Itanda falls by bother beginners and experienced tourists.
Jet boating: Apart from white water rafting, Itanda falls also offers Jet boating experience enabling tourists to cruise on top of water using a jet boat while viewing several wildlife species at the shores of the river.
Bungee jumping: another thrilling thing to do in Jinja is yet Bungee jumping where one stands on a raised elevation with a rope tied along both legs and is pushed or jumps up like an eagle and finally soar down and touch the Nile water where the he/she is then untied and returned to the shores of the river for other activities. This is the most scaring activity but filled with much fun to do as long as one is fit and free from any heart disease.
Fishing: River Nile is also the best place to go for fishing safari where one is sure of catching the Nile perch, tilapia, cat fish among others but the fish caught is released back into the river. Fishing in Jinja can be a half day or full activity. For people interested in a full day fishing safari, they need to go along with packed meal for lunch in order not to be interraptuted by returning to the lodge for a meal during lunch break. There is no need to pack fishing gears and equipment as they are all available and provided by the company managing fishing activities along the Nile River.
Mountain biking: another fascinating thing to do in Jinja is mountain biking where tourists explore the neighboring villages outside Jinja city, encountering locals in their plantations farms and along the shores of River Nile while on a bike. During mountain biking, tourists are also in position to encounter different species of fauna and flora in their natural habitats such as mammals, primates, birds, butterflies and plants among others.
Horseback riding: this is also the best way to explore along the shores of river Nile and the bank.
Birding: Jinja is also a best destination for birders with most bird species spotted along the shores and the river bank, along the island, near sugar cane plantations and almost everywhere during other activities. In fact there is a best birding spot along the way from Kampala since a safari to Jinja usually offers a stopover at Mabira forest, be sure to watch a good number of birds alongside primates such as monkeys.
Jinja city tour: there are a lot of things to do & while inside Jinja city while on a city tour and these include visiting the rail way, visit the craft shops where beautiful handmade crafts and other souvenirs are displayed for sell, visit the markets, places of worship, the Busoga kings palace and finally have a community visit to closely interact with the local residents of Jinja, Basoga where one is in position to learn more about their culture, standards of living and learn some activities like preparing local dish among others. There is no way one would visit Jinja and fail to explore this beautiful and unique city with cool environment away from the pollution in Kampala city.
Accommodations / where to stay in Jinja
There are several accommodation facilities in Jinja where tourists on a Uganda safari spend their nights and these accommodations range from both luxury, midrange and budget including the hotels, lodges, camps and even guest houses that suite every travelers pocket for a relaxed sleep. Some examples of these accommodations include; 2 Friends Guesthouse, Jinja Source of the Nile hotel, Bilkon Hotel, Wild waters Lodge, Explorers River Camp Jinja, Mansion Hotel, King fisher Safaris Resort, Brisk Hotel Triangle Jinja, Haven Jinja, Jinja Nile Resort, Gately on the Nile, Source of the Nile Hotel, Jinja Safari Hotel, Sunset Hotel International, Bridge Way Guest House and many others.
Conclusion: A Uganda safari to Jinja is easily combined with a tour t Mabira forest for Birding, Zip lining, nature walks and Mangabey tracking without forgetting a tour to Sezibwa falls known for harboring the ancestors for Buganda kingdom. Jinja can be visited at any given period of time for different safaris be it honeymoon, leisure and relaxation, picnic, family tours to mention but a few. In case you are interested in a Jinja tour, do not hesitate to send in your inquiry.
Top things to do & see in Jinja: Jinja is situated in the eastern part of Uganda about 2 hours road drive from Kampala the Capital city of Uganda past mabira forest. Apart from being a city, Jinja is known as the adrenaline center in the entire East African region thus the top tourist destination that attracts several tourists from all over the world to engage in fascinating activities. There are a lot of things to do & see while on a Uganda safari both with in Jinja both inside and outside the city. The major tourist attractions to see while on the safari to Jinja include; the beautiful Jinja city at glance and all attractions with in, River Nile the top thing to see in Jinja is known to be the longest river in Africa and second longest river in the whole world following river Amazon which is the world’s longest river, Itanda waterfalls and the local people among others. On the other hand, there are several activities to do and these include;
Visiting source of the Nile: Source of the Nile is situated along the river Nile itself thus tourists have to cruise on a boat that takes them direct to the spot where Explorer speak stood during his visit in Jinja and confirmed that that was the source of the Nile meaning that the river flows from Jinja towards Egypt as its source was confirmed by an explorer Speke who spotted the exact point and confirmed it to be the origin of the Nile River. In fact a visit to the source of the Nile also enables tourists to spot Speke Monument that was put in place in order to commemorate the Speke for achieving in discovery of source of the Nile. There are other statues including Mahtama Ghandi statue that captures attention of several tourists.
Sundowner: given any opportunity, take an evening boat cruise along the Nile River to have a view of the sun as it goes down over the horizon basically known as the “the sundowner”. Other ways of viewing the sundowner include use of a Kayak and jet boat which more similar to boat cruise but the difference is that Kayaks use paddled. Also engaging in quad biking enables tourists to view the stunning vegetation along the shores of the river as well as different species of birds singing sweet melodies along the Nile River. There are also some mammals spotted along River Nile and some primates such as monkeys.
White water rafting: Whitewater Rafting is carried out on Itanda falls which offers the best white water rafting experience in East Africa that allows tourist to raft up to grade 5 water wave. White water rafting can be done either half day or full day depending on the choice of the tourist and is the most fascinating thing to do at Itanda falls by bother beginners and experienced tourists.
Jet boating: Apart from white water rafting, Itanda falls also offers Jet boating experience enabling tourists to cruise on top of water using a jet boat while viewing several wildlife species at the shores of the river.
Bungee jumping: another thrilling thing to do in Jinja is yet Bungee jumping where one stands on a raised elevation with a rope tied along both legs and is pushed or jumps up like an eagle and finally soar down and touch the Nile water where the he/she is then untied and returned to the shores of the river for other activities. This is the most scaring activity but filled with much fun to do as long as one is fit and free from any heart disease.
Fishing: River Nile is also the best place to go for fishing safari where one is sure of catching the Nile perch, tilapia, cat fish among others but the fish caught is released back into the river. Fishing in Jinja can be a half day or full activity. For people interested in a full day fishing safari, they need to go along with packed meal for lunch in order not to be interraptuted by returning to the lodge for a meal during lunch break. There is no need to pack fishing gears and equipment as they are all available and provided by the company managing fishing activities along the Nile River.
Mountain biking: another fascinating thing to do in Jinja is mountain biking where tourists explore the neighboring villages outside Jinja city, encountering locals in their plantations farms and along the shores of River Nile while on a bike. During mountain biking, tourists are also in position to encounter different species of fauna and flora in their natural habitats such as mammals, primates, birds, butterflies and plants among others.
Horseback riding: this is also the best way to explore along the shores of river Nile and the bank.
Birding: Jinja is also a best destination for birders with most bird species spotted along the shores and the river bank, along the island, near sugar cane plantations and almost everywhere during other activities. In fact there is a best birding spot along the way from Kampala since a safari to Jinja usually offers a stopover at Mabira forest, be sure to watch a good number of birds alongside primates such as monkeys.
Jinja city tour: there are a lot of things to do & while inside Jinja city while on a city tour and these include visiting the rail way, visit the craft shops where beautiful handmade crafts and other souvenirs are displayed for sell, visit the markets, places of worship, the Busoga kings palace and finally have a community visit to closely interact with the local residents of Jinja, Basoga where one is in position to learn more about their culture, standards of living and learn some activities like preparing local dish among others. There is no way one would visit Jinja and fail to explore this beautiful and unique city with cool environment away from the pollution in Kampala city.
Accommodations / where to stay in Jinja
There are several accommodation facilities in Jinja where tourists on a Uganda safari spend their nights and these accommodations range from both luxury, midrange and budget including the hotels, lodges, camps and even guest houses that suite every travelers pocket for a relaxed sleep. Some examples of these accommodations include; 2 Friends Guesthouse, Jinja Source of the Nile hotel, Bilkon Hotel, Wild waters Lodge, Explorers River Camp Jinja, Mansion Hotel, King fisher Safaris Resort, Brisk Hotel Triangle Jinja, Haven Jinja, Jinja Nile Resort, Gately on the Nile, Source of the Nile Hotel, Jinja Safari Hotel, Sunset Hotel International, Bridge Way Guest House and many others.
Conclusion: A Uganda safari to Jinja is easily combined with a tour t Mabira forest for Birding, Zip lining, nature walks and Mangabey tracking without forgetting a tour to Sezibwa falls known for harboring the ancestors for Buganda kingdom. Jinja can be visited at any given period of time for different safaris be it honeymoon, leisure and relaxation, picnic, family tours to mention but a few. In case you are interested in a Jinja tour, do not hesitate to send in your inquiry.
