Things to do in Jinja keep on increasing every single year, and as a result, the town has gained a strong reputation of fun and adventure. For starters, Jinja was at one point the industrial powerhouse of East Africa. However, the expulsion of Asians in the late 1970s by the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada resulted in the collapse of many industries as the Africans who replaced the Asians in the industries were too inexperienced to run them.
Even though Asians returned after Idi Amin was ousted from power, Jinja lost its crown as the leading industrial center of East Africa. Many of the industries relocated to Kampala and other towns, leaving Jinja a quiet and serene town perfect for tourism. Tourists visiting Jinja prefer to spend a night or two as the town has a lot to offer. In fact, it has been nicknamed the Adventure Capital of East Africa for the long list of things to do here. Let’s take a look at some which should be on everyone’s bucket list:
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1. White Water Rafting
One of the top things to do in Jinja is white water rafting on River Nile. The scenery is stunning to say the least as the activity does not only involve navigating through the rapids, but also making stops at some of the islands which have green vegetation, plenty of bird species and primates.
White water rafting. Photo/ Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks.
A day of white water rafting starts with early morning breakfast before being transferred to the banks of the river. You’ll then cover a distance of about 21 kilometres through eight big rapids, so prepare to be thrown out of the raft at least once.
2. Bungee Jumping
If there is one thing that Jinja is well known for is Bungee Jumping, an extreme adventurous activity that involves plunging yourself 43 metres down into open space before immersing yourself into the Nile River. Bungee Jumping is an activity much loved by thrill seekers and if you happen to be one of them, a trip to Jinja should be on your bucket list.
3. Quad Biking
Next on things to do in Jinja is quad biking. Riding the quad bikes offers you the opportunity to explore the farms and communities surrounding the Nile River as you slide across the puddles and potholes in mud. A free training session is conducted before the start of the activity, so you actually do not require prior driving experience. Quad biking is more fun when done as a group.
Quad biking is one of things to do in Jinja. Photo/ Jinja Tours.
4. Horse Riding
It’s hard not to include horse riding when talking about things to do in Jinja. This is another activity done along the shores of River Nile and offers an opportunity to explore the beauty of Uganda. The horses are well trained and healthy to ensure there is no risk of injury when riding.
Horse riding is not available in many place in Uganda, so ensure you enjoy it during your trip to Jinja. If you love watching birds, this is your thing as you will encounter different species of birds in the process.
5. Mountain Biking
Just like quad biking and horse riding, mountain biking offers tourists the opportunity to see the beauty of Uganda by exploring the Nile and the nearby villages. Mountain biking takes between one and three hours and is an activity many find fun despite being physically challenging.
6. Visiting the Source of River Nile
Concluding our list of things to do in Jinja is visiting the source of the Nile. As you already know, River Nile is the longest river in the world and flows from Jinja all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through several countries. Knowing very well the river starts it’s journey somewhere in this town, how would you leave without finding out where?
The source of the Nile. Photo/ Jinja Tours.
What Is Special About Jinja?
Jinja is commonly regarded as “the adventure capital of East Africa” as there are many activities in the town that one can engage in. Local attractions in the Ugandan town include white-water rafting, the “Source of the Nile” and bungee jumping.
How Much Is Bungee Jumping in Jinja?
Bungee jumping is an adventure that doesn’t take long because you just jump off a stage with a bungee cord tied to your legs. Below are the charges for a single jump per person:
Ugandans – Ugx. 220,000 per person
East Africans – $125/ person
Foreigners – $115/person
What Is Found in Jinja?
Jinja town hosts the Source of the famous River Nile, which is the longest river in Africa. Jinja also hosts Bujagali hydroelectric power dam of 250MW Capacity making the town one of the main exporters of electricity to the rest of the Uganda.
What Is the Most Visited Place in Uganda?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited park in Uganda and is often paired with gorilla trekking in Bwindi and/or chimp trekking in Kibale forest.
