Jinja is a city in Uganda. The city is located the at the source of the Nile, and in Uganda more famously the source of Nile Beer. This is a popular destination for backpackers for its white water rafting. Three main operators work the rapids, offering a range of options, including body surfing, kayaking lessons and a video or DVD of the experience afterwards. It is possible to arrange a day trip from any travel agent in Kampala. Be sure to use sunscreen!

Get in

It is possible to get Matatus from Kampala to Jinja for around Ush 6000 per person. Coaster Kampala to Jinja – 5,000 Ush Coaster Jinja to Kampala – 4,000 Ush

Jinja is on the East African Highway which links Mombassa to Uganda, eastern DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. 14 passenger taxis and 30 passenger coasters are available from Kampala. Buses from Kenya and Tanzania will drop you off on their way to Kampala.

Some of the activity companies in Jinja offer free transport to and from Kampala for their customers.

Road distances: Kampala 80 km, Entebbe 117 km, Nairobi 578 km, Arusha 854 km, Mombasa 1498 km, Dar es Salaam 1691 km.
Get around

The town is quite spread out, if you intend to go shopping for gifts etc, get a taxi to ‘the source’ and all of the touristy shops are within walking distance. If going further afield, Boda-bodas or Matatus are the best way.

See

Source of the Nile. Although gardens and the actual experience of going here is not that interesting, it may be worth it for the sole reason that you can go home and tell everyone that you visited the source of the longest river in the world. There is a small monument in the area dedicated to Ghandi. Some of his ashes were released here. 10000 shillings.

The river Nile. The world’s longest river starts here so arguably there are lots of places to see it. The whitewater on the first stretch of the Nile that we visited from Jinja was incredible and unique in that respect.

The Jinja market is in the very centre of town, and consists of multiple acres of colourful shacks squeezed on top of each other selling everything from chicken hearts to motor parts. Definitely a must see, even if you’re in Jinja for one day. The easiest and best way to see the town is to flag down the nearest Boda Boda driver (motorcycle which takes passengers) and ask him for a tour. Pay no more than six thousand shillings however, for less than an hour tour.

Do

Jinja is marketed as the adventure capital of Uganda, offering everything from horse back tours to quad biking to source of the Nile kayak tours. There are a number of safe reliable operators, some of whom offer camping, dormitory, and (tented) accommodation. All companies offer half days, full days and extended trips.

Kayak the Nile (Calm water or whitewater kayaking in Jinja, Uganda.). Kayak the Nile are one of the world’s leading kayak schools, based on the river Nile and passionate about helping people enjoy being on the water. Most popular activities – Introduction to whitewater kayaking, whitewater kayaking courses, Source of the Nile tours.

Horse riding

Self-drive guided ATV Quad bike Safaris – off the beaten tracks and into the warm heart of Uganda. Free practice training session before each safari starts. All ages, all levels, all adventure. $45.

Adrift Rafting is a rafting company that also has the Nile High Club, where you can bungee jump over a picturesque eddy of the Nile, and even get your head wet if you so desire. You can also get a free tour of the Nile Breweries if booked in advance.

Buy

Uganda is not a terribly touristy country. Jinja is one of the only places that sells ‘African souvenirs’. A day of shopping is best started by The Source Café and the surrounding streets. It is possible to buy drums, Ugandan guitars,handbags, African sandals,African print fabric, paintings, and many other things ideal as gifts. Remember that — apart from a few locations in Kampala — you are unlikely to find shops like this elsewhere in Uganda.

Tourist shops also sprung up around the NRE camp in Bujagali, but they’ll be a little more expensive than in Jinja.Try main street, towards the upper end of main street.

Eat

There are several restaurants and cafés in the centre of the town. Of which probably ‘Flavours, Coffee bar, Restaurant,’ Gately on the Nile, The Source café and 2Friends serves are the best in town. There are numerous Indian and Chinese restaurants close by. For cheap food, local vendors are a safe enough bet for most things, but maybe stay away from the meat. Samosas and chapattis(basically an omelette wrapped in a tortilla) are done well here, are very cheap, and filling.

Flavours provides an exclusive Coffee Bar, Restaurant and Pub on Main Street in one of Uganda’s largest cities: Jinja. Jinja is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the place where the River Nile starts it’s 6,500km journey to the Mediterranean. Flavours gives you the opportunity to have a nice cup of tea, coffee, fresh juice or any other refreshment in an inspiring environment. While relaxing and drinking you are given the opportunity to enjoy the variety of flavours from our exquisite kitchen. Besides this we are happy to offer you business lunches in a private setting. Please feel welcome and enjoy at ‘Flavours’.

Ginger on the Nile, and Ginger on Main, two great restaurants/bars. Offer great quality food very cheaply, both places have really good atmospheres.

In a corner just opposite Jinja central police station is an Indian restaurant,it is at the corner of Rippon road , that runs from Gabula road to Iganga road next to Biashara Supermarket. it small but cozy, it serves good pizza and Ice cream.

The Source Cafe offers great coffee and pretty good food. You can use internet (wireless is available) while you wait.

The former Sailing Club is exotic.. It is a sight to behold at night. It is a place to be for lovers. With a beautiful lounge, bar and great out doors.

2 Friends, food is good, but be prepared to wait a long time for the food to be prepared. The couple that own the place are extremely friendly (as the name suggests), and will even let you make your own playlists from their extrensive music collection.
Leoz, Main Street. Excellent Indian food. Reasonably priced and good portions.

Drink

Nile Special Arguably the best beer in East Africa, it is produced here in Jinja. Waragi – a spirit, (essentially banana gin) mix with bitter lemon, tastes awesome, potent.

Sleep

Bellevue in the city center is slightly upmarket but offers after bargaining a very basic tiny room for only 5000 shilling. The other hotels in the city center start at 10000 shilling. Another option is to take accommodation in one of the lodges outside the city center, near the Nile.

2 friends Hotel. Ling ling guest house. Nile river resort. Daniel Hotel Brisk Hotel is in a cool quite environment. It is at the lake shore with a swimming pool and good food food at relatively low prices. Sunset hotel just like Brisk lies at the lake shores. Kingfishers Safari.

Nile River Explorers, Wilson Avenue. NRE has a hostel a short walk from the centre of Jinja, which helpfully takes payment in USD as well as UGX, and has a great bar. It’s not so “authentic” but if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket and familiar it’s a good bet. Run by friendly people, who also allow camping $5/night.

Adrift, (Towards Bujagali). Great place, a bit out of town. Camping, dorms and tents available. Excellent view from the bar. Only downside: if it rains, getting to town on that road is difficult.  edit

Get out

Bujagali is a ten minute Boda Boda ride out from Jinja. It’s a small tourist village, based on picturesque Bujagali Falls. Witness the locals swimming down the falls with nothing but a Jerry can keeping them safe, as well as the odd rafter or Kayaker who’s made a mistake. Soft Power Health and the Allen stone charities work from Bujagali, and it’s very popular with volunteers.

As of 2013, the Falls at Bujagali do not exist anymore, it is now Lake Bujagali used to generate electricity from the water. It is still a beautiful view, where the kayaking and rafting companies base themselves for their operations further downriver and still worth a visit.

Itanda Falls lies 43km from Jinja through country paths, and are more a series of white water rapids than full-on waterfalls. But it offers some nice views and some white water rafting.