6 Exciting Tourist Activities To Do In Jinja
Jinja city is located in southeastern Uganda where the Nile River flows out of Lake Victoria and also she is one of the most scenic cities in Uganda. Its only two hour’s drive from Kampala, the hydroelectric power thus provided was instrumental in Jinja’s development as the country’s main industrial Centre. A second dam Kira was later constructed about 0.6 miles (1 km) from Nalubaale.
The River Nile is the star attraction in Jinja City with almost all tourism activities centered on it. The City attracts tourists throughout the year who wish to relax after a long safari in the different parts of Uganda while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the river Nile. The Nile supports a number of fancy raising activities like bungee jumping, canoeing, white water rafting, Kayaking, horseback riding and quad biking among others. No wonder Jinja has come to be referred to as the “adrenaline Centre” of East Africa. Apart from water sports, visitors can also tour the old colonial style buildings, old Hindu temples and the ever crowded local markets and fish landind sites.
We at Mumwe Safaris organizing self drive and guided trips to Jinja for all types of travelers and below are some of the activities you can try when you decide to tour Jinja for safari, family vacation or friends getaway road trip.
Whitewater Rafting: This is one of the top activities and attractions Jinja City particular in Uganda. The top Grade Whitewater rafting experience in Jinja is the best in Uganda within Africa. It is a scary activity but also very exciting and thrilling like nothing else. Whitewater rafting is organized as a half or full day activity. The activity not only involves navigating through the rapids but also making stops at some of the islands. The islands have an amazing collection of green vegetation, birds and primates like Velvet monkeys Prepare to be thrown out the raft at least once as you head downstream but with nothing to worry about You will be rowing with some of the most experienced crews in the world. You do not need to be experienced to take part in the activity. Mumwe Global Safaris know how to handle both beginners and expert rafters. Whitewater rafting in Jinja City occurs throughout the year and costs between $150 and $160. Mumwe Global Safaris take safety seriously. Participants are given protective gear and escorted by several rescue experts. So why not go for whitewater rafting in Jinja City? The memory of floating down rapids of the longest river on earth will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Visit the source of the Nile: As already noted the river Nile is the longest river in the world. It flows from Uganda all the way to Mediterranean Sea after passing through several countries like South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and finally Egypt. Using a speed boat, tourists can go to the point where the river Nile begins its journey to the sea. John Speke was the first European to discover the source of the Nile in 1858. The site where Speke stood and first spotted the source has been turned into a park with beautiful garden that are perfect for relaxation and marveling at the river Nile. It is one of the most visited places in Jinja City in Uganda. One needs to take a boat to go up to the exact place considered the source of River Nile.
Mountain Biking: Visit Jinja city for Mountain Biking organized to allow visitors explore the river Nile and nearby villages. This activity is very challenging physically considering the unpredictable terrain and routes taken, the activity takes between one and three hours through village farms and the banks of the river in Jinja city there is an option of biking at the Mabiira Forest located 20 kilometers away from Jinja City where participants are carried by car to the starting point. While at riding through this dense forest, take time to marvel at the beautiful trees, plants, butterflies and monkeys. The Mabiira track also leads to hidden local villages, sugar and coffee plantations. By the end of the activity, you would have an idea of how the rural peasants go about their daily lives in Uganda. The cost of maintain biking ranges between $40 and $50 this includes lunch. All the available mountain bikes are of high quality, robust and imported from Europe. The guides are experienced and know how to repair a bike in case it breaks down.
Bird Watching: Uganda is known as one best place for birding in the world today Jinja City in particularly the Nile River is no exception, for Birding tours can be arranged by Mumwe Global Safaris in Uganda for inexperienced, experienced and seasoned birders. Mumwe Global Safaris provide binoculars, recording devices and a book for identifying the species. Birding is done using boats by the river banks, the numerous islands and close to the source of the Nile. Bird are most activate in the morning hours and in the evening as they prepare to roost. Birding tours take at least two hours but arrangements can be made for full day Bird watching for seasoned birders. Those who opt for the full-day birding experience can expect to spot at least 50 bird species in a day. Birding for two hours costs $50 while the Full day birding tour costs $100.
Fishing on the Nile: Jinja has some of the best fishing spots in Uganda and in the Nile Perch; the River Nile has one of the largest freshwater fish on earth. It is possible to catch Nile Perches weighing over 150 kilograms. Fishing is arranged throughout the day. The best time for fishing on the Nile is in the morning but afternoon trips have also been known to produce amazing catches. Fishing is open to both experienced and first-time anglers. Fishing starts in the morning and ends late in the evening with breaks for lunch. For the full-day option, anglers need to move packed lunch. The companies arranging the activity provide all the necessary fishing gear, bottled water, safety and camping equipment. Apart from the Nile Perch, the other notable species are tilapia, catfish and yellow fish. Anglers are required to release all the fish in the water except for those that won’t recover after being caught. The fishing techniques used include spinning, bait fishing and trawling.
Visiting the Ssezibwa Falls: The Ssezibwa Falls are located along the Kampala – Jinja highway the local Baganda people consider it an important cultural site where the spirit of their ancestors still rest. Tourists love the place because of the crystal clear water falling from a steep cliff into the nearby forest. Visiting the place isn’t all about the falls. The scenery is beautiful with lush green forests that act as sanctuaries to birds and small primates. While at the falls, do not forget to visit the local snake cave where people still perfume rituals to appease their ancestors.
Planning to explore Jinja city this season, then the above 6 tourist activities you shouldn’t miss out on your itinerary. We at Mumwe safaris organize affordable guide trips around the city for all types of travelers including couples, families, small & large groups. You can get in touch with us by sending an email to info@rentadriveruganda.com or call us now on +256-700135510.
