Jinja travel guide - Uganda

This Guide to Jinja covers Hotels and Lodges, Attractions, Restaurants

Jinja is Located on the northern shores of lakeVictoria above the Ripon falls, the town is one of Uganda’s largest towns and lies about 80 km east of Kampala over looking the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria and probably it is the Nile that is attracting more people other than the town itself.
Jinja was initially the most industrialized town in Uganda with European and Asian settlers who had boosted up the economy but with the rise of some turbulent leaders like Amini, the town’s economy collapsed with the dismissal of the foreign investors, however the town is gradually resurrecting to its former glory with the population increasing and so many suburban mansions coming up, good infrastructure and now the town provides some of the most popular and attractive tourist activities.

SIGHT SEEING IN JINJA

BUJAGALI FALLS White Water Rafting.
Perhaps the busiest tourist focal point, Bujagali falls lies 9km from Jinja north of the town. The thundering white water falls are about 10km down the River Nile. They got their name after an African spirit Bujagali said to occasionally float on a piece of bark cloth down the river. The place is a very important beginning point for the fascinating white water rafting. This activity is operated by with very attractive packages, these include, Adrift, Equator rafting and Nile River Explorers, however irrespective of what company you are using charges remain the same.
Rafting excursions can be booked for 2days from all the companies at a fee of USD150 per person inclusive of all. The first day covers one extra Novocain rapid at the end of the same ground excursion, the second day is quite more exciting with four rapids to cover, Hair of the dog, Kula shaker, Nile special, malalu with the last rapid called Weleba. In addition to rafting, those with a more adventurous spirit can hire white water kayaks and also take lessons for Eskimo-roll and shooting rapids. Also available are sunset cruises for families or larger groups and All Terrain Adventures that runs the quad biking trips.

MABIRA FOREST RESERVE
This is the largest remaining stand of indigenous forest in Central Uganda, covering an area of more than 300 sq. km along Kampala-Jinja road. Being close to the country’s two big cities, it gives a greater opportunity for tourist development.
The forest is a combination of patches of open grassland, valleys with papyrus swamps, and more than 200 species of trees that have been identified. With lovely walking trails, one can have a good view of the red tailed monkey, but the white colobus, Grey-cheeked mangabey and blue duiker monkeys being very common.
Bird watchers are also not left out because the forest harbors species of forest birds like the African Grey parrot, hornbill species, sunbirds, weyn’s weaver, rare blue swallow and the best birding site at the forest-fringed pond.

The source of the Nile
The source of the nile was originally designated at the site of the Rippon falls.It is lovely to sit on the lawn in the shade listening to the birds and watching the swirling river below.The Islets and blocks that were recorded by speke also dissappeared with the building of the Owen Falls dams.A pleque ney through Uganda , Sudan and Egypt.The source of the Nile pleque indicates the spot where Speke stood when he first sighted the source of the Nile, on 28th July 1862 naming it the Ripon Falls after Lord Ripon , the Vice roy of India and President of the Royal Goegraphical Society at the time . There is no public transport acces but the site can be reached by boda boda from town over the dam wall towards Kampala along Nalufenya road, the ask for directions from locals .(3km from Jinja ).

The Hindu satya Narayan Temple close to contains shrines to Ambaji Shankar Bhagwan ,ad Shitla Mata. The broznze bust of the Mahatma Ghandi located in the outer compound was unveiled by the Indian Prime Minister Gujral, accompanied by the Presidentin 1997.On 2nd october Ghandi Javanti is celebrated , reflecting Gandhi's association with Jinja.Part of his ashes were immersed in the Nile in 1948. When amin expelled Asians ,in 1972 , only a han full of Hindus remained in Jinja .During this period of exile , local people usedthe hall for gatherings and dancing and part of the hall was used for accommodation.

The Bell memorial is a popular spot also found at jinja

The Owen falls dam was built in 1954 and suplies most of Uganda,and a good par of Kenyawith electricity. During the turmoil of Iddi Amin Dada, a group of dedicated engineers managed to keep the generator going almost with out interruption. The falls that it creates are impressive in themselves. The main road from Kampala crosses the dam , so try and get a seat on the appropriate side in order to get a good view.

Booze cruise :This is a popular choice whichhas recently started on the lLake Victoria and it give you opportunity to watch the sun set over the water and see the fishing boat lit up by parafin lampsat dusk.
Nile brewery tour: This complementary tour includes a free beer and it is usually run on tuesdays and thursdays according to demand. it is an entertaining way tospend the afternoon during the rainy season and interesting to see how Ugandans operate a brewery.
Other places are Jinja market, and Jinja sailing club

Accommodation

Jinja Hotels and Lodges

Restaurants and Bars

2 Friends Restaurant Bar & Catering
Plot 6, Jackson Crescent
Tel: 256-0436-123067
Fax:256-043-123241
Mob:+256-77-768203
Email:jouko.tahvanainanen@power.alstom.com

The Source Cafe
Main Street Jinja Town
Box 243, Jinja
Mob+256-077-957326

Rich Rich Lodge & Restaurant
Plot 26, Kutch Road West
Tel:+256-071-610717

Sports - Golf with Jinja golf club, speed boating, fishing ,sport canoeing ,swimming , white water rafting ,Tennis and Squash,

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