Jinja: rafting and the source of the Nile

Why visit Jinja

Few places let you stand at the start of the world's longest river and then raft down it the same afternoon. Jinja grew as a colonial and industrial town, and its centre still has faded art deco shopfronts and Indian merchant buildings. Today it lives on tourism, sugar and fishing, and it has a relaxed, outdoorsy feel after the noise of Kampala.

The source of the Nile

On the west bank, gardens lead down to the spot where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. A plaque marks where John Hanning Speke announced the source in 1862, and a memorial honours Mahatma Gandhi, some of whose ashes were scattered here. Small boats take you out to the spring that bubbles up in the river. Go late afternoon for soft light and birdlife.

Rafting and kayaking

The White Nile below Jinja has big, warm, deep water rapids with names like Itanda, the Bad Place, and Nile Special. Day trips run by long established operators include safety kayakers, training and lunch, and no experience is needed. There are gentler family floats too, plus kayak schools, stand up paddleboarding and tubing. Since the Bujagali and Isimba dams were built, several rapids have been flooded, so routes now start further downstream; operators collect you from town.

On and around the river

• **Sunset cruises:** gentle boat trips on the Nile to watch fish eagles, kingfishers and monitor lizards.
• **Itanda Falls:** a dramatic set of rapids downstream, with viewpoints and a local craft scene.
• **Mabira Forest:** on the road from Kampala, the largest rainforest in central Uganda, with zip lines, walking trails and red-tailed monkeys.
• **Ssezibwa Falls:** a sacred waterfall near Mukono, worth a stop on the drive.
• **Quad biking and horse riding:** through villages and farmland along the river.

Nyege Nyege festival

Each year, usually in September, thousands of people gather by the Nile near Jinja for **Nyege Nyege**, a four day festival of electronic and experimental African music that has gained an international following. Some years have faced debate and permit changes, so confirm dates and status on the festival's official channels before travelling.

Food and stays

Jinja has a good spread of riverside lodges, from backpacker camps with dorms and campsites to quiet eco lodges with cottages overlooking the water. In town, try the central market for fresh fruit and rolex stalls, and the cafés along Main Street.

Safety and practical tips

Jinja is generally relaxed. Swim only where your operator tells you to, as bilharzia is a risk in some still water and the currents are strong. Wear sun protection on the river and take malaria precautions. The road from Kampala is busy with trucks, so travel by day and allow two to three hours depending on traffic.

Getting there

Most people come by road from Kampala or Entebbe, often with transport arranged by their rafting operator or lodge. Plan your route with the free trip planner and find cafés, lodges and activities on our places to visit list.