Jinja
The birthplace of the mighty Nile river (or one of them anyway…), here the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing…
Getty Images
Jinja
Famous as the historic source of the Nile River, Jinja is now the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Get your fix of white-water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, mountain biking and horse riding in a gorgeous natural setting. The Nile River's world-famous rapids are under threat, however. In 2011 the Bujagali Hydroelectric Project buried around half of the rapids under a giant reservoir. Although the government has pledged to not further dam the river, Uganda still needs energy and so a new hydroelectric plant is planned for Kalagala Falls. Though worker strikes and faulty construction have it behind schedule for now, it's expected that the Isimba Dam will flood some key rapids and even an island lodging as early as October 2018. It's not the end of rafting though. Meanwhile locals keep pushing to keep Jinja's tourism industry alive with offerings that have wisely begun to diversify.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Jinja
On the western bank of the river you'll find the pleasant Source of the Nile Gardens and Speke Monument – a pillar commemorating where the British…
Jinja
This commercial market is across from the bus stand with vendors selling fruit and vegetables, among other produce, and clothing.
Plan with a local
in partnership with getyourguide