Jinja

Jinja is a city in Uganda.

Culture and History

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!

Travel to Jinja - Visa Requirements

It is possible to get matatus from Kampala to Jinja for around uhs3000 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. Busses from Kenya and Tanzania will drop you off on their way to Kampala.

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

Tours and Getting around Jinja

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.

Jinja tourist attractions and sightseeing

The source of the Nile is actually a rather uninteresting site. It will cost you 10,000 shillings to see.

Jinja city tours

The main attraction in Jinja is white water rafting on the Nile. There are a number of safe reliable operators. Nalubale Rafting has nice new equipment and their guides are very experienced. All companies offer half days, full days and extended trips.

Jinja souvenirs and shopping

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. It is possible to buy drums, Ugandan guitars, 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.

Jinja Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There are several restaurants and cafés in the centre of the town. The Source café serves mainly western food and local coffees and is a real mzungu hang out. There are numerous Indian and Chinese restaurants close by.

Jinja nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Jinja cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

• 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.

Get out

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