Jinja is the base for those seeking to add thrills and spills to their otherwise leisurely trip to Uganda.
The top sport is white water rafting, which has been around since the mid 1990s, and today there are several companies offering trips on the fast-flowing stretches of the River Nile below Jinja. There is rafting and then, for the really adventurous, there is extreme rafting, offering a chance to shoot the truly ferocious Grade Five rapids using smaller-than-usual rafts and with passengers certain to spend time in the water. This activity can be combined with river surfing.
The Jinja Area is a unique place, and is famous for being the “Source of the Nile”. Many activities are available through tour operators who can assist you in planning the perfect outing.
Top Things to Do in Jinja
Quad Biking beside the Nile River
Enjoy quad Biking for a Half-day, Full-Day, or even at Night on a guided ATV safari through rural Uganda along the banks of the River Nile.
No experience is needed and a learner circuit is available. Depending on your skills and requirements we offer a choice of manual, semi-automatic, and automatic bikes.
Drinks and snacks are provided and a delicious lunch for longer trips. Protective gear like helmets and goggles are provided and overalls if you feel like staying clean.
A Portion of the fees you pay go directly into Local Councils of each village you visit to help support the local community.
Rafting on the Nile
The White Nile makes the legendary Zambezi look small. The roar of the rapids drift upstream with the gentle while wooden canoes laden with excited locals congregate in the calm water anxiously waiting to see the rafts in action. You explode through huge walls of whitewater and drift through warm green pools in the equatorial sunshine as hundreds of tropical birds fly by. This is whitewater rafting at its best.
Many option are available including family deals, night rafting, river boarding, kayaking, or a row boat for those who don’t feel like the full thrill.
State of the art rafting equipment including life jackets, helmets, and spray jackets (for cool days) is provided and the safety record is second to none.
Transportation is provided from Sunset Hotel to the launching point and there are many facilities for lunch.
Samuka Island, Bird Paradise
Samuka Island, about 20 minutes away by speedboat, (a little longer by motorized canoe) is a perfect place to relax for a day. This small 12 acre island is home to over 50 species of resident and migratory birds and has the largest Botanical Garden in Eastern Uganda with over 100 species of plants. There’s even a small restaurant and bar on this quaint Island.
Paddle boating on the Nile
There are several adventure companies and hotels that own paddle boats which are available for rent to explore the Nile and Lake Victoria.
Fishing
Ever caught a fish this big? Well now you can catch huge Nile Perch, while fishing with the locals on nearby Lake Victoria. Some are even as big as a man!
Jinja Club
Located just a few minutes from the Sunset Hotel and the source of the Nile, Jinja Club is great place to have fun for a day. Golfing, Swimming, Squash, and more is available.
