Jinja & the Source of the Nile

Adventure on the world’s longest river

Best time to visit All year — rafting is best in the drier months
Size
Entry fee No park fee (activity fees apply)
Established
Getting there 2 hours from Kampala on a good tarmac road.

Jinja sits where the Nile spills out of Lake Victoria and gathers itself for the run north to the Mediterranean. The town has become East Africa’s adventure playground: grade five white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, horse riding and sunset cruises.

A boat trip to the Source of the Nile — marked by John Hanning Speke’s monument in 1862 — is the classic half-day outing, and Bujagali Falls still draws photographers and kayakers alike.

Highlights

  • Grade 5 white-water rafting
  • Source of the Nile boat trip
  • Bungee jump over the Nile
  • Sunset cruise and quad biking

Wildlife you may see

  • Nile monitors
  • Kingfishers
  • African fish eagles
  • Hippos downstream

Where it is

Where to stay

Luxury Lodge
★★★★

Mihingo Lodge

Lake Mburo National Park

  • Swimming pool and sun deck
  • Horse riding stables
  • Guided walking and cycling
  • Restaurant and bar
Budget & Camping
★★

Red Chilli Hideaway

Bujagali, Jinja

  • Camping ground
  • Self-catering kitchen
  • Bar and restaurant
  • Rafting and bungee booking
Mid-range
★★★

Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Lake Bunyonyi, Kabale District

  • Restaurant and bar
  • Dugout canoes and kayaks
  • Swimming (bilharzia-free water)
  • Guided village and hill walks
Luxury Lodge
★★★★

Apoka Safari Lodge

Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley National Park

  • Infinity pool over the waterhole
  • Bush dinners and sundowners
  • Library and lounge
  • Guided walks with rangers

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