Trip Overview

Jinja is located in the southeastern part of Uganda approximately 54 miles from Kampala, the capital city, best known for the source of the Nile, Owen Falls Dam, the capital of the Basoga kingdom, and its surrounding maleficient environment. It is an excellent option for families, those who have already visited the national parks, or those in the country for short workshops/business trips. Jinja city tour offers both local and international tourists a chance to explore one of the most scenic cities in Uganda and all the major tourist attractions in Jinja. 

Jinja city is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Uganda recently upgraded to full city status and is expected to grow even further as people choose to invest away from the crowded Kampala city. The name Jinja means Place of Rocks, according to the Baganda. The town is located at a point (Nile) that naturally separates the Baganda and Basoga tribes. Jinja started as a fishing village but later on, became an important trading route connecting East and Central Uganda. Jinja grew to become the industrial of Uganda with the building of the Owen Falls electricity dam. Unfortunately, the expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin Dada led to the decline of the town allowing Kampala to slowly become the industrial hub at the same time the capital city.

As Jinja lost its status as the industrial hub of Uganda, it embraced tourism and became the key attraction because of the river Nile and related activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, canoeing, tubing the Nile, horseback riding, and Quad biking. These adrenaline-raising activities have made Jinja a very popular destination for those who want something unique and relaxing due to being calm and blessed with amazing scenery. The weather is excellent because of its location close to the Nile and Lake Victoria. While traveling to Jinja, you will have different stops to explore other points of interest such as Mabira forest and the Ssezibwa Falls.