Jinja
Visited in August 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Uganda
- Region
- Jinja District
- Population
- 279,184
- Best time to go
- June to August, December to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Entebbe International (EBB)
- Coordinates
- 0.48°N, 33.16°E
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Overview
Jinja sits where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria to begin its long journey north to the Mediterranean. Its wide streets of faded colonial and Indian shopfronts give it a sleepy charm.
It is Uganda's adventure capital, with rafting, kayaking, tubing and bungee on the river. Others come simply to sit by the water, watch the birdlife and enjoy the calm.
Things to see
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Photo: Dror Feitelson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Source of the Nile
Take a short boat ride to the spot where the river flows out of the lake, marked on the riverbank.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Rod Waddington, CC BY-SA 2.0 Gandhi memorial
A small shrine by the source where some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were scattered.
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Photo: Ilona1001, CC BY-SA 3.0 Old town centre
Streets of colonial-era buildings and Indian shopfronts, a reminder of the town's past as a trading hub.
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Photo: Fredrick Onyango from Nairobi, Kenya, CC BY 2.0 Nalubaale Power Station
The dam where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, which once flooded Ripon Falls.
Things to do
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Photo: Ypstudio, CC0 White-water rafting
Tackle big rapids on the Nile with an experienced operator, from gentle family trips to full-day runs.
Find tours -
Photo: Ssemmanda will, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kayaking and stand-up paddling
Calmer stretches of the river are perfect for paddling among kingfishers and otters.
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Photo: YoTuT from United States, CC BY 2.0 Mabira Forest
Walk or cycle in a large rainforest on the Kampala road, home to monkeys and many birds.
Where to stay
Town centre
Practical guesthouses near restaurants and shops.
Hotels in Town centreRiverbank north of town
Lodges and campsites on the Nile, close to the rafting operators.
Hotels in Riverbank north of townKimaka
A quieter residential area with gardens and views over the water.
Hotels in Kimaka
Getting around
Boda-bodas and taxis cover the town; rafting companies usually include transfers.
Jinja is around two to three hours by road from Kampala, depending on traffic.
When to go
The drier seasons from June to August and December to February are best. Rafting runs year-round, and the river is warm in every season.
Plan your trip to Jinja
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.