Welcome to Jinja!

Jinja lies about 80 km to the east of Kampala and is one of the largest urban centres of Uganda. To approach the town from Kampala, you'd have to cross the Nile, the world's longest river, and the Owens Falls Dam. In fact, it is here on the west side of Jinja that the Nile starts its 6,500 km long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.

Along the banks of the river is a garden and golf course, just some of the many great things to see and do in Jinja. At the river's starting point is a bust of Gandhi; on the west bank of the river is a monument in memory of James Hanning Speke, the English explorer and first European to have ‘seen' the source of the River Nile. The River Nile is the location of many Jinja tours including Quadbiking and Jet skiing.

Jinja is also located close to some of Uganda's largest stretches of forest reserve, which has a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. With such a profusion of nature to be enjoyed, you'll be hardly surprised to know that Jinja is considered the gateway to tropical Ugandan nature.

The Mabira Forest Reserve, one of Central Uganda's largest reserves, is a popular nature park with valleys, grasslands and a host of monkeys and birds just waiting to be discovered! Those who wish to go trekking will be delighted with the variety of trails on offer.

Overlooking the lake is the town centre. With its relaxed, cordial atmosphere and quiet, tree-lined streets, the town exudes an irresistibly charming ambience. The large houses with sprawling yards add to the beauty and maintain the original aura developed by the town's planners. You'll also find a good range of Jinja hotels and Jinja restaurants in the town centre. You can even use our Jinja map to choose your hotel in Jinja based on its location.

Peak hour in Jinja is very different from that of Kampala; there is less traffic and you'll find it pretty easy to move around the town. There are a large number of bicycles on the road and the gentle breeze blowing in from Lake Victoria is refreshingly clear of smog. There are vantage points with excellent views of the lake, and you'll find yourself succumbing to the soothing influence. With just over 100,000 inhabitants, finding parking space is hardly an issue in Jinja. Bicycle taxis, the prevalent mode of transport in Jinja, lends to the slow, laidback feel of the place.

Besides being a beautiful lakeside town, Jinja is also known as Eastern Africa's adventure hub and there are plenty of Jinja tour options available. You have great opportunities to go rafting thanks to the surging waters of the mighty Nile and the most famous rafting spot is the picturesque Bujagali Falls. Lake Victoria offers scores of opportunities to go kayaking, surfing or sailing in Jinja. Lovers of golf can spend pleasurable hours at the 9-hole golf course.

Apart from the natural highlights, Jinja also has a number of cultural attractions for those who would like to go sightseeing. An old trading town, Jinja was the home of the Indian population that settled here during the 1950s and 60s. The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the Satya Narayan Temple attract visitors year after year. Jinja also has a famous brewery where you can indulge in local beer. Nightlife in Jinja is far from extraordinary; there are however a few bars and international late-night Jinja restaurants.

Jinja is better-equipped than many parts of the country and you'll hardly find it difficult to choose a comfortable Jinja hotel or restaurant. Ugandan specialties and international cuisine are easily available. Jinja is also safer than most other parts of Uganda. If you're travelling to Jinja from Kampala, you'll find the journey relatively hassle-free. The language commonly used is English. Jinja also has a broad base of local tourism professionals from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.