What to see and do on a 1 day Jinja tour? This is a perfect adventure experience, a gateway from the busy life of Kampala. Jinja City is located in the country’s eastern region and is 2 hours and 19 minutes from the capital, Kampala. Although small in size, the city of Jinja offers some of the best and unique adventure experiences throughout the country. Also, Jinja is a traditional city built in the colonial days by the British. The evidence is with the planning and structuring of the city.
During Uganda’s post-independence era, especially in President Idi Amin’s regime, Jinja was once declared the capital of Uganda. This was at a time when he fled from Kampala after the Tanzania People’s Defense Force defeated the Ugandan army. Here, he attempted to revive the army but was unsuccessful to the point of fleeing to Arua. From there he went to exile. With the many tourist attractions and activities the place offers, it is usually considered a tourism hub of Uganda.
However, Jinja does not stop at being the tourism hub, but also portrays the basics of an economic hub of Uganda. This is because Jinja City hosts numerous manufacturing industries ranging from food products to electric products and breweries. Jinja City’s journey to glory is attributed to many factors and among these include abundant water supply and security. Talking about security the city of Jinja has various training schools for the army and also military barracks.
In a 1 day Jinja tour, visitors go and explore the beautiful sceneries of this beautiful city. During this, they also experience its incredible adventures. The city boasts the source of the longest river in the world as well as the region’s largest freshwater lake. Given its proximity to Kampala, Jinja City is often flocked by holidaymakers, especially during the weekends. Therefore, a 1 day to Jinja is memorable, with various activities and attractions that leave you longing for more.
What to see in Jinja on a 1 day tour?
As mentioned earlier, a 1 day Jinja tour presents many things to see in the vibrant city of Uganda. The numerous tourist attractions in Jinja city overrun its size as we shall unveil below.
Source of the Nile
The River Nile is the longest river in the world although some claim that Brazil’s Amazon River is slightly longer. Along with its tributaries, the Nile flows through 10 countries. Countries include South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda. This implies that at least 11 countries directly benefit from River Nile as it is the main source of water. Therefore, this site is the main starting point of this on its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
The source of the Nile was first brought to the attention of the world by an English explorer. He is known as Captain Hanning John Speke. He was the first European explorer to discover the source of this river at the Rippon Falls. Now here is where the largest freshwater lake in the region, Victoria pours its waters into the Nile. At this point, while on a boat cruise, feel the water change its course as it leaves the lake’s. Northwards it flows calmly. Rippon Falls were submerged due to the construction of the Owen Falls dam. However, the force of the water still tells a story of their former glory.
Mabira Forest
Mabira Forest is located in Buikwe District along the highway to Jinja City. It used to be relatively larger than it is currently before people encroached it for crop farming. Mabira forest is scientifically divided into two sections with one used for research and the other for leisure activities. The forest harbors numerous fauna species including birds, primates, mammals, and amphibians etc. Notable animals to meet in the forest include colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, squirrels, and Ugandan mangabeys etc. Bird species in the forest include gray parrot, Nahan’s francolin, little greenbul, and tambourine dove etc.
Sezibwa Falls
The Sezibwa Falls in Mukono district is another major attraction to indulge in while on your 1 day Jinja tour. They are found along a river of the same name, which gets its name from the phrase Sizibwa Kkubo. This is a Luganda phrase that means “Cannot be denied path.” This is so since the river passes through rugged rocks and other obstacles. The falls present cultural encounters as you hike to see the Sezibwa Falls. Locals here worship their gods in a traditional way.
What to do in Jinja?
Boat cruise
A boat cruise on Lake Victoria offers an unforgettable experience to the source of the world’s longest river, the Nile. While on this boat cruise experience, you spot several bird species like the cormorants as they hunt for fish. You must pay 200,000 Uganda shillings for 40 minutes, while you pay 300,000 for an hour’s trip.
White water rafting
White water rafting involves moving on a raft against the rough water currents of the Nile River. Visitors can take on this extreme experience and enjoy the pressures of the water as they battle it out. It is safe as safety boats and divers are always on standby to rescue anyone who falls in the water. Price for each trip of white water rafting for half day ranges between 120 to 150 dollars.
Tubing
Enjoy tubing in Jinja along the Nile where visitors can sail on the river in tubes. This is a relaxing activity for visitors to enjoy the smooth flow of the river and have a photo moment.
Quad biking
Utilize this day to explore the countryside on a quad bike, because of their efficiency in off-road experiences. This experience takes visitors through different communities and terrains. From the muddy banks of the river to forests and coffee plantations. Price for each quad biking experiences ranges from 60 to 110 dollars.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is an eco-friendly way of enjoying a 1 day Jinja tour. Seasoned guides take the visitors on an experience of a lifetime across the city of Jinja. They also pass by the banks of the Nile, and the communities around while on a horseback.
Bungee jumping
In Uganda, you go bungee jumping only here in Jinja, and on the River Nile. This extreme sport involves visitors tied with elastic ropes to their feet. With your head first, jump to around a few meters above the Nile. Then, lower down into a boat with the help of an operator. Though it sounds dangerous, it is actually safe and anyone can attempt this activity during a 1 day Jinja tour. Do a bungee jump at only 115 dollars per person.
