Water tourist activities in Jinja : Jinja is a town located in the Eastern part of Uganda, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The town is found 80 kilometers away from Kampala which the capital of Uganda. Jinja is famous internationally mainly because it is the source of the great River Nile. It is in Jinja that the river Nile leaves Lake Victoria and starts a 6,650km journey to Egypt. Jinja derives its name from the huge rocks that were found in the area along the river Nile. Most of the rocks got covered in water after the construction of the Owen falls dam in 1956. Because of the existence of the Nile River and Lake Victoria, Jinja has become one of the top destinations in the world offering amazing water experiences. The tourist attractions and activities have been developed together with high quality accommodation facilities where visitors can stay comfortably. Thus, Jinja is considered to be the adventure capital of East Africa because of the numerous adrenaline and other tourism related activities which we will be discussing in detail in later chapters. Below are some of the activates that you must expect when you visit Jinja;
Visiting the source of the Nile
It is in Jinja where the Nile starts its journey to North Africa. This was confirmed in 1858 when John Speke discovered that the source of the Nile was in Jinja. There is a landmark at the point where the waters leave Lake Victoria through a depression/gorge before spreading out and turning into what is called the River Nile. On a typical trip to visit the source of the Nile, Visitors stand on a group a rocks to spot the watermark from a distance. Others can take a boat to the actual source of the Nile but this depends on the volume of water or tides. The area around the source of the Nile is excellent for photography. After spotting the source of the Nile mark, visitors take photos next to a sign post and then visit one of the many craft shops to buy souvenir.
Launch Cruise along the River Nile
This boat cruise is organized starting from the area around the source of the Nile area (Lake Victoria) and also at the Bujagali lake (formed as a result of the construction of a power dam). The one starting from around the source of the Nile takes you towards the newly constructed bridge, fishing villages and the resorts along the shores of River Nile. The Bujagali lake launch cruise also offers beautiful sights of the different flora and fauna along the banks of river Nile. Tourists can also spot the popular structures that make Jinja such a lovely town to live in. As with every launch cruise, there is a lot of partying, drinking and eating which is free as long as one has paid, Water tourist activities in Jinja.
White water Rafting
White water rafting is one of the most popular adventurous activities in Jinja. The white water rafting experience in Jinja is said to be of the highest quality in Africa because it has several grade 4 and 5 rapids. Most of the rafting is done at the Kalagala and Itanda falls. White water rafting in Jinja involves maneuvering through strong waves and rapids using tube boats (filled with air) on the mighty Nile. While rafting on the waters of the Nile, participants pass through some breath-taking scenery and landscape along the margins of the river. There are also the wildlife species like birds, monkeys, butterflies and vegetation. Every rafter is given a life jacket and other rafting equipment. There is a rescue team in case of any issue that may arise during the rafting experience. A separate group of experienced rafters are there purposely to take photos of every participant so that no moment is lost. There are two white water rafting packages offered – half day and full day. The main organizers of white water rafting are Nalubale rafting, Raft Uganda and Adrift Uganda. The activity can also be booked through any reputable tour company in Uganda.
Visiting the monument of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most famous global leaders in living memory. He is admired for his simplicity and working tirelessly to help liberate India and help it begin the journey to modernization. His work and presence was felt as far as Africa. Before his death, Gandhi wished to have his ashes poured on the great Nile after his death was fulfilled. Apart from pouring the ashes, a statue of Gandhi was constructed close to the source of the Nile to mark his death and legacy. After visiting the source of the Nile, tourists usually stop to take photos at the monument but also to learn about his life and work, Water tourist activities in Jinja
Jet Boating
This is a nerve-racking experience in which participants use a fast boat at very high speed of about 100 kilometers per hour. The boat spins and turns as it squeezes through rapids and tides. The activity will raise your adrenaline but once you get used to it, it will prove very exciting and fun. For one to engage in the jet boating experience on the Nile, one has to part with about $60. It takes between 2 to 3 hours cruising on the rough and powerful waters of the Nile.
Bungee Jumping
This is even more nerve-racking than Jet Boating and will taste your resolve to the full. A cliff tower was built along the shores of the Nile at a height of 44 meters high so that people can safely jump towards the waters with a rope tied to their feet/legs. The experience can be very frightening but travelers love it as it is one way of showing your braveness. The experience costs about $115 but one needs to be at least 13 years and above to take part. The person must also be free of any underlining illness like a heart attack, hypertension and more.
Quad Biking
Quad biking in Jinja involves riding on a four-wheeled motorbike in some of the remotest parts of the town. The bikes will take you past the rural villages, forests, sugarcane plantations and along rarely seen sections of the Nile river. The Quad biking experience is very adventurous and can be taken by almost anyone irrespective of whether they have experience with the bikes or not. Lessons are given to all amateurs before going out into the countryside, Water tourist activities in Jinja
Horseback Riding
Horse riding is always interesting but doing it in the beautiful countryside of Africa is something else. The horse riding experience in Jinja takes between 1 to 3 hours and takes you to explore the rural communities, the river Nile and the beautiful landscape surrounding it. Participants are guided by an experienced Guide who knows all the routes. Horse riding costs between $50 and $150 depending on how long the particular session is. One does not need to have any experience riding horses because there is a training session before the real thing.
Kayaking and Canoeing
This activity involves canoeing on the Nile at very slow pace. The experience costs about $125 for a whole day activity. Canoeing on the Nile exposes one to the incredible biodiversity and landscape surrounding the Nile. Those who book the activity are always given instructions, basic skills on how to row a boat and defence mechanisms in case of an incident while sailing. Life jackets are provided for everyone at no extra fee, Water tourist activities in Jinja
Cycling
Cycling offers a different experience from quad biking because it is more physical and drains more energy. However, the activity is equally adventurous depending on the route you take. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about completing within your allocated time-frame. Cyclists are provided with a mountain bike and a Guide to take them on an interesting journey of discovery beyond what the Quad bikes can provide. Using a mountain bike, one can go further into the sugar plantations, community villages, the river Nile and even up to Jinja town itself. Cycling doesn’t have a time-frame and can be hired for a whole day. If you want to have an amazing encounter with nature, you can choose to do the biking in Mabira forest. In this case, you will be driven with your bike to the starting point in Mabira forest. The activity costs between $30 to $40 and includes packed water and meals. While in Mabira forest, expect to encounter primates, birds, butterflies and the local people.
Fishing on Lake Victpria:
Jinja is one of the best places for sport fishing in Uganda. The most popular species to go out for is the large Nile perch and the tasty tilapia. One of the great things about fishing along the Nile in Jinja is that certain sections are reserved for sporting fishing hence allowing anglers to catch huge specimen. The ideal time to catch fish is in the morning and evening hours. Indiscriminate fishing is frowned upon as is using old-fashioned gear. One has to go for only mature fish. Before going out to fish, anglers will be briefed about the river and safety measures before being given correct fishing gear. Anglers who do sport fishing in Jinja always complete with happy faces. The local fishing Guides know the areas which have the highest concentration of fish, Water tourist activities in Jinja
Tubing the Nile
This is a newly introduced activity along the Nile. It involves floating on the waters of the river Nile on air-pressured tubes. As participants float on the Nile, they have opportunities to go up to the main Jinja bridge and experience the amazing landscape. They can also watch monkeys, birds, tides and rapids from a distance. Tubing the Nile is a very cool thing to engage in and there are safety measures in place to ensure that no harm comes your way.
