JINJA CITY
Jinja District is part of the Busoga sub-region, which includes the districts listed below, and was home to an estimated 2.5 million people in 2002, according to the national census. The majority of the people in Jinja District belong to the Basoga ethnic group and Lusoga is the most widely spoken language.
Jinja lies in southeastern Uganda, approximately 54 miles (87 km), by road, east of Kampala. The town is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, near to the source of the Nile River. The nearby Owen Falls Dam regulates the flow of the White Nile and generates electricity. Jinja is the largest metropolitan area in Jinja District and is considered the capital of the Kingdom of Busoga.
Jinja is the second largest town in Uganda. It is the second busiest commercial center in the country, after Kampala. Jinja was established in 1907.
History of Jinja
Before 1906, Jinja was a fishing village that benefited from being located on long-distance trade routes. The origin of the name “Jinja” comes from 2 local language that is luganda and lusoga the locals here lived on either side of the River Nile in the area. In both languages the word “Jinja” means “Rock”. The two tribes have very similar languages, and the more powerful Baganda had an enormous influence on the Basoga. The area was called the ‘Place of Rocks’ or ‘The Place of Flat Rocks’. The word for stones or rocks in the language of the Baganda is ‘Ejjinja (Plural Amayinja), and in the Basoga dialect this became Edinda. The British used this reference to name the town they established – “Jinja”
Jinja Municipality is the second largest town of Uganda. It was formerly a fishing village that benefited from being on long-distance trade routes. The town was founded in 1901 by the British as an administrative centre for the Provincial Government Headquarters for Busoga region. This was around the time when a lake steamer service operated between Jinja and Port Florence (Jinja), the port that in 1901 became the terminus of the railway from the coast. Nearby towns and villages include Bugembe Buwenda, Kimaka, Njeru, Masese, Walukuba, Bugungu and Mpumudde, Today Jinja is known to be the adventure capital of Uganda with so many things to do like those lists below;
Things to do in Jinja
Boat cruise
There is a landmark at the point where the water leaves Lake Victoria through a depression/gorge before spreading out and turning into what is called the River Nile. It is from here that the Nile starts its journey to North Africa this was discovered by the British explorer John Speke in 1858 confirmed the source of the Nile. On this water boat adventure you make a trip till you close to that pointy which is in most cases determinant by the level of water meaning if the water levels are high you are constrained from getting to close. This is a very good spot to take photos and most importantly witness the water being poured from Lake Victoria to river Nile. The view is simply great and surrounding cool and calm.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting can be done either half day or full day at itanda and kalagala in grades 4 and 5 as the highest specifically for those that have great experience in rafting the 10 rapid journey will keep you on edge of your seat. With a well experienced crew and the right equipment, you are led to the start point where you come face to face with the wild waters, get swallowed up, out of the water screaming with huge adrenaline rush flowing like wildfire through your body. With unbeatable views you can be sure this is what you want to do therefore get yourself $125 for half a day or $270 for a whole day if you want to and explore this adventure.
Bungee Jumping
Jump off a cliff tower that was built along the shores of the Nile at a height of 44 meters safety measures are highly considered and while doing this you are fastened with a rope on your feet/legs strong enough to carry more than your weight and there after the guide gives you a really great moral boosting to give them vigour and off you jump. Make flips if you can, shout if you like while descending to the Nile. Though this is a fun activity one should be at least 16 years and free from disease like heart attack, hypertension or any other thing that does not require such experience. One needs about $115 person for bungee jumping.
Walking tour
Jinja has for a long time known as Uganda’s industrious town from fish, tea, sugarcane, bread, breweries and so many industries existed in Jinja though some closed, it is here that the Indians were most dominant and other people from the Asian continent. They were doing well as they were good at business and worked very close with the colonialists. When the Ugandan president then Idi Amin Dada came into power he expelled them from Uganda in 1972, causing them to leave huge parts of their lives behind like buildings, homes and industries which were then openly handed over to Ugandans. With this we still have old buildings like churches, mosques with edgy architecture that have existed for hundreds of years since colonial error besides that the fresh food markets, craft shops and so many fun things to go on this trail.
Visiting the Monument of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi a leader known to the globe and admired for bringing modernisation and constant efforts to liberate the Indians had a remarkable impact and influence on Africa. The great leader made a wish that upon his death, his ashes be poured on the great Nile which was fulfilled also, a statue of Gandhi was constructed close to the source of the Nile to mark his death and legacy. Travellers like to stop by the monument for photos and to know more about this world renowned leader.
Community tour
Snake your way through the local community where most of the rural villages are covered with sugarcane and banana plantations. The standard of living is by no means compared to those in developed countries so get prepared to see locals living a very humble life with content. Some travellers choose to stay in one of the homes for a day to learn how the local people cook, take care of their domestic animals or brew alcohol. This experience will make you appreciate life even more.
Quad Biking
The first hour is for you to get more familiar with your ATVs there after you hit the dirt road for your experience. The Quad will take you further out along the Nile, forests and villages along the east bank, through the farms which is very adventurous and can be taken by almost anyone irrespective of whether they have experience with the bikes or not. The quads are even more interesting after the rain when the dirt road muddy as it is dust free and most of all a little more challenging which makes a great experience. The quads follow different trails that can be suggested by your operator and there you can chose which trail you want to follow.
Horseback Riding
Horse riding is an extremely fantastic activity to do while in Jinja, imagine riding a horse on the banks of the great river Nile passing by many plantations, viewing different scenes of nature, locals in there day to day living. This activity can take up to 3 hours depending on the package you are doing but is still worth it. The pony’s are beautiful and well maintained which makes it very secure and to top it all up the guides are trained experts and will give a start up training to boost your confidence and safety measures that one should know especially for first time riders. This activity should be booked in advance as it is always preferred by travellers.
Tubing the Nile
With 2-4 people towed by a boat be sure you are going to get wet through the thrilling grade 5 rapids, each trip is about 2 hours depending on the water level, with no swimming experience is required though riders below 18 definitely need signed consent from parents, the team is very well experienced and all safety equipment are supplied like life jacket & helmet. This experience is buttered by floating on the waters of the river Nile on air-pressured tubes as far as the main Jinja Bridge with the birds, landscape, and rapids from sighted from a distance this is where you want to be.
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.
Cycling
Wither away into the community villages, sugar plantations to the river Nile and through many other interesting trails an experience that should not be missed, enjoy the little children standing by the road side rooting for you and especially excited to see you, Uganda is a very hospitable country where passing through the local community should not be an issue but rather a delight as love is exhumed all around. This activity can go for half or full day depending on what you like and is conducted by a guide who knows his way around all the trails.
Bird Watching (Mabira forest)
On your way to or from Jinja one can be sure of a nature walk or bird watching at mabira forest which was once a big tropical rain forest but has been reduced due to human activity, it is only 15 kilometres away from Jinja town. Uganda has over 1060 species of birds spread across the country where Jinja and mabira are obvious places to view some of those beautiful birds along the roads, on and around shores of river Nile Capuchin Babbler, Guinea-Congo Forests biome like the Nathan’s Francolin, Black shouldered Nightjar, Yellow and Grey, Long-bills sun birds, eagles, sparrows, common cuckoos, marabou storks and so much more.
Fishing in Jinja
If sport fishing is a thing for you then Jinja is where you should be. Anglers can look out for popular species like the tilapia and Nile perch in either the morning or evening hours. With the right fishing gear, and right size of fish to catch your definitely sure your guide for the day will lead your where you can get enormous number of fish.
Where to stay in Jinja
The actual amount you will need for your Pamora safaris Uganda holiday depends on the accommodation you will stay in while in on your African safari. Budget safaris are a lot cheaper in Jinja alone average cost per person per day starts from $107. We also have the midrange safaris that cost from $120 per person per day and finally the luxury safaris that are rated higher than the other accommodation but with exceptional services the rooms start from $250 per person per day. All lodges are great and provide unique beautiful travel experiences Jinja has got several accommodation facilities. They range from the lodges, hotels, campsites, guesthouses, apartments, dormitories to hostels. There is always something for everyone because the facilities range from budget to luxury hotels so do not be shy to book for an ultimate African safari.
LUXURY
Wild Waters Lodge: Like the name says be part of the guests that hear and see how wild the Nile waters are! The lodge lies on a private island 25km from Jinja on the mighty river Nile and contains remarkable ten stand-alone elevated timber-floor and super-spacious luxury suites seating in the rainforest with amazing river views. Each are linked by raised wooden walkways to the restaurant, bar and library, and feature glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers, and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs. There are also delicious sunrise breakfasts and candle-lit three-course dinners and a lovely swimming pool built above the river in the attractive main communal lodge area. The lodge has enough power supply running 24hrs by the national grid, with a generator back up. Power is 220v and the plugs are 3-pin square UK standard. Adapters are available from the reception on request. Price per night at this wonderful lodge range from $250 per person sharing per day.
MIDRANGE
The Haven Jinja: With an excellent view of the flowing river Nile, the lodge is built with natural materials, earth colours and the influences of local worker/artists all combine to create an undeniably African style and able to accommodate up to 60 guests. All rooms contain imported spring loaded mattresses, Wi’Fi reception, USB chargers, European and English sockets. Our six kinds of accommodation comprise of 4 bungalows, 2 family suits, 1 honeymoon suite, 1 family bungalows, 2 bandas and 10 ‘lazy camping’ tents. Of these, three are perfects for families. Two family rooms sleep five people, and room 10 can sleep six people. Don’t forget to order your free early morning coffee/tea to the room and enjoy the sunrise and birdlife!
Expenditure per room per day is $120 to 140per person and 190 to 230per person sharing.
Budget
2 Friends Guesthouse: This is a budget accommodation facility offering both single and twin rooms with modern toilets, a shower, a television set and a sturdy desk. The Guesthouse offers clean swimming pool for its clients to cool off after adventures out in the sun. 2 Friends Guesthouse will appeal to guests looking for budget accommodation, Wi-Fi, laundry services, bar and restaurant serving both local and continental dishes. For a room expected amount per day is $107 per person and $124 for double occupancy
Bahai temple
In Uganda, the Bahai Temple, also known as the Mashriq I’-Adhkar, serves as a spiritual gathering place for people from all over the world.
The Bahai faith was founded in 1844 by Baha’u’llah, an Iranian whose name means God of glory and who wrote about the Bahai faith.
According to his writings, heaven and hell are not physical locations but states of being attained when someone does something good or bad, and according to the Bahai, heaven is the presence of spiritual qualities, whereas hell is the absence of these qualities or imperfection.
Bahai Temple has a unique architectural design that stands tall in the centre of the green conical dome shape made of tiny glazed mosaic tiles from Italy.
The temple is supported by nine large pillars and 27 smaller pillars.
Accommodation in Kampala
Luxury
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
All rooms and suites are beautifully crafted to meet the needs of business and holiday travellers with complimentary high-speed Internet, mini bars, flat-screen televisions with satellite channels and private balconies with lake views. The hotel has got 112 Deluxe Guest Rooms, eight Executive Suites and two Presidential Suites. All accommodations are appointed in elegant Mediterranean hues of terracotta and cream, the landscape is to die for as really is beautiful. Start price is$220pp per night
Midrange
Protea hotel
Protea hotel is a 4 star resort hotel located on the shores of Lake Victoria and a convenient 1km from the Entebbe airport with elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotel’s decor and rooms create a luxurious atmosphere an outside terrace, with an endless lake view that leaves one to an imagination of where it restlessly ends. The hotel has a great touch of luxury and offers multiple services & amenities including a restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu 7 days of the week. Specialties include Tilapia and Nile Perch, while guests can also relax on the terrace and bar. It’s a hotel that complements your travel style. Room rate per night starts from $174pp per night.
Budget
Airport guest house
The guesthouse is set in a quiet residential neighbourhood with beautiful gardens in just 5 minutes from the countries international airport, a traveller is able to enjoy this 10 elegant en-suite roomed accommodation facility, complete with a mosquito net draped double or single beds, ceiling fan, a writing desk and large comfortable patio chairs. All rooms overlook the spacious African garden with shady trees and colourful flowers, special thing about these gardens is in the night they turn into an outdoor restaurant that offers exiting lighting and fresh air that you can comfortably breathe in while enjoying your warm dinner. Rates per night start from $85pp per day.
