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Jinja is the fourth largest town in Uganda and lies about 50 miles east of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria.
John Hanning Speke
Jinja lies on one side of the Nile whilst the satellite town of Njeru is situated on the opposite bank. The Ripon Falls which Speke identified as the source of the Nile in 1862 were submerged by the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950s, making the source of the Nile a rather less interesting sight than it once was. However, the lush vegetation around Jinja does give the town a lovely tropical atmosphere.
The River Nile
The major attraction in the surrounding area is the River Nile itself and the series of grade five rapids that are becoming increasingly popular for white-water rafting.
Jinja was once the industrial heartland of Uganda but suffered at the hands of Idi Amin’s government, although its fortunes have improved in recent years. There is little of historical note in the compact low-rise town although some interesting Asian architecture from the colonial period can be found.
who's been there
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Suggested itineraries featuring Jinja
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Jinja, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Jinja
- Kampala 44 miles away
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary 53 miles away
- Entebbe 57 miles away
- Kibale Forest National Park 154 miles away
- Murchison Falls National Park 162 miles away
- Lake Mburo 173 miles away
- Semliki Wildlife Reserve 201 miles away
- Queen Elizabeth National Park 225 miles away
- Lake Bunyonyi 256 miles away
- Ishasha 260 miles away
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 264 miles away
- Mgahinga National Park 276 miles away
Photos of Jinja
Accommodation choices for Jinja
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Jinja. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Wildwaters Lodge, Wildwaters Reserve]()
Wildwaters Lodge
Jinja
Ideas for experiencing Jinja
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Jinja, and which use the best local guides.
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White-water Rafting ![White water rafting on the Nile, Jinja]()
White-water Rafting
White-water Rafting
Adventure-seekers flock to Jinja to experience white-water rafting on the source of the Nile. It's easy to arrange a day's excursion rafting starting at Bujagali Falls and finishing 20 kilometres downstream at Itanda.
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