Just two hours from the capital Kampala, the relaxed city of Jinja seems to be a completely different world. You will find hip restaurants, cool hotels, and a whole lot of adventure here. In this travel guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about Jinja! Which hotel to pick for Jinja, where to eat, and most importantly, what to do in this highlight of Uganda?
Jinja – Highlight of Uganda!
Oh, Jinja, how nice you are! After a far too long, late bus ride, we arrived in Jinja, exhausted and warm. The first thing we do is order an iced coffee from Java Coffee House and enjoy their air conditioning. Sticky, without sleep, and in travel clothes, we look around. We are out of tune, being surrounded by a mix of yoga chicks, laid-back surfer dudes, ex-pats, and stunning local ladies. The atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of Ubud in Bali, a feeling that will continue to dominate the next three days.
Once in our hostel, we are warmly welcomed by the nice people of Wilson 30 (former Jinja Basecamp) who tell us more about the activities that can be done here. Jinja, which is at the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria, is the place to go rafting! And knowing Ries, he MUST do this (I am not such a daredevil so let this activity pass). So, after a day of relaxing and exploring Jinja itself, Ries is ready for this adventure.
Rafting on the Nile in Jinja!
Although it rains all day, Ries has a great time! Fortunately, the Nile water is quite warm because the boat often topples due to the many difficult descents! As soon as that happens, however, there is always a crew member in kayak ready to get everyone back into the boat as quickly as possible! After a well-deserved beer at the end of the day, he returns to the hotel exhausted but cheerful.
We planned to stay for three days in Jinja, but on day three we were sad to leave. It is such a nice and relaxed place with cool coffee shops, a lot of other travelers and fun activities, we would have liked to stay here a little longer. Jinja is a true highlight of Uganda! However, the next part of our journey is waiting for us: a road trip through the rest of Uganda and Rwanda!
Five fun activities in Jinja!
1. Class 3, 4, or 5 white water rafting in Jinja
Well, after such a cool experience from Ries, rafting should be the number one activity in Jinja. Ries booked the full-day class 5 raft trip (click on the link for more information). Five rafters in each boat are accompanied by crew members in kayaks. Ries paid $140 for a whole day including lunch, equipment, protection, and a beer afterward.
Class 5 indicates that there are difficult descents, with a relatively high chance of falling over, but Ries says that it is certainly not too difficult and that you are guided very well. If you find this a little too exciting, go for class 3 or 4.
2. Nile cruise (sunset cruise/day cruise) in Jinja
Even though I didn’t join the rafting trip, I had to see the Nile! That’s why I went on a two-hour Nile Sunset Cruise. Sipping from a Gin and Tonic (open bar + all-you-can-eat) while spotting otters, beautiful birds, and a beautiful sunset, this was a fun (though a bit overpriced) night. We booked this Nile Sunset Cruise at our hotel (click here for more information) and paid $ 45 per person (there is a combination deal with a $ 25 discount if you are also going rafting).
Another option is a full day of sailing on the Nile. For $80 per person, you sail at a chill pace to a beautiful rainforest. Along the way, you will spot all kinds of birds and animals and you can enjoy swimming, supping or kayaking. Lunch, snacks and drinks are included.
3. Suppen, Riverboarding, and River kayaking in Jinja
In addition to rafting and a Nile cruise, you can also go supping, kayaking, or boarding on the Nile. The latter two seem to be very adventurous. Don’t feel like being active at all? At the Explorers River Camp, we saw two people in a hammock mounted on top of a surfboard and being pulled by a kayaker. Something very different, floating on the Nile with a cocktail in a hammock.
Two days of adventure in Jinja
Do you want two full days of adventure in Jinja where you go rafting, quad biking, horse riding, and zip linen? Then take a look at this site. For two full days, you will be with a fun group, staying in a nice hotel in Jinja, with all the food and activities included.
4. Mountain biking in the Jinja area
As a true Dutchie, I cannot help but also place cycling here as an activity. In Jinja, you can enjoy mountain biking along the Nile, take a historical bike tour, or go into the rainforest. Bikeventures offers different tours, you can go on a bicycle safari with them, but it is also possible to just rent bicycles. In addition, Bike Ventures is a social enterprise, with support from the proceeds of the tours and bicycle rental, the COOP (Cycling out of Poverty) foundation.
Click here for more information and prices!
5. Stroll through the center of Jinja
Jinja is my favorite place in Uganda. It is a quiet and spacious city with lots of greenery. In the main street of Jinja (Main Street), you will find all kinds of nice and trendy restaurants. You will find The Deli and The Source Café here. In addition, this street is nice to walk around a bit, to visit a bookstore or souvenir shop, or to walk to the quay of Lake Victoria…
Click here to read all you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda (Bwindi National Park)!
Restaurants in Jinja!
- The Deli: Healthy smoothies, wraps, and tasty breakfasts. More than enough other travelers and a lot of healthy yoga chicks! That just sums up The Deli! Also nice, it has a small shop with international products, with for example the bread from Dutch baker BBrood (my favorite baker in the Netherlands)!
- The Deli: The hangout for expats with good wifi and tasty coffee. Includes a small gift shop. Prices are a lot higher than in local restaurants.
- Java Coffee House: The Starbucks of East Africa. Tasty coffee, super friendly service, and my favorite drink: the green smoothie with ginger (#yogachick;-))
- House of Snacks: Our first experience with Ugandan cuisine and we are completely ruined. What do I say, in Uganda, we have not eaten as good local food as here. You pay 7,500 UGX (not even 2 euros) and for that, you get a buffet with all the delicious dishes!
Curious about what it costs to travel through Uganda? Check out our budget Uganda blog!
Next read for your Uganda itinerary: Lake Bunyonyi!
Where to sleep in Jinja
From campsites and budget accommodations to luxury hotels, there is something for everyone in the Jinja area. Below are hotels in Jinja we can recommend! Here you will find an overview of all the hotels in Jinja.
Wilson 30€€
We stayed in this centrally located, spacious hotel. You can sleep in a dorm or a cottage. You sleep here from 41euro for a double room (including breakfast).
Camp on the Nile €€
This hostel is 9 kilometres away from Jinja on the Nile. The safari tents have a beautiful view of the Nile. You can also camp here or sleep in a dorm. From 45 USD per night for 2 people.
Kipling Lodge €€€
With only five bandas and a beautiful interior, Kipling Lodge is the place to unwind. Including a swimming pool. The food seems to be delicious here too! From $150 per night for 2 people.
In this blog, you will find our favorite hotels in Uganda! Including campsites & lodges in national parks.
Click here for all my travel blogs on Uganda.
Like this post? Pin it!
Jinja is just amazing!