Jinja The Ultimate Experience

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 – The Ultimate Experience!

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.

Thrill on the Nile

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!

More Adventures in Jinja

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.

Mountain Biking and Strolling Jinja

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. 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.

Eating 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.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.

Where to Stay in Jinja

From campsites and budget accommodations to luxury hotels, there’s something for everyone in Jinja. Recommended options include the Gusto Hotel for its cozy vibe, Nile River Camp for adventure seekers, and The Source Nile Resort for luxury. Check out (link unavailable) or Airbnb for more options and to book in advance, especially during peak season (June to September and December).