About
Jinja is a town in eastern Uganda, set on the northern shore of Lake Victoria where the River Nile leaves the lake and begins its long journey north. It is known as the source of the Nile, and it has earned the name Uganda's adventure capital for the outdoor activities built around the river.
What to do on the water
The river is the main draw. Visitors come for white-water rafting on the stretches of the Nile below the town, where the current is strong and the rapids are a real test of nerve. Calmer boat trips on the water offer a gentler way to see the river and its banks. Bungee jumping over the Nile is another of the town's best-known attractions, and it suits those who want something more daring.
The town itself
Jinja also has a quieter side. Its streets carry colonial-era architecture, a reminder of the period when the town grew up around the river and the lake. Walking through the centre gives a sense of the place beyond the activities, and it makes a pleasant change of pace between days on the water.
Planning a visit
Jinja works well as a stop of a day or more, whether you come for a single thrill or a full programme of rafting, boat rides and a stroll through town. Because the activities depend on the river, it is worth checking with operators ahead of time about conditions and bookings before you set out.