Jinja and the Source of the Nile

Jinja source of the Nile experiences deliver adventure, history, and natural spectacle at the birthplace of the world’s longest river. The town of Jinja sits on the northern shore of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda, at the point where the Victoria Nile begins its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean Sea. The Jinja source of the Nile is marked by a monument on a small island near Rippon Falls — the point identified by John Hanning Speke in 1862 as the Nile’s origin. Today Jinja is East Africa’s adventure capital, built on the adrenaline of the Victoria Nile’s powerful grade-four and five rapids. White-water rafting on the Nile from Jinja is one of Africa’s most exhilarating experiences — the Bujagali rapids deliver a full day of technical, heart-pounding rafting. Kayaking, quad biking, bungee jumping over the Nile, and horse riding are among the many activities on offer. The Itanda Falls and Bujagali Falls are spectacular even for non-participants watching from the banks. Sunset boat cruises on the Nile source are peaceful and beautiful, offering great waterbird and hippo sightings. The restored colonial town of Jinja has a number of attractive boutique hotels and restaurants. Jinja is just 80 km from Kampala, making it an easy and very popular two-to-three day extension on any Uganda itinerary.