Jinja was once an economic giant hosting most of the manufacturing industries and therefore stood out as an employment site. However it is now quickly but steadily turning into one of the Best Uganda Safari destinations that is it now among the best 10 tourism destination as identified by the Uganda government in its new tourism master plan.
There are lots tourism attractions that you can engage in and lots of places to visit while in Jinja. For example, there are lots of water sports which may be fun for those that love the water.
Water sports
The water sports that you can engage in include games like bungee jumping which doesn’t require any experience but may not be good for those that acrophobic since you have jump from about 44 meters high above the water into the river. 5 grade white water rafting is another experience you can have and it is considered one of the best water spot worldwide. Rafting is done in the sections of the upper Nile and the only other place where Rafting is done is along the Zambezi river but it is important to remember that rafting on the Nile is a lot more fun than because it has seven times more water than Zambezi has. Rafting along the Nile is more thrilling than anywhere else.
More to this, are boat rides to the source of the Nile, Kayaking can also be organized if that is what you are interested in.
Visit the Sezibwa falls
This falls is actually a cultural heritage site because it preserves Buganda’s ancient cultures and several traditional rituals are performed there. Sezibwa falls is located in Mukono just before Jinja and it is really a great stopover point for the bird watchers, there are beautiful rocks for the rock climbers, some wildlife like the wild cats, mongoose, otters, and monkeys, there are also lots of butterflies that you may see and you can also chose to just enjoy the scenery together as well as the very cool atmosphere.
You can do a nature walk for purposes of sightseeing. You will follow the trails around Sezibwa and you will notice how amazingly beautiful it is, you will walk through small thickets, bamboo trees, eucalyptus trees, among other trees which you will find in the forests close. You will have ample time when you get to the waterfalls to watch and listen to its gushing sound. During this walk, you will do the bird watching at the same time. You can expect about 150 species which may include the red eyed dove, great blue turaco, green headed sun bird, white throated bee-eater, among so many others. This is one of Uganda’s great birding spots.
For cultural tourism, this place is of great significance in terms of culture. You will be amazed by the legend about how Sezibwa River came about and the formation of the falls. Only in summary, River Bwanda and Sezibwa are believed to have been born by a human and are said to be twin lakes. Sezibwa managed to go past all obstacles that could have otherwise hindered its flow such as the tough rocks, thus the name Sezibwa which means “nothing can hinder me”. Its flow is believed to have been guided by spirits and its attachment to spirits is why it’s believed to be great traditional healer site and that is why so many people visit that place expecting to receive blessings and be cleansed of curses. People believe that when you get to this spot, you get in touch with the ancestors who have the power to grant you a long life, grant you wealth and power to defeat the enemies. The falls are believed to have supernatural powers besides offering beautiful scenery which is good for photography and contributing to the cool breeze.
Quad Biking
Quad biking is also another amazing activity that is done and you drive through local communities in Jinja. This can be done concurrently with the community visits for the people that are interested in interacting with the local people and wish to possibly learn more about their daily domestic duties. Quad biking is a guided adventure, you go through the rough and small routes, you rides besides the Nile, Bujagali falls and during the drive, you will be amazed by how beautiful this part the country really is especially after you join the off the beaten tracks and go deep in the villages.
Quad biking is a 1- 4 hour activity or full day activity depending on the amount of time you have in Jinja and your interest. There is no age limit there the kids’ quads are also available
Horse Riding
Aside from Lake Mburo national park, Jinja is the other place in Uganda where horseback rides can be done. AA safaris and tours is more than happy to organize your horse ride safari but the booking has to be done prior to your arrival to avoid any disappointment. The rides can be for 1 hour, 11/2 hours, 2 or 3 hours so the choice always depends on how much time you have and cash you are willing to spend.
There are lots of places you can visit and many activities that you can engage in during your visit to Jinja. So please make sure you include Jinja on your itinerary because for sure you will have amazing time while there.
Uganda Tourism News | AA Safaris & Tours Ltd
