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City in Eastern Region, Uganda
Photo: Ruslik0, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jinja is a major city in eastern Uganda, about 81 kilometers (50 miles) east of Kampala on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. Famous as the "Adventure Capital of East Africa," it is celebrated as the historic source of the Nile River. Jinja city has a population of 276,000 people (2024). The city is at the source of the Nile, and in Uganda more famously the source of Nile Special Beer. Jinja has become the byword for African adventure sports. has quickly become East Africa's adrenaline capital, water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, among others.
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There is a small monument in the area dedicated to Mohandas Gandhi. Some of his ashes were released here. Although the experience of going here is not that interesting, it may be worth it for the sole reason that you can go home and tell everyone that you visited the source of the longest river in the world. But then again, you may just have a look at the water anywhere outside of the park for free. It features the Speke Monument and boat cruises to the exact point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. It is the hub for white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
Not-for-profit business offering bicycle rentals, tours and events with MTBs. Be aware that local roads get very muddy after rain. Bikeventures have also a guesthouse on the premises.
A small no-frills eatery that serves inexpensive but tasty local dishes. They have a menu, so it's easier to choose. Good place for budget travellers.
Great coffee and pretty good food. Beef/chicken/fish burgers and sandwiches. Vegetarian options available. You can use internet (wireless is available) while you wait.
Modern garden food court with many stalls offering international food. Noodles, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, coffee, beer. You can also pet local cats.
Simple but spacious single/double rooms with own bathroom (cold water only). Mosquito nets. No fans, no WiFi. Great view from the rooftop!
NRE has a hostel which helpfully takes payment in US dollars or shillings, and has a great bar. The same people also run a camp site/hostel somewhat out of town directly on the Nile.
Camping/dorm beds.
Single/double rooms with own bathroom.
Double room with own bathroom.
Fan double room with own bathroom. TV and breakfast.
Fan double room with own bathroom.
Dorm beds/camping, private huts.
Big clean single/double room with own hot water bathroom and net.
Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.
Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.
Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM. There are two Stanbic ATMs in Jinja.
Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM.
mastercard visa card atm.
mastercard visa card atm.
Mastercard and Visa card ATM.
Taxis or Matatus from the capital Kampala to Jinja are USh10,000 per person, although the price varies (USh 10,000-13000 in 2026) depending on passenger volume and time of the year.
Read in the guideThe town is quite spread out, if you intend to go shopping for gifts, and any other essential food commodities, get a taxi or boda to the main town and all of the touristy shops are within walking distance.
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Entebbe · International · EBB
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