Jinja Uganda City

Uganda has no shortage of cities and parks for the curious visitors to navigate one of the must-see cities is Jinja Uganda. Jinja is the city that tourists come for to relax after a long safari in Uganda to enjoy the tranquility and the beauty of the Nile. 

Location: Southern Uganda, on the shore of Lake Victoria,  nearer to the source of the Mighty River Nile.

Sub-Region: Busoga

Area: 4.089 km

Elevation: 1,204 meters

Climate: tropical monsoon climate 

Currency: Ugandan Shilling 

History at a Glance

In the late 1970’s, by the Ugandan Dictator Idi Amin Dada, the city witnessed the beginning of its collapse as the industrial hub of the country. 

When the Asians left, the economy crumbled and the Ugandans people who replaced them were inexperienced to manage the industries around the city. This affected the whole country, not only Uganda. 

With the overthrow of the government of Idi Amin, many of the Asians returned but the town never got back to its former glory. Instead other town’s took advantage, as hydro-electricity power became available in all other districts such as Kampala city and Mbarara district. They are now the leading industrial centres of Uganda.

The withdrawal of the government of Idi Amin, many Asians returned but unfortunately, the city never got back to its previous glory. 

On the economic side, Jinga is no pushover, it was once considered the second-largest economy in Uganda. This is due to the many industries that established in Uganda that preferred to be in Jinja to be nearer to the Power supply being generated from the Owen falls dam.

The industry's relocation has had one advantage on the city. It has left Jinja Uganda a quiet and serene town that is perfect for relaxation away from the noisy capital.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Jinja Uganda has a tropical monsoon climate. Average temperatures rarely vary at all in the city. Temperatures feel nice almost all year round, due to the humidity, with some hot weeks in summer and a fair chance of precipitation for about half of the year. 

The highest average temperature in Jinja is 30°C in February while the lowest is 25°C in May.

Things to Do in Jinja Uganda

1- Whitewater Rafting

This is one of the top things to do in Uganda and in Jinja town. It is a thrilling and exciting activity to do. Whitewater rafting is a half or full day activity. 

The activity not only does it involve navigating through the rapids, but also making stops at some of the islands to enjoy an amazing collection of green vegetation, primates like Vervet monkeys, and bird species. 

Cost: $140 - $150

2- Jet Boating

Jet boating is similar to while water rafting, but instead of using the balloon raft, you use a high speed boat moving at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. This activity will also give you the same adrenaline rush like all the other water activities on the Nile.

Cost: $75 for adults

3- Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping activity takes 2 minutes, but it is an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most thrilling activities you will experience in your life. The activity includes jumping from a 44 meter high tower down to the Nile waters, with a rope tied on the ankles. 

Bungee jumping is popular around the world, but it is different doing it over the longest river on earth. 

The jumps are organized both during the day and in the night.

Cost: $115 per person

4- Golfing

Golfing is a unique experience and it comes with lots of fun and drinks. It is a chance to interact with the local high class and tourists from all over the world.

A golfing day includes putting past the rhino, teeing past the hippo, rounding the python, hacking from inside the buffalo or bogeying beside the lion. 

5- Visiting the source of the Nile

This activity is as thrilling as all other activities. By a speed boat, tourists can have the opportunity to go to the starting point of the river. The site that John Speke,the first European to discover the source of the Nile, discovered has turned into a park that is perfect for relaxation at the river Nile.