1. White water rafting in Jinja
There are five rafters in each boat that are accompanied by crew members in kayaks.
White water rafting in Jinja rated Class 5, Class 5 indicates that there are difficult descents, with a relatively high chance of falling over, but you are guided very well. If you find this a little too exciting, go for class 3 or 4.
Although it rains all day, the Nile water is quite warm because even when the boat often topples due to the many difficult descents!
There is always a crew member in kayak ready to get everyone back into the boat as quickly as possible! After a well-deserved beer is then welcome, isn’t it?
Jinja is such a nice and relaxed place with cool coffee shops, a lot of other travelers and fun activities, a true highlight of Uganda!
2. Nile cruise (sunset cruise / day cruise) in Jinja
You can go on a two-hour Nile Sunset Cruise. Sipping from a Gin and Tonic (open bar + all you can eat) while spotting otters, beautiful birds and a beautiful sunset, We booked this Nile Sunset Cruise at our hotel (click here for more information) and paid $ 45 per person (there is a combination deal with a $ 25 discount if you are also going rafting).
Another option is a full day of sailing on the Nile. For $80 per person, you sail at a chill pace to a beautiful rainforest. Along the way, you will spot all kinds of birds and animals and you can enjoy swimming, supping or kayaking. Lunch, snacks and drinks are included.
3. Suppen, Riverboarding and River kayaking in Jinja
In addition to rafting and a Nile cruise, you can also go supping, kayaking or boarding on the Nile. The latter two seem to be very adventurous. Don’t feel like being active at all?
At the Explorers River Camp, floating on the Nile with a cocktail in a hammock would be something very different, the hammock is mounted on top of a surfboard and pulled by a kayaker. ,
4. Mountain biking in the Jinja area
In Jinja, you can enjoy mountain biking along the Nile, take a historical bike tour or go into the rainforest. Bikeventures offers different tours, you can go on a bicycle safari with them, but it is also possible to just rent bicycles. In addition, Bike Ventures is a social enterprise, with supports with the proceeds of the tours and bicycle rental, the COOP (Cycling out of Poverty) foundation.
5. Stroll through the centre of Jinja
Jinja is a quiet and spacious city with lots of greenery. In the main street of Jinja (Main Street), you will find all kinds of nice and trendy restaurants. You will find The Deli and The Source Café here. In addition, this street is nice to walk around a bit, to visit a bookstore or souvenir shop or to walk all the way to the quay of Lake Victoria…
Restaurants in Jinja!
- The Deli: Healthy smoothies, wraps and tasty breakfasts. More than enough other travellers and a lot of healthy yoga chicks! That just sums up The Deli! Also nice, it has a small shop with international products, with for example the bread from Dutch baker BBrood
- The Source Cafe: The hangout for expats with good wifi and tasty coffee. Includes a small gift shop. Prices are a lot higher than in local restaurants.
- Java Coffee House: The Starbucks of East Africa. Tasty coffee, super friendly service and my favourite drink: the green smoothie with ginger (#yogachick ;-))
- Gately on the Nile: This chic restaurant exudes Balinese style and seems to have delicious Thai and international dishes. Certainly, a place that we will visit next time!
- House of Snacks: You pay 7,500 UGX (not even 2 euros) and for that, you get a buffet with all delicious dishes!