Welcome to Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital and home to the source of the River Nile — longest river in the world! Already famed as one of Uganda’s most important industrial cities, Jinja is now the country’s official “adrenaline capital.”

It’s only in Jinja that you can get wet and wild with the legendary river — whitewater rafting, kayaking or “Nile High” bungee jumping. Bungee jumping takes less than two minutes, but the thrill and memory last forever! We normally say, “You would rather get scared to death than being bored to death.”

Along the banks of the River Nile are exquisite spots for quad biking, cycling and horseback riding. Jinja lies in a gorgeous natural setting and boasts some wonderful old (crumbling) colonial architecture and the country’s oldest temples. There is even a golf course for those who want to enjoy a leisurely walk down the fairways on a hot day!

Here’s a sample of some of the Adventure Consults adventure tours in and around Jinja:

Source of the Nile

An Adventure Consults guide picks you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for the drive to Jinja. Along the way are the evergreen Mabira Forest, roadside markets, churches, mosques and homesteads, with stops at places of interest for photography and stretching as you proceed to the source of the Nile.

A traditional motorized boat takes you on a short ride to the point where the River Nile starts her three-month, 6,696-kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea. According to John Speke, one of the greatest British explorers, the Nile originates from this point and pours her waters through four countries before finally dropping into the sea at the northeast corner of Africa.

After the boat ride comes a walk around a lush green expanse that’s famous for hosting one of the world’s most charismatic figures — Mahatma Gandhi. The father of the Indian nation rests on a raised brown plinth, an artfully rendered bronze bust that bestows a calming oasis in an otherwise busy environment. This monument stands as a tribute to Gandhi’s great work in Africa and is also a reminder of his decision in 1948 to have a portion of his ashes sprinkled in the Nile. Take a walk, get the story and enjoy the photography op!

Following lunch beside the Nile, you have the option of touring Jinja town — including the old Indian estates, temple, markets and churches — or drive to a place where the River Nile thunders between rocks. Interact with the excited locals as they congregate along the banks, anxious to see the whitewater rafts navigate the rapids. In the afternoon, return to Kampala/Entebbe.

Cost depends on number of participants. Get in touch with us for a quote that includes vehicle, fuel, and experienced English speaking driver-guide, entrance fees, boat ride, lunch and taxes.

Horseback Riding

Never been on a horseback ride before? No worries! Most of the people that ride with us on our short equine safaris have minimal or no horseback riding experience. Join us for a unique ride through a typical Ugandan village and a stunning section along the river, followed by amazing views of the Nile Valley from hills overlooking the evergreen forest.

Quad Bike Safaris

Drive your own ATV/quad bike on a guided safari beside the Nile. You don’t need any previous experience — we provide a free training/practice session before each trip. Our partners in Jinja maintain a fleet of easy-to-ride vehicles used to explore riverside tracks and trails that meander through small villages and farms for many kilometers downstream from our base at Bujagali Falls. A special way to see the headwaters at the start of the Nile.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting at its very best and a day you will always remember. The Nile in Uganda is nothing short of spectacular and the experience of floating down the legendary river has been enjoyed only by a fortunate few. You can opt for half-day or full-day rafting adventure that includes stops at islands and rocky outcrops, traversing rapids and plenty of 360-degree spins on a raft with ropes to keep you holding on tight! The full-day trip includes lunch on one of the islands and a barbecue beside the Nile at the end of the journey.

Nile High Bungee:

Leap over the source of the Nile from one of the most spectacular bungee jumping platforms in the world. We have partnered with experienced bungee experts who specialize in tandem jumps, water touches and full-moon jumps. Get in touch for a quote.

Depending on your time and interests, we can also arrange overnighting in Jinja at one of the luxury or mid-range hotels or camping properties beside the Nile. Drop us a line!