Jinja

About Jinja City

Jinja is located at the northern end on Lake Victoria in South Eastern Uganda. Lying just north of the Equator, but at an altitude of 3,750 feet (1100 meters) above sea level, it enjoys a very pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 63 to 82 degrees F.

Jinja is spread out with few high-rise buildings outside city center. It retains a much more ‘laid-back’ feel, relative to the nearby capital of Uganda, Kampala and is currently undergoing major renovation – like construction of new tourist hotels and discovery of more new tourist adventure sites and activities.

As you approach Jinja from Kampala, the district’s most significant geographical feature is immediately obvious. Jinja 'Town' is situated on the east bank of the River Nile, where the longest river in the World, the Nile starts its 6,670 km journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. On a day off from the traffic and congestion of Kampala, the drive to Jinja passes through interesting parts of Uganda with small townships, farmland, Mabira Forest, tea & sugarcane plantations.

You cross the Nile at the Owens Falls Dam (completed in 1954) and will find Jinja a laid-back contrast to Kampala – a very friendly place with a focus on tourism and welcoming hospitality.

Tourism is providing a new impetus to Jinja’s economy. Good accommodation, a peaceful laid-back friendly atmosphere, warm weather all year round (almost on the equator but 1150 above sea level makes up a very pleasant climate), features of natural beauty including lake views and the ‘Source of the Nile, plus lots of things to do in the near vicinity such as the adventure activities at Bujagali Falls; these are all elements that are contributing to Jinja’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.

With general views of the Lake Victoria in the background, the lush vegetation, roaring sounds of the flowing River Nile, friendly and welcoming people, a rich culture background, its really the best adventure capital of East Africa.