Jinja is the second largest city in Uganda and the capital of Busoga Kingdom. Whereas Iganga town had been the first headquarters of the defunct central province of Uganda in 1900s, Jinja moved ahead to assume the administrative and cultural roles for greater Busoga region.
The city traces its name from “Jinja” meaning a stone and the dramatic Rippon falls which were corporately called “Mayinja” meaning stones. Other traditions have it that the central hill where the district commissioner’s residence was stationed in colonial days got the name “Jinja” from the rocks and stones which are still evident in the area. It is here that the past epochs of Busoga Kyabazinga-ship (kingship) placed the spirit of the hill by sacrificing goats and chicken.
During the pre-colonial days, Jinja had just been a fishing town but later gained recognition after the discovery of the source of Nile River and the dramatic development of the Uganda railway in 1901. In 1910 another railway line connecting the town to Namasagali from Lake Victoria was constructed. This resulted into establishment of agricultural processing industries thus the rapid development of the city to the current size.
Location.
Located on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria in the eastern region of Uganda, Jinja city is approximately 81 kilometers east of Kampala city near the magnificent River Nile.
Climate and temperature.
The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is 134 mm / 5 inch. The variation in temperatures throughout the year is 2.1 °C | 3.8 °F. The month with the highest relative humidity is May (87.17 %). The month with the lowest relative humidity is February (77.94 %). The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (27.37 days). The month with the lowest number of rainy days is February (17.27 days). The best time to visit Jinja city are January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN JINJA CITY?
Visiting the source of River Nile.
River Nile is the longest river in the world, it would be thus a great missed opportunity if you happen to visit Jinja city and fail to visit the source of the Nile. This is the beginning of the 6689 square kilometers run by the magnificent river all the way to the Northern wing of the continent. Here you will see the historical monument of the explorer John Speke who is said to have discovered the source of the Nile
A number of other activities that turn moments into memories are done at the Nile River and this include; kayaking, tubing, canoeing, white water rafting and bird watching.
Boat Cruises on the Nile.
Are you passionate about a spectacular boat cruise? Jinja is one of the destinations in Uganda where you can witness fulfilment of your dreams. The river Nile boat cruise is a one-of-a kind adventures you can ever have whether as a family, single, couple. The speed boat cruise presents spectacular views of the sunrise, sunset and it is a reliable activity for bird lovers.
Bungee jumping.
Jumping over a forty five meter cliff to touch the waters of the Nile beneath can be all that you have been dreaming about, Jinja is one of the reliable destinations for Bungee jumping.
Kayaking and canoeing.
These are some of the several activities done at River Nile and they offer visitors with an opportunity experiencing the surrounding villages, local people, birds and farmlands.
Participants are offered a training before embarking on the activities. They are equipped with knowledge of the flow of R. Nile, forward and back peddling, basic strokes and capsizing strokes as well as rescuing skills.
Horseback riding.
You can get an opportunity to ride on the back of the horse for ninety minutes or half a day as you embark on distances that cannot be covered with vehicles while on your visit to Jinja city.
Jinja city tour; while at Jinja you have an opportunity to walk around the city visiting different places such as shrines, monuments (like that of Mahatma Gandhi), churches, old Indian buildings and markets. A chance for you to interact with local members of the community and discover new things.
Visiting the Ssezibwa Falls; located along the Kampala – Jinja highway, Ssezibwa falls are still significant in the history of Buganda since they regard the place a home of their ancestral spirits. Tourists love the place because of the crystal clear water falling from a steep cliff into the nearby forest.
Visiting the place isn’t all about the falls. The scenery is beautiful with lush green forests that act as sanctuaries to birds and small primates. While at the falls, do not forget to visit the local snake cave where people still perform rituals to appease their ancestors.
Other interesting activities to do IN Jinja include; fishing, community visits, golfing, jet boating, white water rafting, mountain biking, visiting Mabira forest, birding, quad biking, cycling etc.
Where to stay in Jinja city?
Jinja city offers a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury hotels. These include but not limited to Wild waters lodge, Explorers River Camp, 2 Friends beach hotel, Bilkon Hotel, Brisk Hotel Triangle, Gately on the Nile, Source of the Nile Hotel, Sunset Hotel International, The Haven Jinja, King Fisher Safaris Resort, Jinja Safari Hotel, Jinja Nile Resort, The Mansion Hotel, etc.