Jinja City, The Source Of The River Nile
Location:
84 km from Kampala to Jinja.
Air: 70.25 km (43.65 mi) East of Kampala.
Coordinates: 0.416422, 33.203248
The scenic Jinja city, located on the shores of the River Nile and Lake Victoria is the largest town in Busoga sub region of eastern Uganda. Jinja is a beautiful city located on the banks of the River Nile. It is known as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa” and offers a wide variety of activities for tourists including white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and quad biking.
Jinja means “Rock: in both Lusoga and Luganda languages. The ‘Rock’, refers to the location of the Ripon Falls which was submerged when the Owen Falls Dam was built in 1954.
As an industrial town, Jinja had a large Indian community that descended from Indian traders in 18th century and after the construction of the Uganda Railway. The city has old Hindu temples and old Indian architectural buildings.
From 1920 to the 1970s, Jinja gained economic importance due to cotton production, the construction of the Owen Falls Dam and the completion of the Uganda Railway.
Jinja and Busoga region as a whole became one of the most prosperous regions in Uganda with Jinja home to 70 percent of Uganda’s industries.
When President Idi Amin in 1972 expelled the Asians from Uganda. Jinja lost its economic glory though its reputation as a tourism hub is growing by the day.
Here are some specific reasons why tourists should visit Jinja:
- To experience the thrill of white water rafting on the River Nile. The River Nile is one of the most popular white water rafting destinations in the world. The rapids in the Jinja section of the river are challenging but not too dangerous, making them perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
- The Source of the Nile Bridge is a popular bungee jumping spot in Jinja. The bridge is located over the River Nile, and bungee jumpers can enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
- To visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple. The Jinja Temple is a Hindu temple that is located in Jinja. The temple is a beautiful building that is worth seeing for its architecture alone. Visitors can also attend religious services or simply take a look at the temple`s beautiful architecture.