Jinja is a home to a number of historical and cultural attractions the Source of the Nile, the Bujagali Falls, Jinja Temple and many more. The city is also a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Uganda. Anyone planning to visit Uganda, the following attractions in jinja gives you a reason why you should visit this city on your Uganda safari tour;
Busowoko falls. This extreme beauty of water flowing speedily in one area, slow at other and spreading randomly in the upper Victoria Nile is breath taking to the eyes of the traveler. Busowoko falls is situated in the Eastern part of Uganda (Jinja) in Bususwa village after Namavundu forest along the rugged Kimala – Budondo – Kibibi Road.
It is said to be the only surviving falls after the disappearance of the others following the construction of dams for power source on the upper Victoria Nile. The rushing water and magnificent scenic views offers a best platform for photography which creates catchy moments. The young lads are seen enjoying dipping in this life-giving water as well as blending naturally together with the surrounding. The beauty is overwhelming but the activities engaged in are prodigious and these include White water rafting, scenic viewing, cultural performance experience, swimming, kayaking, tubing and many other activities. It is magical seeing the violent water flowing and then it calms down as it continues to reach the downstream of river Nile. For unforgettable experience and memory, do not miss to visit Busowoko falls on your city trip in Jinja.
River Nile. The source of River Nile is found in Jinja. It is also known as Speke monument since he is the one who discovered it. It’s this Nile River that sold jinja and made it famous worldwide. The Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea from the North eastern Africa. This source of the Nile was discovered by John Speke a first European in 1858. It is ranked among the most visited attraction in Jinja as well as Uganda where one gets to see the beautiful scenery surrounding such as the beautiful garden and the reptile village. For clear observations a boat ride is required to reach the source and also get to experience of the sea breeze while taking nice pictures and videos to create clear memories.
This monument also allows for camping, nature walks, parties and occasions with a truly spectacular nature setting and it is also ideal for bird watching and so do not miss to visit it on your trip in Uganda.
At Nile you can also enjoy bungee jumping, white water rafting, water slide, tubing, kayaking, jet boating among others.
Itanda falls. Itanda falls is a found in jinja on the great River Nile with a steep torrent roaring water fall. The roaring sound of the violent water can be heard even from a distance and this implies that the Nile is full of life and fun. It is believed that Itanda falls is 100 meters deep and it was discovered after Bujagali was turned into a power source which led to its nonexistence. A few travelers know little about Itanda falls but it came to existence after the dismissal of Bujagali falls due to dam construction. This fall offers the best Kayaking and white-water rafting platform because of its strong and powerful rapids suitable for thrilling and scary experience. So, you can trust Nature Adventure Africa Safaris to take you through these falls.
Kagulu rock and kagulu hill. Kagulu rock offers a clear definition of un tempered beauty. This magnificent gigantic rock is found in Bugabula Sub County in Buyende district on Kagulu hill a northern part of Jinja. This rock was launched in 2013 by the Busoga Tourism Board and Uganda tourism Board. Before reaching, you observe these gigantic rocks from a distance and this creates a thrilling moment as you get to approach them and take a clear scenic view. Kagulu rock stands in the middle of two other gigantic rocks but more emphasis is put on Kagulu rock. For starters who are in need of trekking I recommend a safari to Kagulu hill. Trekkers tend to underestimate this hill because of the numerous cemented steps that directs to the top from the bottom. Kagulu rock should not be taken as a walk over but rather climbers should prepare for the unexpected. It takes over 1 hour to climb to the top and descend back to the starting point. upon arrive you get to be briefed by one of the guides and welcomed by the bunch of children who will escort you up to the top and help you in carrying of petty stuff. While descending from the top, you are advised to walk slowly because of the force that applies. The performance offered by a community dance group comprising of charming small girls with soft swing waste waits to offer you an outstanding performance. Trekker will be told about the mysterious beliefs of getting wealth, acquiring a husband when you hike Kagulu. The Shiny rocks and grey Caves on this Hill are now habitats of several Primates which you might see on a lucky day.
This Hill is full of mysterious tales, a number of which you will hear before climbing the hill while others will be told in the process of climbing. Before you embark on the life changing mountain climbing adventure to this historical site, you will be required to first greet the custodians/caretakers of the Kagulu Rocks who are said to be some of the survivors of the Bachwezi. The authoritative custodians have their residencies within the grass-thatched huts but have mysterious powers to call upon the elderly women on top of the hill to let her know of anything they would desire to pass on to the locals in Buyende.
At the top of the hill is where you will see a big hut that functions as the main house and a small hut in the compound that is occupied by an elderly woman who is believed to have a cure to most diseases. This elderly woman called Mandwa Kagulu Nabiryo is believed to be the mouthpiece/oracle of the gods, haunted by the 45 spirits that own and patrol the Kagulu Hill and she has a shrine at the peak of the Hill.
Climbing to the Peak of Kagulu Hill transverses through six small rocks which are believed to be Mukama’s wives and they include Mpanga, Kagweese, Butadewo, Kagweere, Muwaale and Bukolimo. Nevertheless, the legends dispute and claim that the Caves were sanctuaries to the ancient settlers in Busoga region. The most attractive attraction on this Hill is the small Lake at its summit that attracts tourists and locals from all over the Busoga region to received blessings from the ancestors-it is believed that the Lake is a source of blessings. However, it is said that the blessings depend on how you ask from the gods and what exactly you desire. It is believed that the mysterious Lake doesn’t dry up regardless of the intensity of the dry season and drought. When you offer sacrifices and gifts such as throwing coins into the water of the Lake, you will be rewarded greatly by the gods.
Kagulu Hill is one of the adventurous sites but also a significant cultural and historical site in Busoga Kingdom. When you visit this hill, you will be able to learn and understand about some of the region’s history and so get connected with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris for better arrangements of visiting this hill and rock.
Griffin falls. Griffin falls is found in the middle of Mabira Forest calling for a nature walk to reach the very point. Griffin falls is also known as Mabira Forest camp winning its name from the magnificent Mabira rain forest in Jinja.
Griffin Falls Camp is on the edge of a vast trail system in beautiful Mabira Forest. After a beautiful 30-minute walk through pristine rain forest, you reach the breathtaking Griffin Falls. Another hour up the trail and you can reach Namusa Hill for an overnight experience or just a longer hike.
Griffin Falls Camp is conveniently located just 10 km off the highway between Kampala and Jinja. After an amazing experience in the forest, you can feel good about where your money ends up because all the profits from Griffin Falls Camp are put into sustainable development projects in the villages in and around Mabira Forest.
Griffin Falls Camp is owned by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organization which is a non-governmental organization. The mission of this organization is to improve the livelihoods and welfare of the local communities by conserving the environment through development. The organization encourages stewardship of the forest by its surrounding communities through environmental, networking and mobilization of 30 Community Based organization and fundraising for sustainable and beneficial community projects. The money got from the camp is given back to community projects like tree planting, helping HIV/AIDS positive living groups, water and sanitation, Education among others
There are many activities this camp offers to nature lovers and these include bird watching, education and research, zip lining, primate watching among others which offers thrilling experience. For those with height phobia an opportunity to get rid of it is at Griffin falls camp. Encounter of numerous species such as monkeys like red tailed monkey grey cheecked mangabey, black and white colobus, rare tree species, insects, butterflies and some other wildlife species.
The Jinja Temple. It is known as a Hindu temple. 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.
Other attractions in Jinja include; Cuupa Arts Gallery, Uganda Railway Museum, Uganda Railway Museum, Nyege Nyege Festival grounds, Nile reptile park, big game mini golf, Nalubaale rafting, and many other attractions.
Apart from the above attractions, some one can choose to visit Jinja because of the following;
Ease of accessibility. Jinja is about 80 km from Kampala and 126 km from Entebbe airport, the gateway to Uganda. The Jinja high way road that goes up to Jinja city is well constructed though travelers can sometimes be hindered by traffic jam on this road but it is passable whether in dry or rainy seasons.
Getting to Jinja by road transport is possible and easier. It takes not more than three hours to finish the Journey via Kampala – Jinja road especially when the path is traffic-free. Car congestion is common in the morning and evening hours.
Apart from Jinja high way, you can still use the Entebbe – Namugongo – Seeta, Gayaza – Kalaji – Mukono and Gayaza – Kalaji – Kayunga – Nile Road in order to reach in time.
Great accommodation. One of the major things that make up a fantastic holiday is accommodation. So, on your trip to Jinja you should not worry about accommodation since the city is endowed with a lot of facilities. The area comprises lodging facilities of varied categories including a budget, mid-range, and luxury properties.
Most of them are situated along the shores of Lake Victoria. These properties treat guests with serenity, great food, and unending eye-catching views of surrounding scenery.
Hospitality. Local people in Jinja are friendly and welcoming. Their hospitality lets you feel like you are home away from home.
An ideal base. Jinja is an incredible starting point for those who need to explore nearby attractions. These nearby attractions include; Sipi falls in Kapchorwa, Mountain Elgon National Park, Nyero rock paintings and many more.
