Uganda is a landlocked country in East – Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania.
The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region.
Uganda also lies within the Nile basin, and has a varied but generally a modified equatorial climate. Uganda referred to as the pearl of Africa offers a number of tourist destinations including:
Kampala tourist attractions and activities
The Kampala Kasubi Tombs is a burial place of the four Kings of Buganda also traditionally known as Kabakas. The Namirembe Cathedral is one of the major tourist attractions in Kampala which harbours a bulk of Christian population.
Kampala Bahai Temple is the spiritual home to the African Bahai community. Apart from all these attractions, the not-to-miss ones are the Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, Mengo Palace and the Kabaka’s Lake.
Kampala Hills: Kampala is an exotic location set amidst the hills. One can visit these natural landmarks like the Kasubi Hill, Mengo Hill, Kibuli Hill, Namirembe Hill, and Lubaga Hill.
Kampala Nightlife
Trip to Kampala would not be complete without a tour of Kampala’s Nightlife. Enjoy the fun filled nightlife with the famous Kampala Pubs & Bars or dance from dusk to dawn and enjoy exotic cuisines, cocktails and mocktails. The attractive Kampala Beaches draw the attention of many tourists from all around the globe. Taking a trip from Kampala to the nearby city of Entebbe, you can enjoy sunbathing on one of these beaches.
Kampala Hotels
One can enjoy the best stay in Kampala given a wide range of hotels and accommodation available. From backpacker hostels and campsites to 5 star hotels, there are great options for every traveler. There are youth hostels, guest houses, inns, and boutique luxury Hotels. Listed here are numerous lodges and resorts that offer tourists, tour packages and hot seasonal deals for Uganda visitors.
Visitors on budget vacation can enjoy their stay at some of the best selection of cheap Hotels in Kampala. Few other popular and cheap staying options are the small independent hotels, lodges and guest houses.
Jinja tourist attractions and activities
Jinja town is situated in Jinja district in Eastern part Uganda Busoga sub-region. It is most probably 81 kilometres (50metres) traveling by road east of Kampala the capital city of Uganda. It lies in the north of the shore of Lake Victoria which is known as the birthplace of the mighty Nile River the longest in Africa were water spills to his journey to Mediterranean Sea with two different dams Nalubale and Kira dams generating electricity in and around Jinja district Bujagali waterfall located around 10km from central Jinja. Jinja is the largest metropolitan area in Jinja district and 14th largest town in the country with various neighbouring towns and villages including Njeru, Buwenda, Kimaka, Masese, Walukuba, Mpumudde, Bugungu and Bugembe.
Activities
White water rafting – The Nile is home to the best grade 5 white water rafting in Africa perfect for adrenaline junkies and learners. Full day, Half day rafting trips available
Bungee Jumping – Free falling from a tall structure into the Nile and rebounding off the water is really one thrilling activity that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Kayaking – Sit in small narrow boat wrapped around your waist equipped with a double blade paddle and explore the Nile on your own… Lessons are available on request.
Quad Biking -Enjoy quad biking tours through the beautiful country side of Jinja. This activity is ideal for small groups and families – Explore local communities on your own pace.
Jet Boating – Explore the Nile River on a high speed jet boat Enjoy 360 degree spins and Feel the splash of water on your skin as you ride through rapids under guidance of a professional boat pilots.
Horseback Riding – Experience a new and exciting way to explore Jinja’s numerous attractions- Visit the Nile, local communities and other popular places on riding on the back of a horse.
Attractions
Source of the Nile
The Nile is a long river flowing northwards regarded as the world’s longest river measuring 4258 miles shared by eleven countries on the eastern side of the African continent namely Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Eritrea, South Sudan and North Sudan. The Nile continues its journey to North Africa until it pours into the Mediterranean Sea
River Nile is divided into major tributaries namely; the Blue Nile and White Nile. Of the two, the White Nile is longer with its source still undetermined but may be located in either Rwanda or Burundi but as per now the known source is at Lake Victoria where the Victoria Nile starts its journey northwards.
In Uganda, the Nile starts its journey at the Jinja Ripon falls as the Victoria Nile flowing northwards into Lake Kyoga flowing through Masindi and Murchison falls park until it reaches Lake Albert forming the infamous River delta. It then leaves Lake Albert as the Albert Nile which flows all through northern Uganda crossing borders into South Sudan.
Bujagali falls was a popular waterfall in Jinja where the River Nile begins its journey from Lake Victoria and some consider this point as the real source of the Nile. However, the waterfalls were submerged by the dam constructed by the government in 2011. Though this dam was constructed to increase power generation around Uganda, it affected tourism around the area and most conservationists and tourism bodies came out in protest against the dams’ setup on one of the most popular falls in Eastern Uganda.
Bujagali falls is believed to be home to a local spirit called Bujabald which is embodied in an old local spiritualist’s body who is the ninth person to be possessed by this spirit. He is occasionally seen doing rituals on the edge of the falls.
Namasagali pier is situated on River Nile, about 25 kilometres West of Kamuli town. The Pier was built by the British colonial government as part of the infrastructure intended to facilitate movement of cotton and coffee produce from rural areas of Busoga region to Jinja town for processing or export. The Pier areas, abandoned since closure of the marine and rail transport services, are suitable for various tourism-related activities. The activities may include camping, excursions, canoeing and sport fishing. The low-lying sandy banks make the area suitable for development of tourism establishment.
Kagulu hills are located 64 Kilometres north of Kamuli town. The hills and caves are believed to be the home of the ancestral spirits of the Busoga Kings. Climbing the main Kagulu hill, that is about 10,000 feet above sea level, and camping on top of it are an exciting experience to tourists and excursionists.
Wako zibondo’s palace
Situated in Kaliro district in East Uganda is the palace of Ezekieri Wako Zibondo IX, one of the most powerful Kings of Busoga Kingdom. The palace was built way back in 1930 for Wako Zibondo during his reign which lasted between 1893 to 1952. The magnificent architectural cultural designs combined with its rich history have made this one of the best attractions in Kaliro. Located just 70 km from Jinja town, this is definitely an attraction worth visiting.
Buguge historical site is located a few kilometres from Kaliro town and is one of the most popular attractions in the northern part of this town. The site is home to the grave of the first Babiito chief (Lamogi) of the ancient Bunyoro dynasty, near his grave the chief’s escort locally known as Mukama. Make a trip to these graves and learn about the rich history of the Babiito who were believed to be the first people to migrate to Uganda.
Jinja Sailing club is one of Jinja’s plushest restaurants and bar strategically located on the shores of Lake Victoria; Africa’s largest lake. The beautiful lush gardens, fully stocked bar and restaurant combined with stunning views of the lake make this place a perfect spot for family retreats and parties and conference meetings. Plans are underway to initiate a sunset cruise on the Lake.
Jinja lodges
Jinja Nile resort – located on the banks of the river Nile (world’s longest river), the Nile resort is set on beautiful landscape with lush gardens and palm trees
Wild Waters lodge – Jinja’s finest lodge is nestled in a Riverine forest on the edge a private island with stunning views & sounds of the Nile rapids
Brisk Hotel Triangle – Offers accommodation in up 130 guest rooms with good views of the Victoria Nile & within a walking distance from town center.
Gately on Nile is a unique guest house and lodge situated on the banks of Lake Victoria offering accommodation in lakeside cottages with the main lodge overlooking the lake. Our beautifully furnished rooms and Banda’s are set in lush gardens with a well-stocked restaurant serving continental, local and thai dishes. Ideal hotel for business travelers and tourists in Jinja.
Nile River Explorers – Strategically situated close to the Nile, the camp is very popular among backpackers & tourists interested in water sports.
Sunset Hotel Jinja– Overlooking the Owen falls, the budget Jinja hotel offers overnight accommodation in Jinja in 68 rooms – good base for business travelers.
Cool Breeze Hotel – Cheap hotel in Jinja is located on the entrance into Jinja town just a few kms from Itanda and Bujagali falls- ideal for all travelers.
Timton Hotel – Boutique hotel offers accommodation in self-contained rooms with beautiful botanical gardens en-suite bathroom, bar & restaurant & camp facilities.
Nile Village Hotel – Located along Kira road on the banks of Lake Victoria offering accommodation in 30 spacious cottages, suites and apartments with a Spa.
Kingfisher Safaris Resort – German owned hotel is a good base for tourists doing bird watching, sport fishing and adventure sports on the Nile.
Nile Guest House – Situated along the Kayunga road close to Nile Breweries Ltd offering accommodation in well-furnished guest rooms and apartments.
Source of the Nile hotel – Set on the Nile banks – the 3 star hotel is just a walking distance from the source of the Nile with beautiful botanical gardens.