Jinja at Source of Nile, Uganda, Africa

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Jinja Whitewater Rafting - Uganda, Africa

Jinja sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, 50 miles east of the capital, Kampala. It’s a stopover town famous as the historic source of the Nile. But above all, it’s the adrenaline hotspot of East Africa; the place to set your pulse racing by white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, body surfing and paddle boarding. The White Nile offers possibly the best grade 5 white water rafting in the world, and we offer experiences on the Nile that allow every level of thrill seeker and every age group a chance to enjoy this beautiful river. Jinja is a buzzing little city in eastern Uganda that has quickly risen to become the adrenaline capital of East Africa, and the second busiest commercial center in the country after the capital of Kampala. Before its establishment in 1907, Jinja was primarily a fishing village that benefited from its unique location along long distance trade routes. Today, Jinja is best known for its location on Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile, Africa’s longest river and the symbol of life for all the countries it travels through before reaching Egypt.

White water Rafting in Jinja at Nile - Uganda

Basic Facts - Jinja at Source of Nile

Jinja, town located in southeastern Uganda where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, situated at an elevation of 3,740 feet (1,140 metres) above sea level. Jinja was founded in 1901 as a British administrative centre and grew to become one of the larger towns in Uganda. Jinja grew as the main source of energy powering the entire East Africa from production and supply of hydroelectric power. When construction on the Owen Falls Dam (now the Nalubaale Dam), 3 miles (5 km) downstream, was completed in 1954, the hydroelectric power thus provided was instrumental in Jinja’s development as the country’s main industrial centre. A second dam, Kiira, was later constructed about 0.6 mile (1 km) from Nalubaale. It was completed in 1999 and began producing hydroelectric power the next year. Today, the town has grown to become a major adventure tourists hotspot in Uganda and East Africa at large.

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More About Jinja at Source of Nile

Attractions and General Information

The name “Jinja” comes from the language of the two tribes—the Baganda and the Basoga—that reside on either side of the River Nile. In both languages, Jinja means “rock”, referring to the city’s stunning position along the shores of Lake Victoria at the foundation of the river, an address that attracts visitors near and far for some of the best white water rafting and adventurous recreation on the continent. For a true immersion into Jinja’s wonders, opt for a half- or full-day river-rafting excursion designed to accommodate first-timers and thrill even the most seasoned rafters. Traveling to the source of the Nile also warrants spectacular kayaking and bungee jumping outings, as well as serene nature walks to absorb the beauty of Jinja and its riverine islands at a more leisurely pace.


Over 130 species of bird have been spotted around the islands, including cormorants, fish eagles, and hornbills. Along the way, guests are likely to spot plenteous coffee, tea, and sugar plantations, the Owens Fall Dam, and multiple fishing villages lining the shores of Lake Victoria. The town of Jinja itself is a bustling little place with some wonderful architecture, a large local brewery, and a private Sailing Club on the shores of Lake Victoria. Jinja is also home to a beautiful nine-hole (18 tee) golf course that was originally laid out in the mid 1920s and famously upheld a local rule allowing a free drop of the ball if it came to rest in a hippo’s hoof print. The golf course boasts tremendous views of the Nile and Lake Victoria, and the second green is within a ‘lob wedge’ of the source of the Nile.

Adrenaline Adventures in Jinja at Source of Nile

Enjoy white water rafting as well as classic bungee jumping in the White Nile and at the Source of the Africa's longest river - River Nile! The legendary White Nile offers some of the best White Water rafting in the world. AfriChoice! arrange either day, overnight or multiday excursions. With the trip beginning in Jinja, Uganda's adventure capital here you find the only bungee jumping platform in East Africa with a drop touching the Source of the Nile! Uganda's white-water rafting industry is comparatively new - the first drop of the river by a paddler was in 1996, and the grade 4 and 5 extend of rapids on the Nile have since been developed into a world-class rafting destination possessing some of the most prevailing and constant rapids on earth. The powerful volume of water creates horrible rapids that provide an unforgettable rafting experience equivalent to that of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.


Home of the white-water rafting industry is the city of Jinja, located at the source of the River Nile, the longest river in the world. Bujagali Falls downstream of the Nile's basis, and close to Jinja, has been vaunted the 'adrenaline capital' of Uganda, offering not only white water rafting, but also bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking and river boarding. The White Nile has up to seven times the volume of the Zambezi. The raft explodes through huge walls of white water and drifts through warm pools in the equatorial sunshine. To raft The Nile, do not need any previous rafting experience. The guide instructs the clients on all aspects of safety and prepare them for an unforgettable experience. Rafting the Nile has 100% safety records. Clients can enjoy the rafting knowing that they are in the safest hands.. For more information regarding Jinja at Source of Nile, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.

Whitewater and more in Jinja, Uganda

White water rafting is high on many people’s list of things to do here. With some lots of good rapids and a stunning river with high level its superlative. There are some very exhilarating sections with space between to lay back and float along taking in the landscape and enjoying the nature, particularly the many species of birds to be found here. Top quality safety equipments and highly qualified and experienced guides run the largest rapids possible. Total rafting is for 25 km of river including some of the best rapids in the world. You don’t have to do all the side runs, except if you want to.


The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the finest day rafting trips on Globe! Massive standing waves leap from the clear blue skies and rock walls tremble from the power of the booming rapids. Be among the first to be familiar with the incredible adventure and excitement of the Nile water rafting from this point of Bujagali falls. Carry a swimsuit, a pair of sandals and shorts to wear on the river. You will get wet, so bring a change of outfit. Amenities exist for cameras to be protected from the while on the river. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a grin. This is the Victorian Source of the Nile, the source of adventure and excitement. Join us for the wildest rafting trip on the planet. 25 years of worldwide rafting experience including a string of remarkable first descents – Indus (Pakistan), Muk-su (Tadjikistan), Blue Nile (Ethiopia), Tshuapa (DR Congo).


In 1981, we made our first river descents in New Zealand on home-made rafts of used inner tube and bamboo! Since then, we have pioneered rafting operations in eight countries worldwide. In 2006, we completed the world’s longest river journey with the first successful ascent of the Nile. Remarkable safety record... Over 30,000 people have safely rafted the Nile - No-one enjoys the river more than our team of professional international and local guides. Nile High Bungee (44 metres) - Leap from one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Water touch the source of the Nile (it is the only jump over the Nile), tandem jump with a friend or ride off on your bicycle. With us, you can bungee jump and raft in the same day!.

Further Information, Visits and Tours

AfriChoice operates a wide range of carefully designed tours and safaris to Jinja at Source of Nile by providing transport and booking a hotel for you. Our safari consultants will always be at your assistance should you need a tailor-made holiday to this unique destination. NB: For more information regarding Jinja at Source of Nile, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.

Contact Us for more information:

AfriChoice Tours & Travel Limited
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