If you are a lover of the outdoors and would like a short trip out of Kampala then this 2 day trip to Jinja is the perfect package to book. This tour is also an ideal add-on to a longer Uganda safari holiday – or a mini adventure of its own. It is also one of the best weekends breaks from hustle and bustle of Kampala city. The highlight of this 2 day trip to Jinja includes;
- A nature and cultural walk at Sezibwa falls
- A nature walk in Mabira forest with optional Zip lining
- Boat ride to the source of the Nile
- Half/full day white rafting on the Nile River
- Jinja city tour
- Optional activities: Kayaking, tubing, bungee jumping, horse riding, quad biking, etc
Details of 2 Day Trip To Jinja
Day 1: Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest, & Source Of The Nile Boat Cruise.
Sezibwa Falls Nature & Cultural Walk
Our 2 day trip to Jinja begins today. We shall pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or any other agreed place at exactly 6.30 am so that we avoid the morning traffic jam in the city and be able to do all the day’s planned activities in time without rushing. After a short tour briefing, we will drive out of the city heading eastwards along the Kampala – Jinja road.
After approximately 45 minutes, we will reach the turn-off to the Sezibwa Falls. On arrival at Sezibwa, a local guide we take us on a one-hour walk around. The area is very beautiful and cool, and the atmosphere is filled with the singing of birds. Enjoy the crystal-clear waterfalls, and the surrounding lush green which hosts some wildlife such as monkeys, birds and butterflies.
At this site you will also see shrines and other strange items which are used in traditional worship and this is because the Sezibwa is also a cultural heritage site of Buganda Kingdom.
The guide will narrate interesting myths about the Sezibwa which traditionalists believe in and bring them here for traditional activities.
Legend has it that, River Sezibwa on which the Sezibwa Falls are located is not a natural phenomenon. It is an offspring of a pregnant woman called Nakkungu, who lived many centuries ago and belonged to the Kibe (Fox) clan. She was expected to give birth to twin children, but instead what poured from her womb was a twin river.
Mabira Forest Nature Walks
From Sezibwa Falls, we will return to the road. And after a short drive of about 20 minutes we will reach Mabira, a natural tropical rainforest.
Mabira is coined by the natives from a local term “amabira” which translates as “a big forest”. It is the biggest natural forest in the central region of Uganda – covering an area of 306 km2.
We will transfer to the visitors -reception center, meet a site guide and set off for a 2-hour nature walk in the forest. We will follow a network of well-maintained trails.
Experience tranquility as you walk under the cool canopies in what can be termed as forest bathing. Do you know forest bathing is said to drastically enhance immunity? On your walk you will also see an array of wildlife including different types of monkeys, beautiful butterflies, squirrels, and birds.
Observe different types of trees and shrubs and learn about some special ones like those possessing medicinal properties such as Warbhugia Ugandenesis that has anti-viral properties and is one of the ingredients Prof. Patrick Ogwang used in inventing a popular local Covid 19 herbal therapeutic concoction called Covidex.
Optional Activity:
You can do the thrilling Canopy Super Skyway zip line in Mabira forest as an extra to the nature walk. Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway is over 200 metres of canopy zip-lines through the tops of 40-metre high trees and across the River Musamya.
Cruising through the top of the trees offers quite an adrenaline rush.
The Zipline also gives access to the wildlife in the tree canopy such as monkeys and birds which are not easy to see from the ground. However note that if you choose to do the zip lining adventure in Mabira Forest you have to forego the visit to the Sezibwa Falls due to limited time.
Source Of The River Nile Boat Trip
When we get back from the Mabira Forest Reserve, we will again return to the road and continue our drive to Jinja, past the eye-catching sugar and tea plantations. Finally, we will cross the newly built Jinja Bridge and continue to the lodge for check-in and lunch. After lunch, we go for leisurely boat cruise to the Source of the Nile.
This is one of the most iconic places in Africa. It is the place where the world’s longest river exits Africa’s largest lake to commence an epic 6,650 km journey north to the Mediterranean Sea.
We’ll visit the exact spot where 30% of the water which makes the Nile bubbles up from underground before mixing with the flow from Lake Victoria to flow northwards. We will explore the beautiful sights across the lake and the adjacent peninsula, and also see plenty of water birds such as Herons, Pelicans, Kingfishers, Egrets and more.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge/Jinja Nile Resort
Midrange: The Haven Eco River Lodge/2 Friends Guesthouse
Budget: 2 Friends Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Half/Full Day White Water Rafting
The best is saved for the last. So today is dedicated to conquering the raging rapids of the world’s longest river. After breakfast, we will checkout of the hotel and transfer to Itanda, the destination for whitewater rafting in Uganda. Itanda has up to 9 rapids along a stretch of over 20 kilometers, and moreover 4 of those rapids are grade 5! You get to have lunch in between and at the end of the adventure, drive back to Kampala, arriving in the evening.
You can read our detailed guide to white-water rafting on the Nile
Optional Activities:
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Kayaking
Other than rafting the rapids of Itanda, one can also kayak through the raging rapids and enjoy the magnificent beauty along the Nile River.
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Quad Biking
The quad bikes are also a great way of exploring the Nile and the countryside along the River. Proper trails are available leading through the lush countryside. You will see how the people live and enjoy wonderful views of the Nile as it simmers through the beautiful landscape. The quad bikes are safe and you get to have some training before setting off.
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Horseback Riding
You can also explore the beauty of Jinja and the Nile River on a horse, riding through the lush countryside, local communities and to the banks of the Nile.
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Bungee Jumping
This is the epitome of Jinja’s adrenaline adventures! You get to jump from a platform 44 meters high and take a plunge into the Nile. This is not for the faint-hearted but the dare devils.
Accommodation:
Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
2 Day Trip to Jinja -Inclusions
- Transport in 4WD tour vehicle
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the tour description
- Bottled water
- All activities included in the itinerary
2 Day Trip to Jinja – Exclusions
- Visa fees
- Air fairs
- Luxury drinks such as alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Tips and porterage
- Laundry and other personal expenditures
