Jinja & the River Nile

Among the world's top Grade 5 white water rafting destinations at the source of the River Nile.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Dec to Mar

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Overview

Back in the Victorian period, the source of the River Nile was declared to be Jinja which lies on Lake Victoria. This declaration began the unlikely fame and popularity of this small sleepy town. Intrepid Victorian adventurers settled on Jinja, on the western shores of Lake Victoria, as the most distant source for the world’s longest river. And indeed this is where the White Nile begins its 4230-mile journey to the Mediterranean. So it’s impossible to visit Uganda without feeling the tug to visit this spot.

White Water Rafting on the River Nile

Jinja itself may be a little quiet. But white water rafting the Nile River is the major draw for a new generation of thrill-seekers. At the Bujagali Falls, 8km from Jinja, modern adventurers take on some of the finest white water rafting in the world.

If you would quite like to try some white water rafting, but don’t fancy spending so much time upside down, or outside the raft, then try the Grade 3 rafting.

Wildwaters Reserve

Why not stay on an unspoiled riverine island in a private oasis of comfort about 26km downstream? Enjoy guided walks, swimming, and fishing. Or just chilling out. Here you get the charge of energy from being near surging frothy water. But without the immersion.

White -water rafting at Jinja on River Nile

The Wildwaters Reserve protects several of the tropical forested islands mid-stream in the Nile. The Wildwaters Lodge is on a mid-stream island only accessible by canoe. And so you are surrounded by rapids and rushing waters. But you are some half an hour away from the main white water rafting and adventure sports hustle and bustle.

Why We Love It

  • Among the world's top Grade 5 white water rafting destinations at the source of the River Nile
  • Easily reached from Kampala, just over an hour’s drive away
  • East Africa’s ‘adventure capital’
  • Offers other adventure activities - kayaking, quad biking, bunjee-jumping and horse-riding
  • Explore the Nile on a riverboat cruise on Lake Bujagali
  • Wildwaters Reserve offers sanctuary to endemic birds, schools of fish and unique flora and fauna
  • The Nile is still a great choice for ‘rest and relaxation’ after a Uganda safari

When to visit Jinja & the River Nile

Summer months in Jinja

Jinja, being closer to Kenya, shares the same distinct rainfall pattern. The summer months of January to mid-March are relatively dry and a good time to visit Jinja. Being relatively low in altitude, the climate is hot and humid with little variation in temperatures throughout the year. Days are hot (29C) and nights are cooler (17C). There is some chance of rain but usually only late afternoon showers.
AVG RAINFALL 77mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 16 ℃ / 61 ℉
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The 'Long rains'

As elsewhere, the main seasonal difference in Jinja is around rainfall. This is the time of the “long rains”, heaviest in April. Temperatures cool off ever so slightly but no major difference.
AVG RAINFALL 156mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 6 Hours
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 63 ℉
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Dry winter season

June to September is a second relatively dry winter season. Temperatures are a little lower than summer being 26-27C in the day and 16C at night.
AVG RAINFALL 77mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 80 ℉
MIN TEMP 15.5 ℃ / 60 ℉
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Short rain with warmer temperatures

Temperatures start warming up again in September and the short rains start. These are slightly less heavy than the long rains and last through to November.
AVG RAINFALL 132mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 83 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉
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Kate Bergh

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Kate, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH