Jinja is referred to as the adventure capital of Uganda. But even the non adventurous souls are catered for in this amazing source of the Nile town. It is usually advisable to start the day a little bit early so as to view the elusive birds in the morning and to experience the best early morning cool weather but still thank God for small favors, even if you miss the morning weather it is always cool in the Mabira forest.
Pick up from your place of residence as early as 7:00 A.M, and travel to Jinja, our first stop-over is the Sezibwa falls. Sezibwa Falls is a 45 minutes drive from Kampala and is located on Jinja Road after Mukono town. It is a wonderful place for a nature walk, birding, picnics, a limited hike to the top of the falls and the cultural worship grounds with their lush greenery grounds which are suitable for camping with sound of the falls in the background.
After Sezibwa falls we proceed to the Mabira forest walk, which starts from the Mabira rain forest lodge. During this walk one gets to view and appreciate the lush greenery growing luxuriantly and hear the most authentic bird songs and sounds as they chatter in the top and canopies of this rain forest and if fortunate one get to see the elusive monkeys.
Proceed withAfter the nature walk in the Mabira forest we proceed to Jinja town (sunset hotel) for lunch. The sunset hotel offers two menus, the Ala carte and the buffet which offer a variety of choices, so one gets to choose between the two without restrictions. Apart from their delicious meals, the sunset hotel possesses one of the best views of the source of the Nile with both the railway and car bridge in view over the sparkling water and reflections when the water is hit by the sun rays, creating a kaleidoscope.
After lunch, take a short tour around Jinja town, we start from the Jinja railway stations and see the railway line that connects Uganda to Kenya and view the diesel locomotives. We proceed to the Hindu temple which has a bronze statue of Gandhi and visit the golf course which possesses very beautiful view of the Nile and Lake Victoria. Finally visit memorial gardens where some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered.
To end the day, go for a boat ride to visit the actual point where the source starts from and view the Speke monument where John Speke stood when he discovered the source of the longest river in the world. Also get to see a number of water birds in the isolated tiny islands on the lake and then board the car and drive back to Kampala/residence.
Rafting
A boat ride to the source of the Nile
Buffet lunch at Jinja Nile resort