Jinja Day Trip Guide: What to See and What It Costs

Jinja is one of the easiest and most affordable trips from Kampala. It is where Lake Victoria empties into the River Nile, and the Source of the Nile is the town’s best-known sight. This guide covers what to see, how to get there and what a trip costs.

What is the Source of the Nile?

The Source of the Nile is the point at Jinja where water leaves Lake Victoria and begins the River Nile’s journey north towards the Mediterranean Sea. Nineteenth-century European explorers made the spot famous, although geographers still debate where the Nile’s true headwaters lie. For visitors, it is a calm, scenic place with a boat ride and good photo opportunities. Read more about Jinja.

What to see and do in Jinja

• Visit the Source of the Nile and take a boat ride on the river
• See the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, where part of Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the Nile in 1948
• Try white-water rafting with a specialist operator
• Take photographs along the river

How long does a Jinja trip take?

Jinja is about 80 kilometres east of Kampala, and the drive takes roughly one and a half to three hours depending on traffic. Many day tours listed online run around 12 hours including travel, so start early.

How much does a Jinja trip cost?

Prices vary a lot. At the time of writing, private day tours from Kampala listed on booking sites often start at around USD 200 to 300 per person, while going by shared minibus taxi (matatu) costs only a few thousand shillings each way, but leaves you to organise the boat ride and entry yourself. Our Jinja trip costs from USD 100 per person and includes transport, a boat ride, photography, entry fees and lunch.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes and sun protection
• A light rain jacket
• A water bottle and a charged phone

Make it a weekend

If you want more than a single day, combine Jinja with a hike at Sipi Falls. See our two-day Sipi Falls trip, or compare options in our Uganda trip cost guide.