Jinja and the source of the Nile: rafting, boat trips and more

In 1862 the explorer John Hanning Speke reached the point where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria and claimed it as the river's source. From here the water travels about 6,650 km to the Mediterranean. Today the town of Jinja is also Uganda's adventure capital.

Things to do in Jinja

• Boat trip to the source. A short ride takes you to the spot where the Nile begins its journey north.

• White-water rafting. Grade 4 and 5 rapids make the Nile one of the world's great rafting rivers, and calmer sections suit families.

• Kayaking, tubing and bungee for a gentler or wilder day on the river.

• Gandhi memorial. Some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were scattered here in 1948, and a memorial marks the spot.

How long should you stay?

A day trip from Kampala works, but one or two nights let you add rafting or relax by the river.

When to go

Jinja is good all year.

Getting there

Jinja is about 85 km from Kampala, roughly 2 hours by road depending on traffic.

Local tip

Choose a rafting operator with safety kayakers on the water, and ask about calmer sections if you are travelling with children.

Read more on the source of the Nile and rafting on the Nile.