Source of the Nile

A visit to the source of the Nile is incomplete without taking part in other tourism activities available in Jinja City. As earlier noted, Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa. The existence of the fast-flowing Nile has made it perfect for extreme water sports. For those afraid of extreme sports or heights can choose to do simpler activities as you will find out here below.

So many activities are done on the Nile such as Bungee jumping, Kayaking, white water rafting, boat rides, quad biking, cycling, birdwatching, horseback riding and sport fishing. These activities have attracted large numbers of tourists that visit Uganda every year. Once you are in Jinja city, you get to know that surely Uganda is the peal of Africa.

White-water Rafting

This is one of the adventurous raising activities designed for tourists who enjoy extreme sports. Travelers have testified that the white-water rafting experience in Jinja is of very high quality by international standards. Whitewater rafting in Jinja discloses Tourists to grade 4 and 5 rapids. It is also possible for Tourists to choose for much simpler rafting away from the more challenging rapids. Whitewater rafting is arranged close to the Itanda Kalagala falls using air-filled tube boats. These tube boats slide through the mighty rapids and are very safe.

Bungee Jumping

This is another exciting activity worth partaking in after or before visiting the source of the Nile. Bungee Jumping over the Nile is a daring yet fun and safe activity. Most Travelers who go for it love adventure and testing their limits. Participants walk up to the jumping point where their feet are secured with strong chords. They then take a dive into space from a 43m high platform towards the flowing river Nile. Although frightening to some participants, Bungee jumping is directed by professionals who ensure that partakers are safe and well prepared. Children under the age of 13 and adults with underlying health challenges are not allowed to take part in bungee jumping over the Nile.

Tubing the Nile

Imagine yourself floating freely in a sitting position in the middle of a mighty river! The River Nile offers an exceptional opportunity to get the experience. Tubing the Nile gives you a chance to float freely on-air pressed tubes for between 2 to 3 hours on one of the most famous river in the world. The experience goes on for a distance of up to 2km while enjoying the warm sun. Participants get to recognize the pure beauty of the Nile River with beautiful forests, plants, landscape and water birds. The floating may continue up to the new Jinja bridge. Tubing the Nile is also safe because of the measures put in place.

Kayaking

This activity involves using special canoes to go through the white-water rapids of the Nile at a slow pace. Kayaking allows one to experience the flow of river Nile closely. Like rafting and Tubing, participants get to experience the complete beauty of River Nile and the surrounding nature. The activity is safe and participants undergo a briefing that includes instructions on how to row their boat safely. The briefing also comprises of how to take action in case of an emergency.

Quad Biking

Quad Biking is open to people of all ages. The activity involves riding a four wheeled bike to the nearby villages and along the banks of river Nile. Longer bike tours take you to forested areas of Jinja, sugarcane and tea plantations. Biking through the local villages takes you to enjoy the African country side where you will learn a lot about how the local people go about with their lives. Expect to bypass local markets, churches, schools, farms and drinking joints. Quad biking in Jinja does not require any prior experience which makes it one of the most preferred ways to explore the Nile and the Ugandan countryside. All participants have to follow instructions from the professional bikers. After the briefing, riders are given the necessary safety gear.

Cycling

 Apart from Quad biking, Travelers can also use normal mountain bikes to discover Jinja and the River Nile. Cycling can be more tiring but it is one way of exercising while touring the village communities of Jinja. Cycling Tours in Jinja take partakers through small villages, tea farms, sugarcane plantations and the suburbs of Jinja city. Cycling can be arranged for a few hours or half a day.

Sport Fishing

Sport fishing is one of the interesting things to do after visiting the source of the Nile in Jinja. Fishing is organized in specific spots along river Nile. The fishing Guides know the places with the highest numbers of fish and so you can be sure to end the day with a memorable catch. The main species caught in the Nile waters are the giant Nile perch and the tasty tilapia. It’s important that one uses the right fishing gear to avoid catching immature fish. If one doesn’t have the right gear, they can hire one from the fishing Guides. Before going out fishing, all Anglers are briefed on the safety measures to consider while fishing in on the Nile. Fishing activities are organized in the morning and evening hours

Horseback Riding

This activity opens up opportunities for those who have never had the chance to ride on a horse. Experienced horse riders can also take part because there is more to it than just riding a horse. Horse Riding in Jinja takes you to the surrounding communities and along river Nile. This exposes participants to beautiful scenery and opportunities to mingle with the local people. It is one of the best ways to see how Ugandans go about with their lives. Horse riding is safe and easy to learn even for the first time rider. Horse riding is done in the company of a Guide who leads the way and commands other horses to follow suit.

Birdwatching

The areas around the source of the Nile are one of the best places for birding in Uganda. After reaching the source of the Nile, birders can focus on the hundreds of rare bird species that call river Nile and Lake Victoria Home. Uganda is one of the best countries to observe birds in the world. There are birds everywhere. So many that you can see them even before coming out of your hotel room.