Jinja City

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Jinja City

Jinja City : It is also known as Uganda’s adventure capital, the place where the world’s longest river exits. The city referred to in Lusoga as ‘Idindha’ occupies a lush wide peninsula flanked by Lake Victoria to the south and east, and the Nile and now-submerged Ripon Falls to the west. Initially, Jinja was the industrial heart of Uganda but its economy collapsed during the Amin years. However, it has never quiet recovered although it retains the spacious and attractive layout of its colonial-era incarnation. In addition, its roads are lined with some fine Asian architecture, giving it a sense of place that is further enhanced by the spread of thickly vegetated residential suburbs carved from the jungle between the town centre, the lake and river.

Attractions in Jinja

Source of the Nile

jinja source of the nile

The source of the Nile was discovered by a European Explorer Speke and it’s situated in Jinja district where it flows 130km into Lake Kyoga. The last part of 200km river section starts from the western shores of the lake and flows at first to the west until it reaches south of Masindi Port. It later turns north then makes a circle to Karuma Falls. For the remaining part it flows merely westerly through the Murchison Falls. When it reaches the very northern shores of Lake Albert, it forms a significant river delta.

The lake itself is on the border of DR Congo, but the Nile is not a border river at this point. After leaving Lake Albert, the river continues north through Uganda whereby its known as the Albert Nile. The river covers many countries and these include Sudan, Egypt, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya etc. The Nile has two major tributaries; the White Nile considered to be the headwaters and primary stream and the Blue Nile which is the source of the most waters and silt. Along the Nile, there are several exciting activities such as; rafting, boat cruise, bungee jumping to mention but a few.

Kayaking

kayaking in jinja

This is another interesting pounding adventure on the Nile. It is a great way to experience the Nile and its surrounding areas of communities, local people, and alluring birds feeding on the fish. With kayaking here you get to sit in a small narrow boat wrapped around your waist equipped with a double blade paddle. It is a more testing activity since it provides an opportunity to develop your own skills, rather than just bouncing along the rafts controlled by the professionals’. For the case of the trainees, Courses and expeditions are offered whose instructors are well trained to the UK’s standard. The limited age for Kayaking is 14 years and above, however there is a quit number of activities that tourists below the age of 14 can participate in to enjoy their adventurous trip in Jinja.

White water rafting

white water rafting in jinja

It is the most popular excursion on the upper Nile and it’s an experience that teaches you to remain calm while under great pressure. Additionally, this activity takes you to the middle of the river under pressurizing rapids. Nevertheless, early morning is the best time to go for rafting adventure. More so, any traveler preparing to go for the activity should leave all the belongings behind.

On the other hand, one has to sign a form with all details. However, those with anemia are restricted from the activity for the wellbeing of their lives. The young children and adolescents are not allowed to go through the strongest and difficult rapids they instead take the route of smaller rapids to explore the forest. The rafting is safe given to the number of highly trained guides who are experienced in navigating through the rapids. It is also important to follow the instructions of the guides for your safety. Besides, participants are given life jackets and strong helmets to protect them from in case they trip over.

Boat cruise

boat cruise in jinja

The Nile offers both lunch and sunset cruise an interesting activity that every traveler should encounter. The cruise offers an authentic memorable experience that you would not miss while on a Ugandan trip. Enjoy the sites of the river and the rapids, free flowing calm waters and as you continue with the excursion, you may be able to watch various bird species in the area.

Bungee jumping

This activity gives an opportunity to the traveler to fly like birds in the air. The jump involves jumping from a raised platform with a bungee cord connected to two tied legs. To participate in the activity one doesn’t require experience but instead determination. It’s upon ones decision to choose when to do the activity but there is both day and night Bungee but for the night Bungee you are limited from viewing various interesting environment in the area and you will not get a clear view of the pictures.

Mabira forest

The 306km Mabira forest reserve whose southern extremities are skirted by the main Kampala-Jinja road as it runs between Lugazi and Njeru, ranks the largest remaining block of the moist semi-deciduous forest in Central and Eastern Uganda. The Forest is a rain forest area covering about 300 square kilometers in Uganda located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja.  The forest is the best place to go for nature walk, biking, bird watching, zip lining among others. The forest is a home of over 315 bird species; the forest wood hoope, purple throated cuckoo, shinning blue king fisher, red headed blue bill and much more. Other unique features exist in the area such as over 218 butterfly species and small mammals like monkeys. The forest has more than 312 tree species with medicinal importance and known to cure various diseases, papyrus swamps extra.

What to do in Mabira forest

mabira forest

Zip lining

This is an adventurous activity that gives you a golden opportunity to share the sky with the birds. An incredible moment that you would live to remember with great chances and possibilities to eye and touch the tallest tree branches. The activity can be done at Griffin falls found at the most famous Mabira forest. One is able to enjoy forest layers, mammal the grey checked mangabeys, red tailed monkeys and various bird species like the great blue Turaco, African fish eagle, and the Palm nut vultures. The Zip lining activity gives a tourist a unique perspective and experience in Mabira Forest.

Birding in Mabira

This is a must do activity for the birders, the forest houses over 315 bird species such as the forest wood hoope, Blue Headed Crested Monarch, purple throated cuckoo, shinning blue king fisher, red headed blue bill, Cassin Hawk Eagle, the Black Bellied Seed Cracker, White-bellied Kingfisher, Grey Parrot, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cassin’s Honey guide, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Red-tailed Bristlebil and much more thus making it a good destination for birding.  Various animal species exist in the area such as grey cheeked mangabeys, red tailed monkeys extra.

Nature walk

This will help you discover various tree species in the area which are over 312.  Some trees in the area can cure terrible diseases that’s why many tourist in Uganda reach Mabira forest.

Ssezibwa Falls

The waterfall lies on Ssezibwa River and was a favorite spot of Kabaka Mwanga and Kabaka Muteesa II. Here, they both planted their trees which still flourish to date. According to the legend, Ssezibwa was a progeny of a woman called Nakangu expected to give birth to twin children. But what instead poured from her womb was a twin river. Apart from praising the nature of the falls, there other interesting activities that one can enjoy and explore. These include; climbing, community visit, camping, guided nature walks, hiking, Bird watching and many others.

Activities at Ssezibwa falls
Birding

Bird watching is among the most fantastic and popular activity at Ssezibwa and there over 200 bird species as short listed; kingfishers, black & white hornbills, snake birds, cormorants, red chested cuckoo, red eyed dove, warblers, olive birds, parrots among others. Primates are also residents in the area such as the white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys and much more.

Hiking

There are various tree species in the area that are used traditionalists for medical purposes of healing different diseases that exist in Uganda. Hiking through the rocks is also interesting and some to engage in the activity has to be physically fit and those with health hazards you’re restricted from hiking because it’s very tiresome though thrilling and interesting on the other hand.

Community visits

These can be done to encounter different cultures in Uganda and around the area. Visiting Ssezibwa is not seasonal since the falls can be visited all year round according to someone’s program.

Accommodation in Jinja
Upmarket
  • Source of the Smile Hotel
  • Gately on Nile
  • Living water’s Resort
Moderate
  • Nile Anchor Palace
  • Nile Village Hotel
  • Source of the Nile Hotel
Budget
  • Crested Crane Hotel
  • Bilkon Hotel
  • Kabalega Guesthouse
  • Brisk Recreation Hotel

 

Entebbe city

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Entebbe City

Entebbe City : is a city in Central Uganda located on a Lake Victoria peninsula, a few metres North of the Equator. It is also approximately 40km south of modern capital Kampala in Wakiso district. It was capital of Uganda during the colonial era and became a British colonial administrative and commercial center in 1893. Sir Gerald Portal used it as a base and it was once the seat of government for the Protectorate of Uganda prior to independence, in 1962.

Entebbe was initially named Entebbe International Airport in 1951, Uganda’s largest commercial and military airport. This Airport was also known for the dramatic rescue of 100 hostages kidnapped by the militant group of the Revolutionary cell’s organizations. Generally, the city is a location of the State House, the official office and residence of the president of Uganda. Nevertheless in 1913, Sir Frederick Treves described Entebbe as “the prettiest and most charming town of the lake”.

Why is it called Entebbe?

The word came from Luganda language “entebe” meaning “chair or seat”. Initially, Entebbe was a cultural site for the Mamba clan deriving the Luganda phrase ‘Entebe za Mugala’. Literally meaning the ‘Headquarters’ where the Baganda chief sat to adjudicate legal cases.

Climate

Entebbe experiences tropical rainforest climate according to the climate classification. The driest season is January while the wettest season is April because the temperature is moderated by the altitude. However, the hottest month is February while the coolest month is July.

Tourist attractions

The extensive Entebbe botanical gardens

The gardens were laid out in 1898 and lies at the shores of the world’s fresh water lake, Lake Victoria situated at the Equator line. It is an attractively laid-out fix of indigenous forests, cultivation, horticulture and a bird paradise where tourists can go for bird watching. Some of the bird species include; red chested sunbirds, marabou stork, black-headed heron, hamerkop, long tailed cormorant etc. The garden is also a favorite place for botanists boasting with over 300 species of plants. These range from tropical, sub-tropical and temperature zones. Besides, several shrubs, butterflies and other plants regenerated naturally over the years.

Additionally, Botanical garden is a habitat for tree squirrels and monkey species such as the black and white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey etc. The spider webs are also another interesting factor with different types of spiders to be seen. Tourists can enjoy guided nature walks at the rocky area near the magnificent lake and to the forest canopy. While here, you also enjoy views of more bird species and getting enchanted with the cool breeze.

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (ZOO)

The Entebbe Zoo was established as a sanctuary for orphaned and injured or rescued wild animals in 1950. It was founded by the colonial government with help from the Wildlife Conversation Society. Later in 1960, it became a traditional zoo where people would go to sight famous African wildlife. While at the zoo, you can have a comprehensive interpretation and briefing on the animals. It is filled with animals such as white rhinos, lions, giraffes, warthogs, crocodiles, peacocks.  Parrots, shoebills, marabou storks, elands, impalas, African rock pythons, kobs, zebras, leopards etc. Over 120 species of birds and 23 species of primates (black and white colobus monkeys, Debraza monkeys etc.). Apart from animals the zoo also has abundant plant life (flowers, herbs and shrubs) and butterfly species.

What to do while at UWEC

uganda wildlief education center

For those who want a more in-depth educative experience at the this place. A guide can be hired at a fee of $10 to show you the animals and answer all your questions. The centre also arranges donkey and camel rides at a small fee. One can also take a boat along the shores of Lake Victoria. At UWEC you can get up close with the chimpanzees. While tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park is rewarding here you get to play and interact with the chimps as much as you want.

You can also participate in the Behind-the-scenes tour where you get a chance to prepare the animals’ food. Besides you can take part in health checks and bring the animals back to their shelters. Above all, you can be a keeper for a day which is a more hands on tour where you take part in feeding some of the animals. Hang around with the animals as a zookeeper for a day. In conclusion, the zoo is a place for all, adults and children. The guides are quite informative and the experience is fun and exciting. It is not exactly a national park but the animals still feel at home in their respective enclosures and as a conservational area, the animal’s comfort is what really counts.

Reptile Village

uganda reptile village

Generally, this village lies on the northwestern edge of Entebbe, 3km off the main road. The village’s major function is to educate people about reptiles so that they can overcome their fears and take interest in their conservation. Reptile village has over 20 reptile species like the boomslangs, the Gabon viper, forest cobra, leopard tortoise etc. However, visitors are given an opportunity to lift the rock python under the supervision of the reptile guides.

The guides are quite informative and often share intriguing facts about the reptiles in the village. At the extreme edges of the sites, one can enjoy the sight of the swampy areas which are habitat to different reptiles, birds and monkeys. Around the swampy areas, tourists can enjoy adventurous activities such as canoeing in the artificial river and sport fishing as well. Today, the village is enclosed in a fence and three large concrete structures stand in the middle as the home for reptiles.

Ziika Forest

This forest is among the many small forest in Uganda that has got exclusive mature trees and the best for bird watching in Entebbe. Ziika means “overgrown” in Luganda language. A small trail network explores the forest at ground levels while a high metal tower provides a birds’ and monkeys’ eye view across and at the top of the forest canopy. Bio diversity of swamps that is full of crocodiles, grasslands as well as forest types which spreads to Lake Victoria. There are over 140 types of woody plants, 60 moth types, leopards, snakes, monkeys and antelopes that are found in this forest. This forest, say many birders, is a great place for bird watching yet also has a great educational advantage.

Mabamba Swamp

mabamba swamps

It is the natural habitat for the elusive Shoebill in Africa. Bird watching in this swamp is done mainly on a canoe which is run by experienced tour guides. They have developed skills and knowledge of special places where the rare shoebill stork can be viewed. Other bird species include swamp flycatcher, African water rail, papyrus gonolek, lesser jacana, African jacana. White-faced whistling duck, blue breasted bee eater, goliath heron to mention but a few.

Other wildlife in this part include; the antelopes, plant species etc. Butterfly species such as gossamer winged butterflies, skippers, brush footed butterflies, emperor swallowtail, hairstreaks to mention but a few. Mabamba swamp can be accessed from Entebbe town which is a 1hour drive, and still a ferry from Nakiwogo landing site can be used which takes only 20 minutes to the swamp.

Lutembe Bay

This is a Ramsar site and birder’s destination on Lake Victoria located on the eastern side of Kampala-Entebbe. Lutembe bay being a wetland on Lake Victoria is home to lots of water and wetland associated birds. However, the site extends beyond the papyrus filled lake shore to cover wooded grasslands, gardens and thickets which contribute to a high diversity of birds in Lutembe area. The wetland is home to 8 of the 12 Lake Victoria biome species in Uganda. It is also a home to over 108 bird species and these include; papyrus gonolek, African skimmer, papyrus yellow warbler, Madagascar Squacco heron to mention but a few.

Entebbe Golf Club

entebbe golf

This is the oldest golf course in East Africa and was established in 1900. This golf club is located a few yards away from the shores of Lake Victoria. It is also surrounded by the in the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre which is well endowed with Rhinos, Lions, Giraffes and others. Golfers will surely enjoy the nice refreshing breeze from the Lake to the Zoo animals cheering their good shots.

How to get there

One can reach to Entebbe by means of mini buses or taxis from Kampala which takes approximately 1-2 hours by road, depending on the traffic jam on the day you’re travelling.

Where to stay
Luxury
  • Imperial Resort Beach Hotel
  • Protea hotel
  • K Hotels
  • Aquarius Kigo Resort
Mid-range
  • Lake Heights Hotel
  • Innophine Hotel
  • Executive Airport Hotel
  • Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel
Budget
  • Anderitah Beach Hotel
  • Gately Inn Entebbe
  • Sienna Beach Hotel
  • Sky Beach Hotel

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