Jinja stands where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria and begins its long journey north. It is Uganda's adventure town, known for white-water rafting, kayaking and quieter days on the river, and it makes an easy first or last stop on a safari.
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge sits on a small island in the Nile, surrounded by rapids, which is about as close to the river as you can stay. From there you can raft, paddle, take a sunset cruise or simply watch the water go by.
The river banks are good for birds, with kingfishers, cormorants, herons, fish eagles and weavers along the water, and monitor lizards and otters are occasionally seen.
Activities here
Jinja is warm all year, with days around 25 to 29°C. The main rains are March to May and October to November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 17 | 60 |
| Feb | 29 | 17 | 70 |
| Mar | 28 | 18 | 140 |
| Apr | 27 | 18 | 200 |
| May | 27 | 17 | 170 |
| Jun | 26 | 17 | 90 |
| Jul | 26 | 16 | 80 |
| Aug | 26 | 16 | 100 |
| Sep | 27 | 17 | 110 |
| Oct | 27 | 17 | 130 |
| Nov | 27 | 17 | 140 |
| Dec | 27 | 17 | 90 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to September and December to February are the drier months, with warm, sunny days that suit time on the river. The Nile is rafted all year, so the season matters less here than in the parks.
The rains fall mainly from March to May and in October and November, usually as short, heavy afternoon storms. Mornings are often fine, which is when most river trips start.
Jinja is good at any time of year. River levels vary with rainfall, which changes the character of some rapids, and we plan activities accordingly.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Jinja is about 2 hours by road from Kampala, and about 3 hours from Entebbe, though traffic can add time. It sits on the main road towards Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon.
A visa is needed for Uganda and can be applied for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Please see the Uganda page for details.
Rafting and kayaking are run with safety briefings and support kayakers, but they carry real risk, so follow the guides’ instructions. Bilharzia is present in parts of Lake Victoria and the Nile, and it is sensible to ask your doctor about a simple test after your trip if you spend time in the water.
National ParkBwindi Impenetrable National ParkMountain gorilla trekking
National ParkKibale National ParkChimpanzee tracking
National ParkQueen Elizabeth National ParkKazinga Channel boat safari and tree-climbing lions
National ParkMurchison Falls National ParkThe Nile forcing through a seven-metre gorge
National ParkKidepo Valley National ParkRemote savannah wilderness
National ParkLake Mburo National ParkWalking safaris among zebra and elandOur take
“Calm or wild water”
Jinja does not have to mean adrenaline. Some of our guests raft the big rapids, but many prefer a gentle morning in a kayak or a sunset cruise to the source of the Nile. We tailor it to your nerve and your pace, and the island lodge makes both feel special.
Safaris from
US$160 per person
Plan your time in Jinja
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Made to measure
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