11 Days Mount Elgon Adventure Hike

Jinja is a city located in the eastern part of Uganda, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Kampala, the capital city. Jinja is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile River.

Attractions

• Source of the Nile : Visit the spot where the Nile River originates from Lake Victoria.
• Nile River : Take a boat cruise or whitewater rafting trip on the Nile River.
• Owen Falls Dam : A hydroelectric dam located near the source of the Nile.
• Jinja Market : A bustling market selling fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Nile High Bungee : Take a bungee jump off the Nile High Bungee platform.

Activities

• Whitewater rafting : Experience the thrill of navigating the Nile River's rapids.
• Kayaking : Paddle down the Nile River and enjoy the scenic views.
• Boat cruises : Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Victoria or the Nile River.
• Horseback riding : Explore the countryside on horseback.
• Volunteering : Participate in community development projects or conservation efforts.

Jinja is a popular destination for adventure seekers and those looking to experience the natural beauty of Uganda.

Visit to Kyabazinga Royal Palace, Igenge Palace

The Igenge Palace located on Igenge hill is the official Kyabazinga Royal Palace for the Busonga Kingdom. In March 2020, His Highness Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, started living in the official palace in Bugembe Town Council in Jinja District. The Kyabazinga’s palace has been unoccupied for six years due to renovation by government of Uganda.

Busoga became a kingdom in 1906 when only that it had no central ruler. The king was installed with the help of the British. In Busoga some of the chiefs were appointed by the Kabaka of Buganda and given authority to rule land in Busoga.

Visit to the Railway Museum

The Uganda Railway Museum is a national railway museum located along the Jinja-Iganga Highway at the Railway Station in Jinja City. Constructed in 1928, Jinja Railway Station is one of Jinja’s oldest, historical buildings. The Railway Museum contains artefacts from the days before the railway in Uganda, the life during the early days of railway development, the era of colonial expansion, and the railways after independence. Part of the museum is designed with young people in mind to support their learning and appreciation of Uganda’s history. The Uganda Railway Museum is open to the general public from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm (ignore what the sign says).

Boat cruise at the source of the Nile

The Nile River is the longest river in the world, called the father of African rivers. It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. It has a length of about 4,132 miles (6,650 kilometres) and drains an area estimated at 1,293,000 square miles (3,349,000 square kilometres). Its basin includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the cultivated part of Egypt. Its most distant source is the Kagera River in Burundi.

Night life

Jinja nightlife offers a vibrant scene filled with excitement, entertainment, and local culture. Located on the shores of the Nile, this charming town in Uganda transforms after dark, providing a blend of music, dance, and social experiences that cater to every taste. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet drink by the river or dance the night away at a club, Jinja has it all. In this article, we will explore the top activities, venues, and experiences that define nightlife in Jinja, ensuring you have an unforgettable evening. So grab your friends, and let’s dive into the after-dark Adventures awaiting you in this beautiful town.

Drive-yourself adventure and sightseeing safaris.
Safety comes first and we have many different routes to suit each rider; easy and scenic, challenging and technical, or a combination.

Start times to suit you, all day, every day of the year. We have easy to drive Quadbikes (All Terrain Vehicles) to suit all levels and ages. No minimum number – 1 person welcome.

Below – details and rates for all ATV Quadbike Safaris – all ages, all levels – beginners to expert riders. All inclusive; we provide you with protective clothing, safety briefing, comprehensive training over 3 circuits, complimentary photos, and bottled water on all our safaris.

Drive yourself, guided adventure and sightseeing ATV / Quadbike Safaris. You don’t need any previous experience, we provide a training / practice session before each trip. All Terrain Adventures use easy to ride ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) / Quadbikes to explore the tracks and trails beside the Nile; connecting small villages and farms for many kilometers downstream from our base at Bujagali Falls. A special way to see the headwaters at the start of the Victoria Nile.

Visit to Busowoko falls

Busowoko falls is one of the most beautiful and breath-taking waterfalls that Uganda has. It is strategically located in Jinja in Eastern part of Uganda also known as Uganda’s tourist city along the rapids of the Nile River. This fall offers the most stunning and picturesque views and it would be a great stop over especially while using the eastern route of Uganda. Busowoko falls is approximately 80km from Kampala to Busowoko falls which makes it even more accessible by Tourists. Not forgetting Busowoko falls is located next to the source of the Nile River which is a create tourist site to visit while at Jinja district. While at Busowoko one can get relaxing activities such as water massages that shall indeed make ones Uganda tour at Busowoko falls an interesting and great one.

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano and one of Uganda’s oldest geological formations, with its first eruption occurring around 24 million years ago. At one point in history, it was Africa’s tallest mountain, standing even higher than Kilimanjaro’s 5,895m. However, millions of years of erosion have gradually reduced its height to 4,321m, ranking it as the 4th highest peak in East Africa and the 8th highest on the continent.

A Mountain of Cultural Significance

Mount Elgon is home to the Bagisu and Sabiny tribes, while the Ndorobo community has historically lived in the forests of Benet. To the Bagisu (BaMasaba), the mountain represents their ancestral father, Masaba, and they continue to honor this heritage by referring to the mountain by his name.

The Bagisu circumcision ritual (Imbalu), one of the region’s most significant cultural traditions, is directly tied to the mountain. This public initiation ceremony, held every even-numbered year, marks a young man’s transition into adulthood and attracts visitors from across the country.

The Mount Elgon trek is a thrilling hike that takes you through the Mount Elgon National Park to the highest peak, and the spectacular 40km caldera. During this trek, you’ll encounter amazing features; caves, hills, peaks, small rivers, rare species, birds, and animals like the mountain antelope. The national park is a habitat for 300 bird species, making it perfect for birders and photographers.

There are several trails for the hike, all with picturesque features and a promise of adventure.

The Sipi trail is a moderately challenging circuit trail that starts from Sipi and ends in Bushiyi. It takes 4-5 days to hike on this trail. The Bushiyi trail is short and intense, only taking 3 to 4 days. The Piswa trail is the longest and the easiest to hike on. It takes 5 to 6 days, starting from Piswa and ending in Bushiyi.

In case of time limitations, go for the day hike tour of Mount Elgon National Park starting from Kapkwai Exploration Center. The higher slopes of Mount Elgon, which are on the border of Kenya and Uganda, are a protected conservation area declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.

Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, located in the central region of the country.

Kampala is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level.

Kampala has a tropical savanna climate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.

Here are some of the attractions in Kampala City

• Kasubi Tombs : A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial ground of the Buganda kings.
• Uganda Museum : A museum showcasing the history, culture, and natural heritage of Uganda.
• Ndere Cultural Centre : A cultural centre promoting Ugandan culture through music, dance, and art.
• Kampala Central Mosque : A beautiful mosque and one of the largest in Africa.
• St. Paul's Cathedral Namirembe : A historic cathedral and one of the oldest churches in Uganda.

Markets and Shopping

• Owino Market : A bustling market selling everything from clothing to food.
• Nakasero Market : A market selling fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Garden City : A shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Nightlife

• Kampala Club : A popular nightclub with live music and DJs.
• The Atmosphere: A bar and restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and live music.
• Jahazi Lounge : A bar and restaurant with a focus on African cuisine and live music.

Kampala is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich cultural heritage. From its historic landmarks to its lively markets and nightlife, there's something for everyone in Kampala.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Airport and this will mark the end of your trip.