1 Day Trip To Jinja

Name: 1 Day Jinja Trip: Source of The Nile Cruise
Brand: 1 Day Jinja Trip: Source of The Nile Cruise
SKU: 20350
Price: $ 200 $
Availability: InStock
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1 Day, From $200 Per Person

1 Day Trip To Jinja

From

$ 200

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1 Day Trip To Jinja: Source of The Nile Cruise

This 1 day Jinja trip is one of the best day tours from Kampala, combining culture, nature, and adventure into a single unforgettable experience. Your journey takes you to the Sezibwa Falls, a spiritual and cultural heritage site of the Buganda Kingdom, before continuing to the tranquil Mabira Forest, where you’ll enjoy a guided nature walk and spot monkeys, colorful birds, and rare plant species. The highlight of the trip is a boat cruise to the Source of the River Nile, where the world’s longest river exit Africa’s largest lake to begins its epic journey north to the Mediterranean Sea. Expect stunning scenery, great photo opportunities, and a chance to relax by the water with a delicious lunch before returning to Kampala in the evening.

Trip Highlights

Visit The Sezibwa Waterfalls
Explore the Wildlife and Trails of Mabira Forest
Enjoy a Relaxing and Scenic Boat Ride on the Nile
Visit the Amazing Spot Where the Nile Begins
Enjoy a Delicious Lunch by the Beautiful River Views

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Trip Itinerary

Meeting Point

The 1-day Jinja trip starts as early as possible with the driver guide picking you from the hotel in Kampala or any other agreed place by 6.30am. We aim to beat the menacing traffic jam through the city and save enough time to be able to enjoy all the day’s activities without rush.

Sezibwa Falls tour

After about 40 minutes of driving, you’ll arrive at your first stop of the day — the spectacular Sezibwa Falls, located roughly 20 miles along the Kampala–Jinja highway. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and serene forest paths, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Sezibwa is more than just a scenic waterfall — it is an important Buganda cultural heritage site with a fascinating history. According to legend, the falls and river were formed by powerful ancestral spirits who chose to remain here, blessing the area with spiritual significance. Local traditionalists still visit the site to perform rituals and offer sacrifices for good fortune, fertility, and prosperity.

During your one-hour guided tour, a knowledgeable site guide will lead you through the grounds, sharing captivating stories about the river’s mystical origins, its role in Buganda culture, and the sacred shrines still used today. You’ll also have time to enjoy the natural beauty — listen to the soothing rush of water, spot playful monkeys and colorful birds, and capture unforgettable photos of this enchanting spot.

Nature walk in Mabira Forest

After exploring Sezibwa Falls, you will continue along the highway for about twenty minutes to reach Mabira Forest, the largest rainforest in central Uganda. Spanning 306 square kilometers, Mabira has been regenerating for over a century.

The forest is home to diverse wildlife. Towering trees and unique shrubs create a lush canopy, while hundreds of bird species, colorful butterflies, and rare moths fill the air with color and sound. Small mammals such as duikers, bushbucks, squirrels, and red-tailed monkeys roam the forest, and the rare grey-cheeked mangabey can often be seen moving gracefully through the trees.

Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide at the Mabira Eco-Tourism Center and set off on a 1-hour guided nature walk along well-marked trails. As you trek through the peaceful forest, you will enjoy the serenity of nature, spot playful monkeys and exotic birds, and learn about the unique plants and trees that make Mabira so special.

A highlight of the walk is the chance to encounter the habituated group of grey-cheeked mangabeys, a rare primate species that has adapted well to the forest environment. After this immersive nature experience, you will return to the highway and continue your journey to Jinja for the next exciting part of your day.

Boat ride to the Source of the River Nile in Jinja

Upon arrival in Jinja, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a hotel overlooking the Nile, taking in the serene river views and preparing for the highlight of your day. You will then embark on a scenic boat cruise along the River Nile, heading upstream to the exact point where the world’s longest river begins its journey northward.

At the Source of the Nile, you will witness the fascinating sight of water bubbling up from underground springs, a natural phenomenon that marks the river’s humble beginnings before it merges with the waters of Lake Victoria. The surrounding landscape is lush and vibrant, providing perfect opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.

The area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with abundant waterbirds including cormorants, herons, kingfishers, and pelicans gracing the riverbanks and nearby islands. Along the way, you may also spot other wildlife inhabiting the shores, adding to the richness of the experience. After approximately one hour on the water, you will return to the shore to meet your driver and begin the journey back to Kampala, arriving in the evening with memories of an unforgettable day.