Hostels in JINJA, UGANDA

Experiencing the Beauty of Uganda through Jinja

Jinja is a city situated in Jinja district in the eastern part of Uganda. It is only second to Kampala in terms of commercial aspects. The beautiful city is located approximately 87 km from Kampala. Like Entebbe, Jinja is also located near the shores of Lake Victoria at the source of Nile River which offers a striking backdrop to the location. Jinja forms the largest metropolitan area in the entire Jinja District.

Accommodation Options
Guest houses, garden resorts, backpackers’ lodges, rest houses and budget hotels are popular accommodation options here. If it suits your pocket, Jinja has many luxurious hotels which have all facilities on par with western hotels. The city is known for its educational establishments and also has some decent youth hostels for people coming here.

History
The word ‘Jinja’ means ‘rock’ in some local languages. Prior to the nineteenth century, Jinja was a small hamlet popular for fishing. It owes its growth from the fact that it is located on many popular trade routes. Jinja was officially established around 1907 by the British forces as an administrative centre and provincial government headquarters for Busoga region. Its location near the lake has benefited the city enormously. Jinja was also known as 'place of rocks' or 'place of flat rocks' earlier. British used these details to name the settlement as Jinja. After 1910, Indian traders came here to benefit from the growing cotton packing mills and sugar estates.

Popular Places
Much of Jinja’s architecture has Indian influence and visitors here include many Indians who come to reconnect with their roots. Buvuma Island’s forests attract many avid bird watchers. Areas near the shore are popular for aquatic recreational activities. A Hindu temple housing a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi also attracts visitors mostly political dignitaries coming to Jinja. Roman Catholic Diocese of Jinja has a good following with the Christian faith. A small part of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were scattered at the source of White Nile, hence a memorial garden was built which is a popular tourist attraction. Wildlife next to the dam offers a source of admirable and elegant photography. Bujagali Falls outside Jinja are known for their grace and frequented by tourists. 

Getting Around
Boda bodas (motor bikes) and Mycars (small cars) are popular modes of transport here. Private operators are popular with tourists. Jinja forms a major station of the Uganda Railway and also is a port for Lake Victoria ferries. A travel guide is easily available to simplify your vacation in the beautiful city of Jinja.

Places of Entertainment
White water rafting is popular with locals as well as tourists. Other options include the famous Sailing Club on the shores of Victoria Lake and many water related fun activities. Animal sanctuary at Buwenge offers local animal sightseeing. Resorts here attract business visitors and vacationer for activities like water rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping. Boat rides, quad biking, horse rides along with awesome riverside entertainment and excellent camping facilities are available. Cafes here offer pastas and cakes with great atmosphere, friendly service and good facilities. Enjoying the local food especially tasty fish dishes is on the top of the menu for the tourists.

Languages Spoken
Swahili, Lucanda and English are spoken by majority of people here.

Currency
Ugandan shilling denoted by UGC is used extensively here while many hotels accept American dollars and European Euros as well. Best way for tourists to check news and updates about currency exchange is through the internet.