Jinja lies on the northern shores of Lake Victoria where a short distance away the roar of white water rapids denote the spot where Lake Victoria enters the River Nile. Though Ripon Falls named by explorer John Hanning Speke have now been submerged, the Speke Monument serves as a reminder of the colonial fever to find the starting point of the longest river in the world. Many of the streets retain the historical charm of an era gone by.

Nowadays, Jinja’s main draw is the claim to be the adrenaline capital of East Africa (rivalling the Southern Africa counterpart Victoria Falls). The adventurous can try their hand at bungee jumping, horse riding, quad biking  or paddling down the huge Grade 5 rapids. Anyone less desirious of the potential of an unceremonious dunking can enjoy kayaking or a sunset boat cruise on the calm waters of Lake Bujagali.

Don’t be put off if heart-racing activities aren’t for you – perhaps enjoy a couple of days at a quieter pace enjoying the combination of tropical equatorial rainforest and views over huge volumes of water.