Saturday, September 18, 2010

Guest Blogger - Nuning Travel Blog: Jinja, Uganda

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Jinja is famously for the source of the Nile river,Known locally as Omugga Kiyara, though this is the hardly reason to come over here.This area has become something of a retirement community of overland truck drivers and guides, plus many expat, aid workers and missionaries use it as a weekend retreat, resulting is some unexpected pockets of sophistication. For short term visitors the principle attractions are much less urbane. Jinja has emerged as the adrenaline capital of East Africa and you can get your fix white water rafting, kayaking,quad biking, mountain biking,horseback riding and bungee jumping.

The town has a lush location on the shores of Lake victoria and is the major market centre for eastern Uganda. It's a buzzing little much Indian-influenced architecture. Check out the spacious mansion overlooking the lake along Nile Cres, opposite the town's golf course, for an insight into how wealthy this town once was.

Coming from Kampala, the Owen Falls Dam forms a spectacular gateway to the town, as you cost across the top you can look right down on the might Nile. Don't take pictures though,people have been arrested for doing so even though there are signs informing people of this law.

Orientation:
The centre of town is built on a simple grid, with Main St at its heart. This wide avenue has tons of craft shops, internet cafes, take aways, bank, and just about any other service you would want. All road that cross Main St have an east and west side, like New York, indicated in this section as "E" and "W".Most hotel in Jinja, and all of the pricey ones, are is quite residential neighbourhoods a short way from the centre. Overall Jinja is safe place, but it is a city, so dont carry valuables or walk around isolated areas at night


Text & Photos > Nuning