Day tour of Jinja and Source of the Nile from Kampala

The Source of the Nile sits where two rivers meet, and you reach it by boat.

This day tour from Kampala travels east to Jinja, Uganda's adventure capital, with stops at Sezibwa Falls for hiking, Mabira Forest for nature walks and bird watching, and a boat ride on Lake Victoria to the Source of the Nile. The tour includes a visit to the Speke Memorial Monument, a walk through Jinja's market, and lunch with local dishes before returning to Kampala. A live English-speaking guide and private transportation are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jinja and Source of the Nile

• Depart Kampala and drive to Jinja
• Hike at Ssezibwa Falls and bird watch
• Stop at Mabira Forest for nature walk
• Visit Source of the Nile bridge
• Boat ride to Source of the Nile
• Visit Speke Memorial and Gandhi Monument
• Explore Reptile Village
• Lunch and city tour of Jinja
• Return to Kampala

The experience

The drive from Kampala heads east to Sezibwa Falls, where you hike to the base to see the falls and learn the cultural and traditional significance of the site. The trail passes through serene forest where bird watching happens as you walk. From there, the tour stops at Mabira Forest, a rainforest reserve covering 306 square kilometers with 312 tree species, 315 bird species, 218 butterfly species and small mammals. Forest walks on marked trails let you explore on foot and watch for wildlife.

At the newly built Source of the Nile bridge (525 meters long and the second longest in East Africa). You cross into the heart of the tour. A boat ride on Lake Victoria takes you to the original Source of the Nile and the Speke Memorial Monument, where the British explorer first identified the world's longest river. The Reptile Village comes next, then Jinja town itself, where you walk through the market and eat lunch with local dishes before the drive back to Kampala.

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and covers a mix of terrain: forest trails, a boat on open water, and town streets. Private transportation picks you up and returns you to your hotel or airport. Lunch and all entry fees are included. You bring your own drinks.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Kampala.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• hiking at Sezibwa Falls.
• forest walks at Mabira Forest.
• a boat ride on Lake Victoria to the Source of the Nile.
• entry to the Reptile Village.
• a Jinja city tour with a walk through the market.
• and lunch with local dishes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day27 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 19:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (19 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by All Seasons Adventures UG

Is this one for you?The tour involves hiking forest trails, walking on marked paths, and a boat ride on open water, so it suits travelers comfortable with a mix of walking and water. The 6 to 8 hour day starts early and covers ground steadily, making it a full but not rushed pace for anyone with moderate fitness and no spinal or pregnancy concerns.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

What is the Source of the Nile, and why does the tour visit it by boat?

The Source of the Nile is where Lake Victoria flows into the beginning of the world's longest river. The boat ride on Lake Victoria takes you to the exact point where the Nile starts, marked by the Speke Memorial Monument, which commemorates the British explorer John Hanning Speke's discovery of the river's origin.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this tour?

You hike to Sezibwa Falls on a forest trail, then walk forest paths at Mabira Forest for nature exploration and bird watching. In Jinja town, you walk through the market. The hike to the falls and the forest walks are the main physical components. The rest is by vehicle or boat.

What wildlife might I see during the nature walks?

Mabira Forest is home to 315 bird species, 218 butterfly species, 97 moths, and 23 small mammal species. Bird watching happens throughout the forest walks and on the hike to Sezibwa Falls. The Reptile Village is a separate stop where you see reptiles in a controlled setting.

Does the tour include meals, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch in Jinja town is included and features local dishes. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so bring money if you want to purchase drinks with your meal.

What is Mabira Forest, and how long do you spend there?

Mabira Forest is a rainforest reserve covering 306 square kilometers with marked forest trails for walking. It is a natural habitat for hundreds of tree, bird, butterfly and mammal species. The tour includes a stop for forest walks and exploration, though the exact time spent there varies within the overall 6 to 8 hour tour.