Jinja Tour from Kampala: Source of River Nile & Waterfalls

Three natural sites in one morning and afternoon: waterfalls, forest hike, and the Nile at its starting point.

A full-day tour from Kampala to Jinja and the source of the River Nile, with an English-speaking guide and driver. You visit Sezibwa Waterfalls 32 km along the highway, take a short hike through Mabira Forest to spot monkeys and birds, then boat on the Nile to its source point called "zero point" near Jinja. Lunch, snacks and soft drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jinja and Nile source

• Depart Kampala or Entebbe after breakfast
• Travel through tea and sugar plantations
• Visit vibrant roadside markets
• Visit Sezibwa Waterfalls
• Take short hike in Mabira Forest
• Arrive in Jinja
• Boat tour on the Nile River to zero point

The experience

The day starts early (around 7:30 am or later depending on traffic), and heads east from Kampala through tea and sugar plantations and roadside markets toward Jinja. Sezibwa Waterfalls, 32 km along the Kampala-Jinja highway, is the first stop: a 7-meter cascade owned partly by the Buganda Kingdom and partly by the Anglican Church of Uganda, set in quiet forest where you can stand and watch the water fall. The site is small enough that you're not spending hours there, but large enough to feel like a real escape from the city.

Mabira Forest comes next: a 300-square-kilometre rainforest reserve between Lugazi and Jinja that has been protected since 1932. A short hike takes you into the canopy where you can see monkeys, including the endangered Lophocebus ugandae primate, and listen for different bird species in the trees. The forest is dense and green, and the walk is manageable for most fitness levels.

The final and longest stop is Jinja, where you board a boat on the River Nile itself. The Nile is Africa's longest river, and it begins its 6,500-kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea from this point beside Jinja town. You'll ride to "zero point," the official source, passing the Owen Falls Dam that supplies Uganda's hydroelectric power. The boat ride is where the day opens up. You're on the water looking at the river that shapes the continent, and you're seeing it at the place where it starts. Lunch of local food, snacks and soft drinks are provided during the day.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide and driver for the full day.
• boat tour on the River Nile to the source.
• entrance fees to Sezibwa Waterfalls, Mabira Forest and the Nile source site.
• lunch of local food.
• snacks and soft drinks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (30 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 80 years) · Youth (18 to 28 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Dark Hills Uganda

Is this one for you?Seven hours is enough time to see all three sites without rushing, but it means you're leaving Kampala early and returning in the late afternoon. Plan the rest of your day around a full commitment to the road and the sites. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the hike in Mabira Forest is short enough for most fitness levels.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 28 years); Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How early do I need to leave Kampala for this tour?

Pickup is around 7:30 am or later, depending on traffic. The early start helps you beat congestion on the Kampala-Jinja highway and reach the sites while the light is good.

Can I do this tour if I only have one free afternoon?

No, the tour runs about seven hours, so it needs a full day. If you're leaving Kampala in the morning, you'll return in the late afternoon.

What is Sezibwa Waterfalls like?

Sezibwa Waterfalls is a 7-meter cascade located 32 km east of Kampala along the highway. It sits in a quiet, forested setting and is considered one of Uganda's hidden cultural treasures, with parts of the site owned by the Buganda Kingdom and the Anglican Church.

Will I see wildlife in Mabira Forest?

Yes. The forest is home to monkeys, including the endangered Lophocebus ugandae primate, and many bird species. A short hike takes you into the canopy where you have a good chance of spotting them.

What happens at the River Nile source?

You board a boat and ride to "zero point," the official source where the Nile begins its 6,500-kilometer journey to Egypt. You'll see the Owen Falls Dam, which generates hydroelectric power for Uganda, and experience the river at the place where it starts.

Is hotel pickup included in Kampala?

Pickup is included within Kampala at no extra cost. Pickups outside Kampala incur an additional charge of $20.