Local attractions include white-water rafting, the “Source of the Nile“, and a large brewery. About 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Jinja is the site where the Bujagali Power Station is under construction, as of May 2009. When completed in 2011, the hydroelectric facility will provide 250 MW of electric power.
There is a private sailing Club on the shores of Lake Victoria. There is an animal sanctuary at Buwenge, 30 kilometres (19 mi) north of Jinja on the highway to Kamuli. Buwenge is also the location of the headquarters of Jinja District, in which the city of Jinja is located.
The 9 holes (18 tee) golf course was originally laid out in the mid-1920s; and famously had a local rule allowing a free drop of the ball if it came to rest in a hippo’s hoof print. The course has tremendous views of the Nile and Lake Victoria and the second green is within a ‘lob wedge’ of the source of the Nile.
Some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered into the source of the White Nile. There is a small memorial garden at the spot. There is an active Hindu temple near Jinja, which has a bronze bust of Gandhi. There is also a Buddhist temple.
About 25 kilometers (16 mi) south, in Lake Victoria, is Buvuma Island whose forests sometimes attract intrepid bird-watchers.
The town has several restaurants, cafes and hotels open to diners.
Plans are underway for the construction of a Zoo around the source of the Nile in Jinja. The Zoo will be the second in Uganda after the Uganda Wild Life Education Centre in Entebbe, about 100 km away.
Activities in Jinja include
- Horseback riding
- Bungee jumping
- Water skiing
- Boat cruises
- Rafting
- Camping
- Quad cycling