Jinja Historical Tour / Daytrip

Jinja Historical Tour Daytrip – Discover Uganda’s Colonial Legacy

Jinja Historical Tour / Daytrip vacation with Tanzania Horizon Safaris.

Jinja Historical Tour / Daytrip with Tanzania Horizon Safaris.

Starting in Jinja | with Uganda Horizon Safaris

Step into the rich past of one of East Africa’s most iconic towns on this immersive historical daytrip through Jinja with Uganda Horizon Safaris. Known as the Source of the Nile, Jinja holds deep historical, cultural, and colonial roots that shaped Uganda’s development during the 19th and 20th centuries.

This guided historical tour of Jinja explores the town’s evolution—from a small fishing village to a major commercial hub under British colonial rule. Visit the Indian Quarter, heritage buildings, and the Gandhi Monument, and learn about the Uganda Railway and the unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences that define Jinja’s character today. You’ll also enjoy a boat ride at the legendary Source of the Nile, where explorers and empires once set their course.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Uganda’s cultural tapestry, this Jinja heritage tour offers stories, scenery, and a deeper connection to the Pearl of Africa.

(Start: Jinja town center / Local hotel pick-up at 9:00 AM)


09:00 AM – Historical Walking Tour of Jinja Town

  • Meet your professional guide in Jinja town.

  • Begin your walking tour through the Old Indian Quarter, where early Asian settlers once ran businesses and homes.

  • Visit colonial-era buildings, including the old post office, railway offices, and missionary structures.

  • Learn about Jinja’s role in the Uganda Railway project, which connected Lake Victoria to Mombasa during the British protectorate.

  • Stop at the Jinja Central Market, a vibrant center of local trade and storytelling.


11:00 AM – Visit the Gandhi Monument & Source of the Nile

  • Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Monument, which commemorates the scattering of Gandhi’s ashes into the Nile.

  • Learn about the Nile’s legendary status in African geography and mythology.

  • Take a guided boat ride to the actual Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria meets the world’s longest river.


12:30 PM – Lunch by the Nile (Optional Add-on)

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant like Jinja Sailing Club, The Deli, or Java House, with beautiful views of the river.

  • Relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere.


02:00 PM – Owen Falls Dam Viewpoint & Colonial Hydroelectric Legacy

  • Visit the viewpoint overlooking Owen Falls Dam (Nalubaale Power Station), Uganda’s first major hydroelectric project completed in the 1950s.

  • Learn about the dam’s impact on Jinja’s industrial growth and the challenges faced post-independence.


03:00 PM – Optional Cultural Visit or Leisure Time

  • Choose between a visit to a local crafts market, a walk along Jinja’s lakeside promenade, or a short tour to the Jinja Sailing Club’s heritage corner.

  • Photography, shopping, or casual exploration before concluding your tour.


04:00 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel or Preferred Location in Jinja

What’s Included

  • Professional English-speaking historical guide

  • Entrance to all listed heritage sites and monuments

  • Guided boat ride to the Source of the Nile

  • Pick-up and drop-off within Jinja town

  • Bottled drinking water


Optional Add-ons

  • Lunch at a recommended restaurant (can be included upon request)

  • Bicycle ride through Jinja town (available at extra cost)

  • Extension to Itanda Falls or a short village visit outside Jinja


Why Explore Jinja with Uganda Horizon Safaris?

Deep storytelling and local insight from experienced guides

Support sustainable, community-based tourism

Flexible and personalized experiences for solo travelers, families, and groups

Comfortable pace with the chance to connect to Uganda’s living history

  • International flights (From/to home)

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Accommodation before and at the end of the tour

  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Group Size Price per person per day
1 person USD 75/person
2 person USD 70/person
3 person USD 65 /person
4 person USD 60 /person
5 person USD 55 /person
6 person USD 50 /person
Why Book With Us?
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.

A private departure can be arranged at any time according to your individual travel dates for highest flexibility. A group departure has a planned schedule on a specific date and let you share some costs while travelling. So if you are on a budget and want to meet friends from all over the world you can join one of our groups.

Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.

Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have  to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.

*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:

  • until 4 weeks prior to departure – 30% Cancellation Fee
  • 4-2 weeks prior to departure – 50% Cancellation Fee
  • 2-1 weeks prior to departure – 75% Cancellation Fee
  • less then 1 week prior to departure – 100% Cancellation Fee: The company reserves the right to cancel any tour at its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notification in instances where this is unavoidable. However, in that case the company agrees to refund all money that has already been paid by the client. This shall be the company’s sole responsibility to the client and no claim for any damages, howsoever arising, shall accrue against the company.
Copyright © 2025 Uganda Horizon Safaris. All rights reserved.

Message us for any inquiry

Message us for any inquiry.

×