Sights in Jinja
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Source of the Nile
The Source of the Nile is promoted as one of Jinja's premier drawcards and tourists are bussed in from Kampala to marvel at the start of this mighty river. In reality there is not a whole lot to see. Before the building of the Owen Falls Dam, this was the site of the Ripon Falls, where the Nile, known locally as Omugga Kiyara, thundered out of Lake Victoria on its long journey to the Mediterranean.
The falls were blown away to ensure a steady flow of water for the dam, but it's just about possible to make out where they were from the turbulence in the river.
Bell Breweries now sponsors the area, so everything has been painted yellow and red in keeping with the corporate im…
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B
Gandhi's Shrine
Near the source of the Nile plaque is a small memorial garden commemorating Mahatma Gandhi, the centrepiece of which is a bronze bust donated by the Indian Government. This area is becoming quite a pilgrimage site for Ugandan Indians, as this is one of the places where Gandhi's ashes were scattered. (It seems that on Gandhi's death in 1948, his ashes were divided up and sent to many locations around the world to be scattered - and some ended up in the Nile River in Uganda.)
So Gandhi was rafting the Nile long before the Adrift team came to town.
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C
Bujagali Falls
More a series of large rapids than a conventional waterfall, Bujagali Falls remains one of Uganda's outstanding natural beauty spots, and is very popular with locals on weekends. This is one of East Africa's more laid-back locations and it is well worth setting some time aside to chill for a few days. A lot of travellers end up staying out here before or after a rafting trip, as there are two popular camping grounds here.
During our last visit, a deal was signed for a multi-million dollar resort to be built here, so things may change very fast and don't be too disappointed if there is some serious construction going on in the area. There is also the chance that the contro…
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D
Nile Brewery
For those consuming copious amounts of Nile Special in Kampala, this alternative 'source of the Nile' makes a lively day out, and includes the obligatory complimentary beer. Free guided tours can sometimes be arranged in advance by calling. There is a small souvenir shop where you can buy T-shirts, bottle openers and the like. It is certainly a more original brewery visit than the one to the Heineken brewery in Amsterdam.
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E
Owen Falls Dam
Coming from Kampala, the Owen Falls Dam forms a spectacular gateway to the town: as you coast across the top, look down on the raging river below. The dam supplies Uganda with the bulk of its electricity, or doesn't supply it with much electricity, depending on which way you look at it.
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