Jinja, Uganda
Jinja is a small town on the south eastern side of Uganda, about 80km east of Kampala. Situated right on Lake Victoria, the source of the River Nile, it’s a very popular tourist destination.
With white water rafting, kayaking, cycling and horse riding, it’s the adventure travelers dream destination. While Milo only spent a year and a half with me in Jinja, I lived there for two years and got a good feel for the best places. Here are my recommendations for how to spend a day with your dog in Jinja.
From left to right: Fishing village overlooking Lake Victoria, A man sharpening knives in Jinja.
The Deli
Jinja has lots of restaurants and cafes on the towns main street. Located on south end of Main Street sits The Deli, a café and specialty market that sells imported items popular amongst foreigners. With fresh fruit smoothies, delicious coffee, toasted sandwiches, vegetarian and vegan options and even wine, it was a staple stop during my daily jaunt around town.
With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s a friendly place to bring your dog while you have lunch outside. The Deli even sells a small assortment of pet items, including frozen bones for your dog in their butchery section. It’s a café you can’t afford to miss when you visit Jinja.
Jinja Base Camp
Another spot in town that can be a friendly place for you and your dog is Jinja Base Camp. Just about 2km north west of Main Street on Wilson Avenue, it is also the location of the Nile River Explorers Rafting base. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Base Camp has a variety of food for either a sit down meal or a quick bite to go.
Like The Deli, Base Camp has outdoor seating and even a small swimming pool. It is a backpackers as well as restaurant so accommodation can be organized if you are looking for a nice spot to stay in town. There are two Jack Russell Terriers that belong to the owners and live onsite, but are friendly with other dogs. If your dog is friendly and well behaved they usually don’t have a problem if you bring your dog with you for a visit. I would always suggest double checking that it is ok when you arrive, it’s a good idea to ask at the front desk just in case there is something taking place that day. Otherwise, it’s a relaxing place to be and my number one pick for spending a day with your dog in Jinja.
Bujagali
From left to right: Milo next to the Nile River, Road to Bujagali
While Jinja town is the hub for shops, markets, restaurants and daily life admin, many visit the village of Bujagali for a more remote experience. About a 15-20 min drive north of Jinja, Bujagali sits peacefully on the Nile River. It is the location for the Nile River Explorers and Nile River Camp backpackers lodges, The Nile Porch hotel, Black Lantern restaurant as well as the Quad Biking and Kayak the Nile offices.
Nile River Camp
Most places that cater to tourists or expats will allow you to bring your dog if you ask in advance and your dog is well behaved. On days when I wanted to take Milo for a river adventure I would visit the Nile River Camp (NRC). I would call the camp in advance to make sure we could visit and then head up for the afternoon to enjoy the river. There are two little dogs that live at the campsite and are decently friendly, but it’s something to keep in mind if your dog does not get on with others.
Get on the water!
With sit on top single or double kayaks and stand up paddle boards available for rent, you have a variety of ways to play on the river. I would usually go for the double kayak as it provided more stability for Milo. As Milo is nervous of unstable surfaces, it’s nice that at the Nile Rive Camp the river bank eases gently into the river, so it was perfect for helping him feel comfortable in the kayak.
Uganda is a bird lovers paradise, it’s so special to paddle around and see fish eagles, cormorants, kingfishers, African darters, yellow billed kites and if lucky some African grey parrots all while vervet monkeys jump through the trees along the bank. For more excitement you can paddle around the corner to the rope swing which is always a fun activity. It’s easy to park your kayak on the bank if you want to swing around for a bit.
This section of the river is located between the Owen Falls Dam and the Bujagali Dam. These dams, along with human interference have prevented crocodiles and hippos from settling in this particular area, making it safe to swim.
Watch the sunset
After paddling and swimming it’s always nice to grab some food from NRC. I am a personal fan of the all-day breakfast, but they have salads, burgers and sandwiches as well. If you have time to kill it’s well worth it to stick around and catch one of Uganda’s epic sunsets. Grab your drink of choice and find a spot overlooking the river to enjoy the view.
Whether it’s having a cup of coffee in the hustle and bustle of town or paddling along the river, there are plenty of exciting ways to spend a day with your dog in Jinja.
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