Experience Jinja city | The Adventure Capital of Uganda

WELCOME TO JINJA CITY!

Hey everyone, welcome back to my blog! 

This weekend, we had an epic adventure in Uganda. 

We took off from Adjumani District and headed all the way to Jinja City in the Eastern Region, with a pit stop in Kampala. 

We hit the road at 1:30 PM and didn't roll into NRE until 1:00 AM. Let me tell you, Kampala's traffic is no joke—I've seen snails move faster!

View of my Safari Tent

Imagine waking up in the morning, taking a deep breath, and having your first sip of coffee with the serene backdrop of the Nile River. 🌅✨

I booked a cozy spot at the Nile River Explorers Camp for just $30 a night. I also booked a bed for my driver in the dormitory for $15 per night, both with breakfast included. 

Took a trip to Jinja Town and decided to stroll through Jinja Central Market.

On my first day!

Kicked off with a bang as I tried Quad biking (or ATV-ing, for you adrenaline junkies) with All Terrain Adventures. I paid UGX 215,000 for an hour, and boy, was it worth it! My first time on an ATV in Uganda and those four wheels had me feeling like a fearless daredevil—goodbye accident paranoia!

Quad biking in Jinja with All Terrain Adventures.
        

Watch my adventure on youtube here: https://youtu.be/u9AQCH3dl84

Kayak the Nile gave me a sweet deal when I mentioned I wanted my driver to join in too. We're all grinning ear to ear after enjoying that stunning sunset. Honestly, it would've been a snooze fest without him.

In the afternoon, we switched gears to something more chill but equally awesome: a two-hour sunset experience on the Victoria Nile, kayaking and paddle boarding. 

Picture this: the sun setting, me on a paddle board, completely in awe. It was my first time paddle boarding, and I was blown away. Forget romantic dinners; this is where it's at!

Sunday, it was time to head back to Adjumani. But not before squeezing in one more thrill—ziplining at Living Waters. A 600-meter zipline over the Nile River! Talk about ending on a high note.

https://youtu.be/tSITSdE68dM

Ziplining over the Nile was insane—the view was jaw-dropping. It only set me back 70,000 Ugandan Shillings, and man, it was worth every coin!

https://youtu.be/LXRBgCGRyo0

After the zip line rush, I swung by the Speke Monument. Fun fact: John Speke, a British explorer, claimed this spot as the source of the Nile.

And that’s my quick weekend escapade in Jinja. Safe travels, everyone, and see you in the next adventure!

YOUTUBE LINKS 

https://youtu.be/esG2MTzHKlc

https://youtu.be/nBQ9nBQamR0

Filipino Expat in Uganda

SIPI FALLS AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL SCENERY IN EASTERN UGANDA

 Welcome to my Travel Blog.

This is Ken, Filipino, I have traveled East Africa for almost 6 years now. And I shall be helping you navigate Eastern part of Uganda safely.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR LONG WEEKEND/HOLIDAY BY STAYING AT HOME!

I did a solo trip from Adjumani District to Kapchorwa District approx. 500 kms and took us 8 hours 

via Atiak-Gulu-Kamdini-Lira-Soroti-Mbale Route.

Since I am traveling in a private vehicle, it is easier for me to navigate the area and this is a solo trip means you can do what you desire and 100% freedom which sounds very good to me. No Drama, no waiting for somebody, just you having a productive time once in a while.

Day 1: Traveling day 7-9 hours depending on your speed.

Dropped by at Cynibel Supermarket in Gulu to grab your Samosa, Chapati, drink and chicken. You have a long way to go, make sure to bring some snacks as well as dont forget to get some food for your 

Day 2: Adventure spirit activate! Let us explore Sipi and the neighboring town.

• Mt. Elgon Nature walk - 15 kms away from Sipi guest house, we walked for 5 hours and that also includes Chebonet waterfalls. We were accompanied by UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) and one guide from Discover Sipi company based in Sipi.
• Ngasire Falls  (Sosurwet) the topmost waterfalls of Sipi river at 85 meters high.
• Chepkui falls - the second waterfalls in Sipi at 74 meters high.
• In between Ngasire & Chepkui, there is a small waterfalls that allows you to swim however the water can be so cold, I tried to soak my feet and I cannot bear the cold. 
• Sunset walk: If you are lucky, the view point for the sunset is one of the places to visit

Day 3 Adrenaline on!

• Abseiling/Rappelling -A must-try activity in Sipi which is situated in the main waterfalls at 100 meters high. The feeling is a mixed of fear and excitement but once you achieve it, the feeling is Wow. I did it. 
•  Sunset- this is our second attempt to see the sunset viewpoint. The weather in Sipi is changing rapidly. In the morning can be sunny and in the afternoon, rain will just pour out of nowhere. According to ACCU weather report, at 16:50 is the sunset and we just walked from Sipi Guest House which is just 8-10 minutes walk. The moment we reached there, the rain and strong winds  welcomed us and we do not have a vehicle to take shelter from. We hid from the coaster bus since it is too windy. 

Day 4: SUNRISE x TRAVELING DATE

Today is my schedule going back to Adjumani so after i packed, I decided to walk to the viewpoint and enjoy the sunrise at 7am to 8am. I was alone that very day so I enjoyed the morning walk and the owner came to collect 5,000 ugx and since I am alone, I paid him 10,000 ugx. 

After my Breakfast, We drove back to Adjumani. 

Prices:

Accommodation: UGX 120,000/ USD 30 per night

Activities

Mt. Elgon National Park- Nature walk USD 40

Sipi falls hike Ngasire & Chepkui USD 15

Sunset walk Usd 10

Abseiling USD 50

Food/Meals USD 7.6 / UGX 30,000 per meal

African Tea Spiced -UGX 7,000

Please watch my youtube channel Livingmarks25 for videos. 

See the world and travel safely. 

Tips on how to get your Tourist South African visa as a Filipino

 Hello Guys, welcome to my blog. 

I am writing this blog to help you get in the game and keep your adventure spirit on the go.

As a Philippine passport holder and at the same time, an expat working in East Africa, obtaining Tourist visa is possible as long as you have valid documents. 

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent. The country boosts several distinct ecosystems like inland safaris (national parks), beautiful beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch, the famous Table Mountain in Capetown and many other places.

The weather in Capetown specifically is very good but also it depends on the time of visit. 

Here are the required documents to obtain prior to the  submission to VFS  office:

1. Completed and signed Application form BI-84 (black ink only)
2. Letter from the applicant confirming the purpose and duration of visit
3. Confirmed hotel reservations showing the dates of travel and contact details of your hosts e.g. contact numbers, email address and the address of the hotel.
4. A 3-month Bank statement up to the current date of submission accompanied by a bank letter, confirming account name, account number and account balance.
1. For local bank, A personal or company 3 months bank statement up to current date of submission stamped by the bank.
2.  For all Foreign bank statements they have to be stamped by the bank and certified by commissioner of oaths. (For that particular country). It should be a 3 months bank statement up to current date of submission.
5. Signed letter of introduction from the employer/organization
6. A photocopy of valid yellow fever certificate 
7. Work Permit at least 6 months validity & must be Certified (CTC) by Internal Affairs/Immigration office
8. Fill and submit the checklist document
9. A valid passport with at least 2 clear pages and should be valid for at least a period of 1 month from date of return.
10. Two passport size photograph

Payment/Charges 

1) Non-Refundable Visa fee of USD 36 (for countries that are not fee exempt)

2) Non-Refundable VFS Service fee USD 90 to be charged in UGX (collected based on daily forex rate)

Please note: that applicants should submit in person. 

If you are planning to visit soon, send us an inquiry at

Kendashian Travel Services

ktctravelco@gmail.com

DISCOVER FORT PORTAL, WESTERN UGANDA

 Hello

Welcome to my travel journey.

I have been around east Africa a number of times and the beauty of these countries is a must-see and discover. So I hope to help my fellow travel enthusiasts. I will be sharing some places to visit here in Fort Portal, the Western part of Uganda.

1. Lake Nyinambuga (Mother Ground)

No Entrance Fees/Charges

2. Mahoma Waterfalls

Prepare a small 10,000 ugx  ($3) per pax and also don't forget to Tip them.

I would say, I was surprised and hesitant at first sight. The location is not protected by UWA and its situated on private property.

A good walk  (8-10 mins) all the way down to the falls thru caves, bringing a small child is not recommendable.

You will need to have a car to visit this place from the town center. 

The water was cold and yet its fun to be in nature so we tried and swam there. 

3. Lake Katanda

No Entrance Fees/Charges

Another beautiful lake! Its a must-see, there are no cottages or lodges overlooking this place which makes it raw and virgin. Just a beautiful, clean, fresh, and green. 

4. Amabere Caves 

Foreigner/Residents UGX 47,000 (12$); Locals UGX 13,000 (3$)

Amabere waterfalls and campsite offer not only the famous amabere caves which means breast but also give you a spectacular view of the mountain Rwenzori and a dried lake uphill.

A good walk exercise with an amazing view of nature. 

Take a walk to the crater lakes and  slope down to a cold amabere caves.

Its a great nature walk and the weather is amazing. 

5. Kigere Lake

No Entrance Fees/Charges

It's a nearby lake about 15-20 minutes walk from Amabere campsite. The lake as usual has a spectacular view of nature, lush green surroundings, and wonderful weather. 

6. Lake Albert 

No Entrance Fees/Charges

Driving thru Semuliki National Park, at the tip is a village called Ntoroko. 

7. The Female  Hot Springs, Semliki National Park

Park Fees :

Foreign Resident USD 25

Resident UGX 15,000

Payment via Mobile money preferably MTN. no cash payments.

8. The Male Hot Springs, Semliki National Park

9. Foot Hills of Rwenzori Mountains

No Entrance Fees/Charges