Just like any other country in the world, the sun rises in the Eastern region but when it rises in Uganda it exposes the deniable beauty in the region.
This beauty is attributed variety of physical features on display like the majestic water bodies like the 5- star attraction that is River Nile in Jinja, the waterfalls like Sipi Falls in Sipi and Kyakonda Falls in Mbale would give anyone that much desired money shot to put on Instagram.
And as if having a number of amazing water bodies isn’t enough, the region is also home to some jaw dropping topography you will ever see, especially the highlands of Mbale and Kapchorwa that create outrageously beautiful sceneries.
These features have also led to the rise of activities for adventurous people in the region like tubing, white-water rafting and bungee jumping River Nile or gliding down Sipi Falls.
For the less adventurous tourists there opportunities for entertainment as the region is popular for a vibrant night life as well as the cultural and music festivals that take place such international phenomena that is Nyege Nyege.
Speaking of culture, the region is known for being a melting pot for cultures, in terms tribes, religions and even nationalities that live peacefully with each other, such diversity simply engulfs tourists in the different cultures. So there many things to look forward to in the East expect the beautiful sunrise every morning.
Sipi Falls
A truly beautiful spectacle, it is a series of waterfalls found in Kapchorwa District in NorthEastern region in Uganda and 30km from the Kenyan border.
It entails an interesting drive through Jinja and Mbale offering the possibility of more sightseeing. Sipi falls is a remarkable feature. On arrival, you are greeted by lots of friendly and eager locals who are more willing to take you around the falls .
Each waterfall (yes there are more than one) is different and unique from the other and all possess different adventures such as hiking and zipping down and once when you reach them it’s definitely more than worth it.
Mbale
Mbale is wonderful in it’s own right, from the beautiful scenery you can see anywhere in Mbale to the Kyakonda Falls that overlooks the city creating an image that no camera can ever do justice.
Mbale is a district found in Eastern Uganda that is strategically for many reasons. One is because it is located 60 km from the Uganda and Kenya Border in the East but also from a tourist’s point of view Mbale is located between (1 hour drive) Kapchorwa where the Sipi falls are found and Jinja ( 2 hours) which is home to the source of the Nile making Mbale a convenient stop over.
Mbale is a district found in Eastern Uganda that is strategically for many reasons. One is because it is located 60 km from the Uganda and Kenya Border in the East but also from a tourist’s point of view Mbale is located between (1 hour drive) Kapchorwa where the Sipi falls are found and Jinja ( 2 hours) which is home to the source of the Nile making Mbale a convenient stop over.
There is also a diversity of cultures in Mbale because of it’s location and accesibilty to the border, it attracts many different people in the region such as Kenyans and Tanzanians for business, it is also home to a number of Asians some of whom their roots date back to colonial times.
It is also home to a number Ugandan tribes. This diversity can also be seen in the food that is available in Mbale.
Jinja
Jinja is a town 80 km away from Kampala to the East .The trip to Jinja is an adventure to its own.
There are plenty of activities you can take in such as zip lining and obstacle courses at the Mukono Adventure Park, Mabira Forest through which you can drive through is a force of nature and something to behold, tea and sugar cane plantations which one can cycle through.
The legendary clock tower found as one enters the city that dates back to colonial times. River Nile is defintely the biggest attraction in the area as one still its powerful tides and rapids can be seen all over the district, showing that it is everything as advertised and much more.
Communities use the river for fishing and fetching water, making it an important componet in the day to day life of the locals. Jinja is also home to a number of historical buildings that date back to colonial times like the district offices, a number of buildings on main street and The Jinja Railway Station.
There are a lot of activities to be involved in such as tubing, whitewater rafting, as well as Bungee jumping and a boat cruise on the Nile, you can also use a quad bike to move around the local communities to get a sense of how they live. After doing and seeing this much you are likely to work up some appetite. Jinja is home to a number of popular restaurants that offer delicious food and cold drinks if one is interested, these restaurants include The Black Lantern Restaurant, Igar Café and Jinja Sailing Club. It also goes without mentioning that you have to eat a rolex once you are in Jinja.
Generally Jinja is one of the ‘must visit places’ in Uganda as it literally has something for everyone.
