Coming to WordCamp Jinja 2026? Let’s help you plan your journey and find a place to stay!
Join us on 19–20 September 2026 at Civil Service College Uganda, Jinja, for two days of learning, sharing and connecting with the WordPress community. Whether you’re travelling from Kampala, another part of Uganda or across the border, a little planning will help you arrive ready to enjoy the weekend.
Here’s your guide to getting to Jinja, choosing accommodation and making the most of your visit to the Source of the Nile.
Where is the venue?
Civil Service College Uganda
Plot 40, Kisinja Road, Jinja, Uganda
Save the venue’s name and address on your phone and share them with your driver. You can also find more information on our venue and location page.
If you’re travelling from outside Jinja, consider arriving on Friday, 18 September, so you can settle in before the first day. Staying until Monday, 21 September, may suit those who want more time after Sunday’s activities.
Getting to Jinja
From Kampala
Jinja is approximately 80 kilometres east of Kampala and is accessible by bus, shared minibus taxi, private car or pre-booked shuttle. Allow around three hours as a planning estimate, with extra time for traffic and stops.
- Shared taxi or bus: Ask for a Jinja-bound service and confirm the fare and final drop-off point before boarding. Arrange the last part of your journey to your accommodation or the venue.
- Private vehicle: Plan your route to Civil Service College Uganda on Kisinja Road. Leave early and check traffic before setting off.
- Travelling as a group: Consider sharing a hired vehicle and agreeing on collection points, departure times and costs beforehand.
From Entebbe International Airport
You can continue to Jinja by a pre-arranged private transfer, airport taxi or scheduled shuttle. Ask your accommodation provider whether they can arrange a transfer, and confirm the total price, luggage allowance and meeting point before travelling.
Pineapple Express operates a shuttle connecting Entebbe, Kampala and Jinja, including airport collection and drop-offs in Jinja town or Bujagali.
| Journey | Published fare per person, one way |
|---|---|
| Entebbe–Jinja | UGX 100,000 or USD 29 |
| Kampala–Jinja | UGX 80,000 or USD 23 |
These are Pineapple Express’s advertised shuttle fares. Its timetable allows roughly four to five hours between Entebbe and Jinja. Confirm your pickup time, journey arrangements and fare directly, and declare your luggage when booking.
Bookings: Pineapple Express
Calls/WhatsApp: +256 787 992277
View the timetable
From other towns or neighbouring countries
Check with your transport operator for a service stopping in Jinja and confirm where you will alight.
For travellers coming from Kenya, tell the operator that Jinja is your destination before your luggage is loaded, and confirm that your bags can be unloaded there.
Arrange the final connection to your accommodation in advance if you expect to arrive late.
Where to stay in Jinja
Jinja offers accommodation ranging from shared rooms and guesthouses to hotels and riverside resorts. Below are ten options to consider.
Prices listed are indicative published rates, not confirmed WordCamp discounts or guarantees of availability. Ask each property for a quotation for your exact dates, including taxes, meals and the number of guests.
Prefer to compare and book online? Browse Jinja accommodation on Booking.com or use the individual property links below. Enter your travel dates—for example, 18–21 September 2026 if arriving on Friday and leaving on Monday—and the correct number of guests.
Accommodation at a glance
| Property | What to consider | Enquiries or online booking |
|---|---|---|
| Jinja Backpackers | Dormitories and private rooms; ask for budget options | Booking.com |
| Al-Nisaa Hotel and Spa | City-centre rooms on Iganga Road | Booking.com |
| Afro Smile Guest House & Backpackers Jinja | Double, twin and family room options | Booking.com |
| Surjio’s Guesthouse | On Kisinja Road, the same road as the venue | Booking.com |
| 2 Friends Guest House | Guesthouse with a pool and restaurant | Booking.com |
| Igar Plaza Hotel | Main Street location; rooms and apartments | Hotel website |
| Source of the Nile Hotel | Jinja hotel with several room categories | Hotel website |
| Nile Village Hotel & Spa | Gardens and an outdoor pool by the Victoria Nile | Booking.com |
| Jinja Nile Resort | Riverside resort; include transport to the venue | Booking.com |
| Explorers River Camp | Camping, dormitories and riverside stays in Bujagali | Camp website |
1. Jinja Backpackers
Located at Plot 38, Kiira Road, Jinja Backpackers offers dormitory accommodation, private rooms and dome tents. It is an option to explore if you’re travelling on a budget or sharing with friends. Facilities listed include Wi-Fi, parking and an on-site restaurant.
Ask for the current dormitory or room rate, whether breakfast is included, and whether your chosen room has a private or shared bathroom.
Enquiries: +256 763 287604 / +256 706 059877
Website: Jinja Backpackers
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
2. Al-Nisaa Hotel and Spa
Located at Plot 23, Iganga Road, Al-Nisaa offers single, double, twin and triple rooms, an on-site restaurant and spa services. Its central location is useful if you would like to be near shops and other city services.
The hotel website advertises USD 55 for a Deluxe Double and USD 65 for a Deluxe Twin. Confirm the nightly total, occupancy and meal inclusions for your dates before paying.
Enquiries: +256 780 897119 / +256 393 100418
Website: Al-Nisaa Hotel and Spa
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
3. Afro Smile Guest House & Backpackers Jinja
Afro Smile lists double, twin and family rooms, as well as cottages with pool views. Its Booking.com listing describes private bathrooms and garden views, making it another property to compare when travelling with friends or family.
Ask which room category fits your group and whether breakfast is included. Check the total for everyone sharing, as room types and occupancy affect the price.
Website: Afro Smile
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
4. Surjio’s Guesthouse
At Plot 24, Kisinja Road, Surjio’s is worth considering because it is on the same road as the event venue. Confirm the route and access to the college when booking.
The property offers guest rooms and apartments, gardens, a swimming pool and a pizzeria. Its website lists these starting rates:
| Room type | Published starting rate per night |
|---|---|
| Single Deluxe | USD 85 |
| Double Deluxe | USD 130 |
| Double Deluxe Twin | USD 130 |
| Triple Deluxe | USD 155 |
The property also advertises group and resident discounts; ask whether any apply to your booking.
Email: bookings@surjios.com
Website: Surjio’s Guesthouse
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
5. 2 Friends Guest House
2 Friends Guest House in Jinja lists an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Double and twin room options are available to compare, including rooms with pool views.
Check your selected rate for breakfast, taxes and cancellation terms. Make sure you select 2 Friends Guest House in Jinja, as the similarly named 2 Friends Beach Hotel is in Entebbe.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
6. Igar Plaza Hotel
Igar Plaza Hotel is at Plot 16, Main Street, in central Jinja. The hotel lists ensuite double and twin rooms, superior rooms and apartments, providing several choices for individual travellers and people sharing.
Its city-centre location gives access to shops, banks and the taxi park. Ask the hotel for a current quotation and advice on transport to Civil Service College.
Enquiries: +256 706 597197
Website and reservations: Igar Plaza Hotel
7. Source of the Nile Hotel
The Jinja property offers several room categories, including twin, standard and larger rooms. Its room listings include Wi-Fi, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
Published Jinja rates include USD 110 for a twin room and USD 130 for a standard room per night. Confirm occupancy and meal inclusions directly. Select the Jinja property when enquiring, as the hotel also lists accommodation in Namanve.
Enquiries: +256 393 249292
Website: Source of the Nile Hotel rooms
8. Nile Village Hotel & Spa
Nile Village Hotel & Spa is located by the Victoria Nile and lists gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, Wi-Fi and on-site parking. It is another option to compare if you would like hotel facilities and somewhere to relax after the conference.
Check the available room categories and ask about breakfast, any additional charges for spa services, and transport to Kisinja Road.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
9. Jinja Nile Resort
Jinja Nile Resort offers a riverside setting with landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurants and a fitness centre. Its listing includes rooms with terraces overlooking the Nile.
This is an option to explore if you would like a resort stay or plan to extend your visit beyond WordCamp. Include daily transport to Civil Service College in your budget and confirm the route with the property before booking.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
10. Explorers River Camp
For those who would like to combine WordCamp with time by the river, Explorers River Camp offers camping, dormitories, safari tents and private rooms overlooking the Nile.
The camp is approximately 8 kilometres from Jinja town, so include daily transport to Civil Service College in your plans. Request current rates directly, as some tariffs displayed on its accommodation page are dated 2023–2024.
Enquiries: +256 772 422373
Website: Explorers River Camp
Booking through Booking.com
You can use Booking.com’s Jinja accommodation page to compare more hotels, guesthouses and apartments, or start with its budget accommodation selection.
Before completing your reservation:
- Enter your exact dates and guest details. Include children’s ages where applicable.
- Compare the total cost for the whole stay. Check for taxes or charges shown separately.
- Check what you are booking. Confirm whether it is a private room, a dormitory bed or an entire apartment, and whether breakfast is included.
- Read the cancellation and payment conditions. Different offers at the same hotel may have different terms.
- Check the location. Compare the property’s map location with Civil Service College Uganda, Plot 40, Kisinja Road, and allow for transport each day.
- Save your confirmation. Contact the property about arrival times or specific requirements.
You can also compare the Booking.com offer with a quotation directly from the property. Check that the room type, guest numbers and inclusions match before deciding.
A property appearing on Booking.com does not guarantee that rooms are available for the WordCamp weekend.
A few things to check before your stay
Ask your accommodation provider about bedding, mosquito nets, bathroom arrangements and late check-in.
If you need step-free access, an accessible bathroom or other specific arrangements, discuss these directly with the property before booking. You can also contact the organising team about accessibility at the event.
When comparing a cheaper room farther away with one nearer the venue, include return transport for both conference days in your budget.
Getting around Jinja
Boda bodas, SafeBoda and private hire taxis are options for local journeys. Share the full venue address and agree on the fare before leaving.
If using a boda boda, wear a helmet. A car may be more practical when travelling with luggage or as a group.
Keep your accommodation’s contact details handy and arrange your return journey if you plan to stay out late.
See you at WordCamp Jinja!
Pack your laptop, charger, comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket—and bring your questions, ideas and willingness to meet someone new.
For questions about travel, accommodation or accessibility, contact the WordCamp Jinja organising team.
Get your WordCamp Jinja 2026 ticket and join us on 19–20 September at Civil Service College Uganda.
Embrace Creative Currents on the Nile: Where Inclusivity Fuels Creativity.