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Fantastic views of the Nile, a well stocked bar and excellent meals have made this site one of East Africa’s most popular places to stay. Whether you are camping, staying in dormitories or rooms, our bar deck overlooking the river is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer and amazing sunsets. The trees above boast a multitude of tropical bird life and the ‘riverside showers’ alone have become famous for the incredible scenery they overlook. Lush terraces offer secluded safari tents with stunning views of the River Nile. Secure and cozy with fresh linen at your disposal, they have become extremely popular. Numbers are limited so it is strongly advised you book well in advance.In addition to our terraced safari tens we now offer standard safari tents in the main camping area.
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Went camping with the kids, and this is a great camping spot. Our tents had beautiful view of the River Nile. No mosquitoes in our tents, especially with the caution provided on how to keep the nets closed. Only gripe was we asked for a camp fire both while booking and at check in, but did not find one in the evening. Its a good base for kayaking, quad biking, and just plain chilling by the river. There are no televisions save for the ones in the restaurant, so we really got in some great family card games and singing in our tents! Richard was very thoughtful. fast and helpful at check in! Kudos!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The tents with a view of the river nile are quieter and have beautiful sunsets. A little hot...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MinetteT4, Guest Relations Manager at Explorers River Camp
Responded 9 Jan 2020
Dear Afro_Jetsetter, thank you so much for choosing Explorers River Camp for your family camping trip. We loved having you stay with us especially that it created some super special family bonding time. Apologies for the lack of a fire in the evening - it could be we had a lot of rain and the wood was wet so not possible to burn. Making a camp fire is not something we do all the time as we do try to conserve trees however we will look into it. We do look forward to welcoming you back for another fun filled family camping trip with a camp fire (as long as the rain stays away;) ). Warm regards Minette
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NRE offered a great christmas break which we happily made use of! I loved how they paid attention to christmas decorating the brunch at the christmas boatcruise, and in the evening again during the special christmas buffet. The only bit sad thing was that there was not much on offer for vegetarians, although we did ask for it during the booking. A small communication error. Why the poor star for sleep quality: it is a budget dorm type of accomodation, which means loud and drunk people at all times of night. But I knew that in advance. Thumbs up for the effort of this break, too bad not more people used it!
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Date of stay: December 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Minette Thiart, Guest Services / Front Office at Explorers River Camp
Responded 6 Jan 2021
Dear Nakintu, thank you so much for your lovely review. Sorry about the noise - Our camp is based in a beautiful village, unfortunately we don't have much control with regards to the noise and activities that go on outside camp. We will endeavor to invest in some ear plugs though. We hope and look forward to another visit from you, keep an eye out for some more amazing deals coming out this year. Warm regards Minette
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It was a wonderful experience staying at the hotel and using the services they offer. We visited the hotel mainly for Rafthing and it was very nice. The team of professionals that stayed with us demonstrated knowledge of the activity and took care of us at all times. The hotel spaces were pleasant and we always had good attention and good disposition about the comments we made.
Highly recommended, thank you very much.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Minette Thiart, Guest Services / Front Office at Explorers River Camp
Responded 6 Oct 2020
Hello Stefania, thank you so much for your lovely review. We loved hosting you and we are super stoked you had a great time. We pride ourselves on our friendly staff and service, thank you for appreciating. Warm regards, Minette.
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I come to this place 2 years ago, with my parents, husband and children. We thought the place looked nice, and the staff was friendly. Then, as we were walking across the open parking area, the manager (or boss of some sort), started screaming and yelling at on of the staff. Standing in the open area, for everybody to both see and listen. First of all, a manager should never scream and behave so disrespectful to the staff. Secondly, feedbacks to employees should not take place in public. We were all shocked by this behavior, but we hoped that it was just a one-time incident. Then we returned last month. We ended up there, just because it was late, and the other 3 places we went to was too expensive. Once again the receptionist was very friendly and helpful. As we were paying for the accommodation, the same manager as 2 years ago, came in to ask the receptionist something about another employee. He was obviously not happy about whatever the other one had done, so he started shouting out loud, ending up saying that he was "finished with that guy". I got so annoyed with his behavior, i wanted to tell him to show respect and take an education in how to be a LEADER. Such behavior should be unacceptable, as it will not only make it a horrible place to work, but also a place some tourist will not return to. And i will definitely not recommend this place to anyone. PS; the t-shirts they have saying "I love my job", is something they got for free. Many of the staff do not want to wear them, even though it means they have to buy something else to wear. I am pretty sure the staff in this place would quit their jobs if they had somewhere else to work. They are probably praying for another manager, as this is the worst one they have ever had (according to some of the staff i talked to).
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Date of stay: February 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leslie Carvell, General Manager at Explorers River Camp
Responded 20 Mar 2022
Dear Nina B, Thank you for your review and expressing your concerns. To be honest, I don’t know whether the person you are referring to is the ‘manager’ or the ‘owner’ both of who are South African who develop very short boisterous fuses when frustrated…………..having said that, both their fuses usually burn out quicker than an African match and are generally kind, caring and friendly, certainly not people I would call disrespectful. It was unfortunate that you experienced this on both occasions you stayed with us. As to whether they are ‘unqualified’, I don’t know what qualifications you have to judge this. There are many attributes and credentials needed to manage a facility of that size, not getting frustrated is just one of them and not everybody can fulfill all of them. The fact that the only criticism you expressed about the place was the ‘boss’ would seem that he must be doing more things right than wrong. As for the t-shirts, unfortunately these were the idea of the owner and were initially intended for river crew only but somehow ended up with the bar staff, all other staff wear uniforms. I agree with you that some of the bar staff do not like wearing them, in fact I do not like some of the bar staff wearing them, particularly the one that loves to complain to clients, has an array of other free t-shirts given to him by beverage companies, and has not once, in the 20+ years he has worked for us, even attempted to look for another job. But hey, he has worked for us for a long time and is considered part of the family. Kind regards, Leslie
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I just moved to Kampala and went to Jinja by myself for a long weekend. I was nervous about being alone, but the staff at Nile River Explorers - especially Nash and Josh - made me feel so welcome! They were so personable and kind and made sure to introduce me to other travelers and help me get a spot on the white water rafting trip. I had an incredible time with new friends and amazing views of the Nile. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for adventure!
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Date of stay: April 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Minette Thiart, Guest Services / Front Office at Explorers River Camp
Responded 12 Apr 2021
So great you managed to escape the city and head to Jinja! You certainly made the best choice booking with Nile River Explorers and we loved having you visit us. We look forward to your next relaxing visit again in the not too distant future. Kind regards Minette
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We stayed at NRE for the Nyege Nyege festival 2023 and we were well taken care of. We stayed at the tents and were provided with a warm bed and a towel to wash off the mud and grime from the festival! As always, a pleasure to stay at NRE!
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leslie Carvell, General Manager at Explorers River Camp
Responded 18 Nov 2023
Thanks boroclau. Hope you enjoyed the festival.
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Stayed two nights in the riverside view permanent tents. Great view, a nice space to relax. The bar and restaurant area has wonderful sunset views and we also took the sunset cruise out on the river. Good wifi coverage in the main areas, pretty good showers but sometimes took a while to warm up.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MinetteT4, Guest Relations Manager at Explorers River Camp
Responded 5 Jan 2020
Dear Jaimegrimmett, thank you for your great review of our camp site - we definitely agree with you that our Sunsets are the best and most memorable. Our showers are solar heated so if there is cloudy weather or first thing in the morning you will need to run the water for a bit to give the hot water a chance to run through the pipes.Safari Njema and Warm regards Minette.
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Plain water kayaking on the nile was quite peaceful. I recommend Abraham as a world class guide. He is patient and knows the best routes around the nile river. The soft drinks come in handy when your arms get tired of rowing. Maybe request for water and a snack if you are going longer than 2hours.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Minette Thiart, Guest Services / Front Office at Explorers River Camp
Responded 1 Feb 2021
Dear David, thank you for your lovely review. We pride ourselves with our peaceful and safe environment where visitors can feel relaxed in their surroundings at camp and while participating in activities. We look forward to welcoming you back for another peaceful and relaxing break. I will pass on your compliments to Abraham - we just love him to. Warm regards Minette
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We stayed for one night in July as a group of 5 nursing students. We had tents overlooking the Nile and it was amazing waking up to the view. The clubhouse is vibrant at night. Staff are fantastic. The electric did go off at one point so it was candle light for the bathrooms but this is Uganda and powercuts happen. We did quad biking which was just opposite the camp site and white water tubing. You can arrange activities with the reception staff easy.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Minette Thiart, Guest Services / Front Office at Explorers River Camp
Responded 30 Jul 2022
Hello Lovemyholidays ,(what an epic travel name), thank you for your amazing review. We love that you had a great time and enjoyed the view, it is magical! We look forward when you visit us again and enjoy all the new upgrades we are doing to make your stay even more enjoyable. Warm regards, Minette
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There were lots of good things about my stay at Nile Explorers River Camp. The terrace and bar area is comfortable and spacious with great views of the Nile. The staff were very friendly and breakfast, massage and laundry services were good. My double room came with nice bedding, towels and hot water. But the room also needs attention - the sink drains onto the floor and the loo seat is not fitted. I was unlucky to be in the room next to the SUP centre and close to the entrance to the road, both of which made a lot of noise, early morning and late at night.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Avoid rooms near the road
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Leslie Carvell, General Manager at Explorers River Camp
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Dear KTP310, Sorry to hear about the problems with your room. Had we been aware at the time we would have tried to correct the problems or moved you to another room.
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Hi Dave, Nile River Explorers (NRE) for payment, they take dollars, pounds, euro, Uganda Shillings and Kenya Shillings (the new syle). They can also take Visa/MasterCard/Amex (debit or credit cards) but there is a surcharge of 5%. If you need to use a card, it is sometimes cheaper to use an ATM and pay NRE in Shillings, but it depends what your bank is charging for overseas withdrawals.
"Best to book in advance when it's a busy season,carry some towels or saddles for the wash rooms (applied to the dormitory) or you may have to rent at the reception "
There are more places to choose from in the Jinja area.
PRICE RANGE
£12 - £32 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
UgandaEastern RegionJinja
NUMBER OF ROOMS
33
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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