Ripon Falls in Uganda were once believed to be the source of the Nile. They are located at the northern end of Lake Victoria.
For some time, Ripon Falls was believed to be the source of the Nile. They can be found at the northern end of Lake Victoria in Uganda.
In 1862–1863, John Hanning Speke became the first European to trace the Nile’s route downstream. This was after he had seen the falls. To him, it indicated that they were the source of the Nile.
Speke gave the falls the name of George Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon. He served as the Royal Geographical Society’s President from 1859 to 1860.
The Ripon Falls served as Lake Victoria’s natural exit until the Owen Falls Dam’s construction was finished in 1954. This essentially extended Lake Victoria and drowned the Ripon Falls.
Even still, these Falls remain among Uganda’s most enchanting features. As you visit Uganda, specifically the Jinja area, you must visit these falls.
Tourist Attractions within the Ripon Falls Area
Nalubaale (formerly Owen Falls Dam)
Nalubaale dam is a hydroelectric power plant located close to the White Nile’s source at Lake Victoria in Uganda. It was formerly known as Owen Falls but later changed its name.
Lake Victoria in Luganda is referred to as Nalubaale. The construction of this dam was responsible for the drowning of the Ripon Falls.
Speke Memorial Monument
It’s the spot where explorer John Speke stood and sighted the Source of the River Nile in 1862.
This memorial monument is open to visitors for free and is situated in Jinja. It’s the ideal location for a low-cost, enjoyable day out.
Itanda falls
The Itanda Falls are a set of rapids on Uganda’s White Nile river. Because they are rated as being extremely difficult, they present a challenge to rafters and kayakers.
Bujagali Falls
In Uganda, the Nile River emerges from Lake Victoria at Bujagali Falls, which is commonly referred to as the Nile’s source. Beginning in November 2011, the new Bujagali Dam flooded the falls.
Jinja Beaches
In Uganda, the most common beaches are the Entebbe beaches. Today, however, in Jinja beaches are slowly being created. The likes of BN private beach, Nile Discovery Beach Resort, and A-one beach are popular tourist destinations.
At the beaches, tourists can enjoy accommodations, swimming pools, bars, and shared lounges. A number of them also offer camping groups for people that prefer to sleep out.
Tourist Activities at the Ripon Falls
Taking off time to explore the Ripon Falls in Uganda is one of the most life-changing experiences you’ll ever have.
The activities we are about to share will truly live a mark on your life. Let’s count them down immediately.
Bungee jumping
The company Adrift has made itself a name for offering the most secure bungee jumping experiences on the river Nile. This exhilarating sport can only be taken by those that crave the thrill.
If you’re one of those, then you can expect to take the highest jump of your life from a bungee jump tower. This is by far the truest show of fun.
Quad Biking
One of the best ways you can explore the Ripon Falls on the river Nile is through quad biking. Marked routes are already in place for bikers to use.
It doesn’t require much experience to participate. Almost anyone can ride quad bikes.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is an activity that’s both fun and relaxing. Tourists that are interested in catching the famous Ugandan Tilapia fish are free to participate.
For this activity though, everyone must use the right fishing gear, because catching underweight fish is prohibited on the lake.
Kayaking
Kayaking can only be enjoyed by tourists who love water sports activities. This activity can also be done on the river Nile close to the Falls.
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting requires participants to use their entire bodies. The fight to stay afloat and go through the different rapids is what makes everything enjoyable.
Of course, everyone will probably get wet or get submerged in the water. For safety reasons, all participants are given a life jacket and helmet.
Nature Photography
Taking photos of the Ripon falls and the surrounding scenery is proof that you were once there. Also when you aren’t in Uganda, you can travel back through the beautiful photos you took.
The thing that makes these nature photos unique is the fact that the place looks enchanted. It’s like a place straight out of a movie. You should visit and see with your physical eyes.
Conclusion
It feels sad to hear that the Ripon Falls were submerged due to the construction of the new dam. Even still, the location is a spot that’s worth visiting. As you journey through the area, you may visit The Speke monument.
Here you’ll see the spot where the explorer John Speke stood and saw the Ripon falls. It’s also a great place to take photos for future reference and memories.
With that said, feel free to come and visit Jinja for even more amazing tourist destinations like the Jinja hotels and beaches, Bujagali Falls, and Itanda Falls.
