Speke Memorial Monument is a statue made of red granite that honors John Hanning Speke, who discovered Lake Victoria and led expeditions to find the source of the Nile.
The Speke Memorial Monument is a statue made of red granite that honors John Hanning Speke. He was the first European to find Lake Victoria and head expeditions to find the Nile’s source.
Traveling from Kampala to Jinja takes approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes. Upon arrival, tourists can spot the Speke Memorial Monument.
Who was John Hanning Speke?
English explorer Captain John Hanning Speke served as an officer in the British Indian Army. He went on three exploration trips to Africa during his explorations.
He is most closely related to the effort to find the Nile’s origin.
The search for the Niles source in East Africa
The Great Lakes, which were purported to be in the continent’s heart, were the reason John Speke and Burton traveled to East Africa in 1856. The expedition’s goal was to find the Nile’s source.
The journey he traveled with his fellow explorer, Burton. Once they reached deep in Eastern Africa, both men became ill with various tropical diseases.
As they moved further west, Speke temporarily lost his sight and Burton fell seriously ill. The two explored Lake Tanganyika but we’re unsure about which direction it flowed.
They heard of Lake Victoria in the east and decided to explore it on the way back to the coast. Burton was too weak to journey and left Speke to go.
In July 1858, John Hanning Speke saw Lake Victoria and became the first European to see Lake Nalubaale. After surveying the lake, he gave it a new name—Queen Victoria—after the British monarch.
Burton however became jealous that John Speke had discovered the source of the Nile. Their relationship went sour from then on. Upon returning to England, Burton wrote to The Royal Geographical Society. It had partially sponsored their journey to Africa.
Burton later argued that the river pouring out of Lake Tanganyika’s northern shore was the source of the Nile. In his letter, he rejected the idea that Lake Victoria was its source.
To resolve the Nile, the RGS requested that Burton and Speke engage in a public debate.
The day before he was scheduled to participate in a debate at the Royal Geographical Society over the source of the River Nile, Speke was fatally shot by his revolver. Speke had asserted that the Rippon Falls, an outflow from east Africa’s Lake Victoria, was the source of the Nile.
Sir Richard Burton, another explorer, would have argued against him in the discussion. He was going to say that Speke lacked concrete evidence to support his assertion. Others believed Speke committed suicide, while others believed he died accidentally. He died in 1864.
In the end, Speke’s assertion was validated, and the Royal Geographical Society proclaimed that he had solved “the problem of all ages.”
The Speke Memorial Monument was then erected on the western bank of the river Nile which is present-day Jinja, Uganda.
Tourist Areas Close to the Monument
Source of the Nile river
The majestic River Nile’s source can be found in Jinja. It flows from Uganda through South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. It is the longest river in Africa and the entire world.
The Owen falls dam
The Owen Falls Dam is located near Jinja town and provides hydroelectricity for Uganda. It is one of two dams currently being built. You can experience a whole new world of adventures by taking a trip to these falls.
Bujagali falls
Bujagali Falls is most renowned for having excursions for both international tourists and locals in the area. It’s a place not far from the Speke Memorial Monument.
The Bujagali Falls also provide chances for kayaking, sunset cruises, and bird watching.
Jinja Golf course
The Nile’s source serves as a lovely focal point for the water flow from Lake Victoria’s sole outlet. A lovely golf course meanders around the banks.
If you are into playing golf, you may check it out and possibly join the Jinja Golf Club.
Itanda Falls
While in Jinja, Itanda Falls is just a 45-minute drive. It’s a hidden gem that is a must-see on the river Nile.
This section of the Nile is also well-known to kayakers and rafters like Prince William of Great Britain. It has long been a mystery to tourists in Uganda.
Lake Victoria Beaches
These beaches have been used in part for the construction of hotels and other tourist attractions. You could take time to relax and socialize with people here and also have sailing clubs which you can join.
Things to do while visiting the Speke Memorial Monument
White Water Rafting
While you may get wet, you won’t forget the thrill of rafting at Jinja in Uganda. It offers the best white water rafting from mild to wild. With a family float for you and you’re the little ones you can relax a little.
Sunset Cruises
A truly wonderful experience while visiting Jinja on the White River Nile is to go on a Sunset Cruise. You can pack dinner and drinks for an even better experience.
Jet Boating
Jet boat at breakneck speeds up the River Nile Rapids and take in the River Nile’s untamed beauty without getting much wet. It’s such an unforgettable experience.
Bungee jumping
While jumping off a cliff is not for the faint of heart, many people just like the thrill of plunging into the Nile River below. For the majority, it is a life-changing occasion.
Mountain Biking
Travelers visiting the Nile region will find riding along the Nile in Jinja to be a pleasurable experience. The Nile passes through many different towns and villages, and there are many locations where you can ride a bike.
Horseback Riding
This is another way to appreciate the Nile, and see villages and towns along the way. On this journey, you can take in the culture and sites while on a horseback ride. There are even overnight horseback safaris that last two days.
Kayaking
To experience kayaking, choose the best competent guide to take you through the River Nile’s rapids. You may also attempt River Surfing near the Nile River as a second option.
Conclusion
The Speke Memorial Monument is very significant to Uganda as a country and the entire world. It tells the story of the source of the Nile and how it was discovered.
As you journey to Jinja, Uganda to visit this remarkable site, be prepared for an adventure like no other.
