The source of the Nile is in Jinja, Uganda. It is the longest river in Uganda and Africa as well; it flows from Uganda to Sudan and Egypt.
The Source of the Nile can be found in Jinja, Uganda. It’s the longest river in Uganda and Africa as well. The river Nile begins its journey in Uganda and flows to Sudan and Egypt.
It pours its waters into the 11 African nations of Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
It is made up of two tributaries, the longest of which is the white Nile, flowing north of Khartoum. The other tributary, the Blue Nile, which flows into Sudan, is made up of two lakes.
The source of the Nile was discovered on August 3rd, 1858, by John Speke Hanning, the first explorer to visit Africa. John Speke traveled with his friend Richard Francis Burton intending to explore central Africa.
The Nile’s headwaters were “identified” by Speke in Lake Victoria while his partner, Burton, recovered separately at Lake Tanganyika. This is according to the tiny site along the shoreline in Jinja, Uganda.
When the two sides came together, Burton disregarded Speke’s assertion and argued that Tanganyika was the actual source of the Nile River.
The two men couldn’t agree on where the actual source of the Nile was. The whole situation became serious. The Royal Geographic Society had to step in and send Speke back to Lake Victoria to support his theory, which he accomplished in a way some deemed dubious.
To settle the matter, a public debate between the two men was scheduled to take place at the British Association. Unfortunately, the day before the debate, Speke suffered an accident.
A fatal rifle shot to the head as he was hunting. It’s believed that he killed himself motivated by a fear of facing Burton in public.
Speke named the source of the Nile after the queen of the United Kingdom who was known as Victoria. Hence the name Lake Victoria.
Directions to the Source of the Nile
Because the source of the Nile is located in Jinja, tourists can set off from Kampala through the Mabira forest along the Jinja highway.
The journey to the source is in itself fun. You get to see large sugar cane plantations and tea plantations. When traveling by road it takes about 2 hours especially when the road is clear.
However, on bad days like when there’s a lot of traffic, it could take a few more hours to get to the Nile.
Activities and Tourist features at the Source of the Nile
White water rafting
White water rafting is one of those adventure activities that will bring so much excitement once you participate. For first-timers, it can seem scary at the start but it gets easier once you make the first try.
It’s a completely safe activity when you follow instructions given by your guide. Everyone is given a helmet and a life jacket because the chances of getting into the water are very likely.
Most tourists enjoy this experience on the Nile because it’s one like no other. There are many places and activities to participate in while at the source of the Nile but nothing quite beats the thrills and spills when water rafting.
Horse Riding
Horse riding in Jinja has turned out to be one of the most adventurous and unique activities around. On the horse ride, you will be able to view several attractions situated on the shores of Lake Victoria.
There are many neighboring communities around the Nile, tea plantations, sugar farmlands, and hills. The views are spectacular. Participants may choose to ride either in the morning or during the evening or at sunset.
With the assistance of a tour guide, you will be guided by an experienced professional that will lead you throughout the activity. This is to ensure that you do not encounter any challenges on your way as you explore the beautiful scenery along the banks of the river Nile.
Additionally, horse riding requires experience. It means that first-timers will require the training services of a professional.
The horses are well trained as well making it easier for the rider to communicate with them. Horse riding is indeed an activity worth trying out when you’re at the source of the Nile.
Bungee jumping
Adrift is the company in charge of bungee jumping at the source of the Nile. They have been in the business for a long and therefore know how to handle people participating in the activity. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it’s worth trying.
Picture yourself toppled from above, hanging with your head facing down as you head straight for the source of the Nile. It’s considered the best activity for thrill seekers.
However, even those that aren’t thrill-seekers are free to try out. There are no restrictions unless one has medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or is pregnant.
Swimming
The river Nile is one of the best and safest places to swim in while on safari in Jinja. The water is free from diseases like Bilharzia which we find in dirty water bodies.
Also, there aren’t any dangerous animals that can cause harm to people. For this reason, tourists can swim as much as they want because it’s not only fun but safe as well.
Sport fishing on the River Nile
It’s common to see local fishermen at the Nile fishing. Tourists can also participate and catch different types of fish. Lake Victoria has many fish types such as Nile perch, Catfish, Tigerfish, Tilapia, and others.
To participate, you are required to book and make payments for either training or fishing equipment to be used. It’s also okay to come with your fishing equipment if you can. This activity can be done both mornings and during the afternoon hours.
Jet boating
Here, you will be taken around the Nile by an experienced guide captain. Tourists have the luxury of enjoying the grade 5 rapids, jumps, and spins. It’s one of the most enjoyable experiences on the river Nile.
Quad Biking
For absolute fun, while visiting the source of the Nile, we recommend Quad Biking. The activity is suitable for groups, families, couples, and children. Anyone can participate no matter the age group.
Just like horse riding, participants are given instructions on trails to follow and what not to do. While quad biking, you get to see villages around, different views of the Nile, the sunset, and a whole lot more.
It’s possible to do this activity for the whole day or two days depending on your package.
Images for the source of the Nile
Conclusion
Visiting the source of the Nile in Jinja will give you a glimpse of the tourist attractions Uganda has to offer.
At only 50 miles from Kampala, you can travel for a few hours and enjoy everything these waters have to offer.
