Source of River Nile – World’s longest River
The Nile River is one of the 7 wonders of Africa. It is the world’s longest river and it flows 6600km a 3 months journey from its source in Jinja, Uganda before pouring into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The river flows from the South to the North through the countries of Uganda, which has the source, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt. The river has 3 major parts, the Blue Nile, White Nile, and the Atbara.
While in Uganda, a visit to the historic source of this great river shouldn’t be missed. Jinja, which houses the source of the River Nile is 84km from the capital Kampala about 2 hours in the East. Throughout all ancient history, despite Africans living around here, the source of the River Nile was a mystery waiting to be found. In August 1958, the English explorer John Hanning Speke was the first person from the western world to find the source of the River Nile.
His findings were doubted by many like his fellow explorer Richard Francis Burton who rejected the idea for Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania as the source of River Nile. It was sought after by other explorers like David Livingston and Sir Samuel Baker. It is Sir Samuel Baker who confirmed the findings of John Speke while on his expedition around Uganda. Up to now, there are still controversies over the source of the River Nile as Rwanda and Burundi also have theories that it is in their country.
Once you arrive at the banks of the river in Jinja, a boat ride from the part of Lake Victoria will take you to the spot that is marked with a post with the wording “The Source of River Nile, Jinja. World’s Longest River.” And it is said this is where the river begins its mighty journey north. There are different monuments around including one for Mahatma Gandhi and also one to Commemorate where John Speke stood to claim the source of the river.
The Nile River during its course of flow through the countries it meets a lot of obstacles that create rapids falls and other features. These have facilitated different adventure activities like white water rafting, kayaking, river boarding, bungee jumping, and tubing. This has won Jinja a reputation as the adventure capital of East Africa. The Nile River meets its greatest obstacle at Murchison falls where it forces itself into a 7-meter gorge and plunging from a 45m cliff to form the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
From its source all through its course, the Nile River is important not only connecting Africa but also providing for the people and wildlife. It is known to have facilitated the civilization in Egypt and Murchison falls animals like Elephants, hippos, and antelopes always drink from the banks of the river and it harbors several bird species.
So if you’re visiting Uganda, you can include it on your safari. Engage in some adventure activities and boat cruise on the river.