Source of the Nile at Jinja. The Nile River also known as River Nile is a major north-flowing River in the northeast Africa with its source in Jinja, a city in the eastern region of Uganda about 81 kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. This Africa’s longest River is known to originate from Lake Victoria which is popular for being Africa’s largest fresh water Lake that covers up to three countries namely Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The Nile River is also known to be Africa’s longest and the word’s second longest River after the Amazon River. Its name “Nile” was derived from the ancient Greek “Neilos” that means a River Valley. This Nile River has an average depth of 8 to 11 meters with a total length of about 6,650 kilometers between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea where it ends its long journey to pour its water. The first European explore to discover the source of River Nile was John Hanning Speke along with James Grant by exploring East Africa, mapping Lake Victoria and identifying the Nile’s exit point from Lake Victoria which he named Ripon falls in 1862 that later submerged after the construction of the hydro-electric Owen falls dam. During this expedition to find the source of the Nile River, Sir John Hanning Speke also named Lake Victoria after Queen Victoria of England neglecting its local names such as Ukerewe in Swahili and Nalubaale in Luganda. Therefore the source of the Nile River in Jinja has become a tourism destination through a combination of its historical significance, the efforts of explorers like John Hanning Speke and Henry Morton Stanley with several government initiatives to develop it as an international tourism site. The government of Uganda has recognized the source of the Nile as a potential for tourism which has prompted it to actively promote the source of the Nile as a key tourist destination by investing in infrastructures and marketing efforts.
Attractions at the source of the Nile
The source of River Nile
The source of the River Nile is a tourist attraction itself where Africa’s longest River starts its long journey into the Mediterranean Sea. This place where the Nile River starts exiting Lake Victoria was named Ripon falls by Sir John Hanning Speke who was the first European explorer to discover the source of the Nile. The source of the Nile kept on attracting attentions of other Europeans and the local settlers which compelled many to make visits to this place and thus becoming a prominent tourist attraction.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is one of African Great Lakes with a surface area of approximately 59,947 square kilometers making it Africa’s largest Lake. This tranquil Lake was named Victoria by Sir John Hanning Speke after the Queen of England while he was on his expedition to find the source of the Nile River. Lake Victoria is now a tourist attraction since it’s the source and the starting point of the Nile River and a haven to a variety of wildlife species including bird species, mammals like the African clawless otter and the spotted-necked otter, reptiles like the giant monitor lizard, fish types and many others. This Lake also supports a variety of tourist adrenaline activities such as boat cruises, tubing, zip-lining, swimming to mention but a few.
The Speke monument
The Speke monument is a structure that was erected to commemorate a place where Sir John Hanning Speke stood in excitement as he discovered the source of River Nile. A visit to the source of the Nile is therefore incomplete without taking a picture at the Speke monument. This monument is accessed by taking a boat cruise from the shores to the source of the Nile with an en-route to the Speke monument where the history of the first European explorer to discover the source of Africa’s longest River is portrayed and revealed by the local expert guides.
Bird species
The source of the Nile along with its neighboring surroundings is a haven to more than 189 bird species making it a perfect spot for bird enthusiasts. The recent bird checklist includes the African pied wagtail, speckled pigeon, white-winged tern, marabou stork, reed cormorant, western cattle egret, black kite, lanner falcon, common sandpiper, pied crow, African openbill, African darter, Hadada Ibis, squacco heron, striated heron, malachite kingfisher, African pygmy kingfisher, gray-headed kingfisher, purple heron, gray parrot, lizard buzzard, great cormorant, little egret, pink-backed pelican, African gray hornbill, giant kingfisher, African jacana, slender-billed weaver, black-headed heron, bronze manikin, black crake, African sacred ibis, African fish eagle, yellow billed stork, little swift, African pygmy goose to mention but a few.
Other wildlife species
The area around the source of the Nile in Jinja is a home to a diverse array of several other wildlife species including various fish species, mammals, reptiles and many more. Prominent fish species include the Nile perch, catfish, barbel, bolti a species of tilapia fish and many others. Other common wildlife species that are often seen while on a boat cruise include the giant monitor lizards that are spotted basking along the Lake shores.
Activities at the source of the Nile
Visiting the source of the Nile
This one of the major activities where visitors get to a boat for a cruise to the exact point where the Nile River leaves Lake Victoria to start its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea passing through several countries like South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt. The spot where John Speke stood in excitement to observe the source of the Nile known as the Speke monument can as well be visited while on a boat cruise to explore the source of the Nile. Other cruises that are always a supplement to a visit to the source of the Nile include the Nile River scenic cruise along the Nile River past the new bridge and sunset cruises where visitors can experience the stunning African sunset over the Nile River.
Whitewater rafting
This is where visitors can explore the Nile’s rapids and channels on a thrilling rafting adventure. At the Nile River in Jinja where the Nile starts its journey, experienced rafters can have a grade five whitewater rafting experience which is considered the best in the entire Africa. The whitewater rafting crew is experienced and always available to get rafters back into the raft once they are thrown out. This activity involves navigating through strong water rapids and making stops to some islands where rafters have a chance of spotting various wildlife species such as birds and many others. This activity can be done by both beginner and experienced rafters since protective safety gears are provided as well as an experienced rescue team on kayaks that is always available guide and rescue those who might get off the rafters.
Jet boating
This is where visitors can experience the Nile River at a high speed with a jet boat. This activity looks quite similar to whitewater rafting, however with this activity, speed boats are used to conquer the Nile rapids instead of balloon rafts. The speed boats move at a speed of up to 90 kilometers per hour and thus offering a typical adrenaline rush similar to most of the water activities along the Nile.
Bungee jumping
This activity involves taking a plunge from the height of about 43 meters into the Nile waters. Participants have to jump with their legs suspended with ropes down to the Nile River capturing a bird’s view of the terrain below where they are picked off with a boat. This activity takes up to a few minutes but the memory is unforgettable and lasts a lifetime. Both day and night bungee jumps are organized to offer different experiences to visitors.
Kayaking and canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are done along the Nile River where visitors can experience the great rapids and strength of the Nile alongside its surroundings. Participants have to first undergo trainings by experienced instructors where they learn about the basic strokes, rescue and capsizing skills, the flow of the river, back and forward paddling and many more. Kayaking and canoeing safety equipment is provided by the kayaking company that briefs participants on how to use them. Kayaking offers a more effortless and a relaxed experience compared to whitewater rafting though experienced kayakers may choose to go to River sections with stronger rapids.
Quad biking
Quad biking is one of the land-based activities around the source of the Nile in Jinja where visitors have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas including Lakeshores, schools, farmlands, forests, River Nile banks and many more on quad bikes. Free practicing sessions are provided for participants before visitors embark on quad bike adventures implying that one does not need to have any experience in order to take part in this activity. Briefing and training sessions are offered where participants are warned against over speeding always being aware of playful children and animals that may cross the quad biking tracks. Quad bikes also take visitors to local communities where they get to learn about their lifestyles and standards of living.
Bird watching
Both seasoned and inexperienced birders can head out for bird watching excursions around the source of the Nile, along the River banks, Lake Victoria shores and along the numerous islands close to the source of the Nile. Bird watching excursions are done on boats in the morning hours when they are most active or in the evening hours as they prepare to roost. Bird watching trips to the source of the Nile River and the surrounding areas last for about 2 hours though arrangements can be made for the entire day bird watching more so for seasoned birders.
Horseback riding
This is another land-based activity where visitors can experience the Nile River banks and its countryside. This activity just like quad biking takes visitors through the banks of the Nile River and villages around enabling visitors to watch local settlers go about their routine lifestyles. Professional guides lead participants through the horseback riding trails as they capture scenic views of the neighboring valleys, forests, hills and many more close to the River banks.
Sport fishing
Lake Victoria and the Nile River in Jinja have some of the best spots for fishing in Uganda and a variety of fishing species including the Nile perch that can weigh up to 150 kilograms. Other notable fish species that can be caught include the tilapia fish, yellow fish, catfish and many more. Spot fishing is done with the guidance of expert fishermen who are always available to guide visitors interested in fishing while they use a variety of fishing techniques such as bait fishing, trawling, spinning to mention but a few. Participants are allowed to come with their fishing gears provided they are of the required standards though for those that may not be in position to avail themselves with fishing gears, sport fishing operators provide all the necessary fishing gears as well as safety and camping equipment. Sport fishing is often done in the morning and evening hours though full day sport fishing excursions can be arranged for seasoned anglers.
Tubing the Nile
This is one of the amazing adrenaline activities in Jinja that are done along the Nile River. Tubing the Nile involves drifting along the River on an inflatable tube where participants have the opportunity to capture the scenic beauty of magical islands and forests in a distance, sun bathe, marvel at a variety of bird species and many more. Safety equipment is provided for participants as well as a team of experienced safety kayakers that is always available to escort the tubing crew. Single and tandem tubing is offered along the Nile in either calmer water or the Nile rapids.
Best time to visit the source of the Nile in Jinja
The source of the Nile is open for visits all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to August and December to February. This period of the year offers a pleasant weather and ideal conditions for both outdoor and adrenaline activities. The skies are often clear and the temperatures are pleasant during this period of the year making it ideal for activities like whitewater rafting, boating, quad biking, horseback riding, hiking to mention but a few. However during the rainy season in the months of March to May and September to November, there are increased water levels which may hinder some activities though it creates stronger and rough rapids which might be appealing for those seeking a more thrilling rafting experience. Combine a visit to Source of the Nile with Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa or Pian Upe game reserve or Kidepo valley national park.
