Journey to the Source of the River Nile in Uganda
One of the highlights of a trip to the Pearl of Africa is to visit the Source of the longest river in the world – the River Nile. One can visit the particular point where the Nile ‘officially’ originates in Lake Victoria near Jinja in Uganda. Jinja is a couple of hours (depending on the traffic) from Kampala.
Whether Lake Victoria is actually the source of the Nile is a matter of heated debate. (Refer our blog on this topic on https://beyonder.travel/africa/source-of-the-river-nile-a-mystery/). Nevertheless, visiting this place remains a highlight and bucket list item for many!
The Source
The precise point in Lake Victoria where the Nile is supposed to originate is just off the shores of Jinja. A short boat ride leads to a small structure, a shop seemingly floating in the lake, called ‘Rippon Happy Boys Bar Island’. This is the Rippon falls area – one of the series of cataracts that are now partially submerged due to dams built downstream.
Here, just next to the cabin, a small sign, partially submerged, proudly proclaims the ‘Source of the River Nile – the World’s Longest River).
Why is this precise point, in the vast area that is the invisible boundary between Lake Victoria and the start of the Nile, considered as the source? The answer (I am told) lies in the fact that this is the point that underground aquifers contribute to the Nile. Nearly 30% of the starting waters of the Nile comes from these underground streams – the rest being from Lake Victoria. In fact, the movement of water from below is clearly visible at the site.
The shop at the source is also quite charming and a great place to buy slightly over-priced souvenirs. Do buy a drink at the bar – you’ve had a beer at the Source of the River Nile!
Safari
How can any outing in Uganda not be called a safari? The boat ride to the Source can also qualify for one. A scenic landscape, colourful structures on the shores and yes, a nature safari as well! In addition to an otter and a monitor lizard, we found numerous birds. Some of pictures are below:
It is also possible to alight on the other side of the banks and visit the Speke Monument. This is the place, in 1858, where John Speke saw the Lake draining out into a river. This, he deduced that this place was the Source of the Nile.
Interesting Trivia: at the entrance to the Source – there is a small bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Find out the history of his monument. The India connection is sure to surprise you!
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