Flanked today by the city of Jinja, the waterfall described by Speke now lies submerged beneath the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s main source of hydro-electric power. Still, a visit to the source of the Nile remains a moving and wondrous experience, no less so to those who have seen the same river as it flows past the ancient Egyptian temples of Luxor some 6,000 km downstream.
The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age.
Closer to home, the Nile downriver from Jinja offers some superb white water rafting and game fishing. Its crowning glory, however, is Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river funnels through a narrow fissure in the Rift Escarpment to erupt out of the other side in a crashing 43 metres plume of white water. The river below the falls is no less spectacular in its own way, with its profuse birdlife, thousands of hippos, and outsized, gape-mouthed crocodiles.
5 Comment
Jemmy Shan, 2019-07-16 at 10:02 AM
We were welcomed by traditional dancers and god smiles from the craft shops, I bought a traditional shirt that i now hang in my dinning hall. then went for a boat ride to see where Rive Nile begins its journey from, the river is so cool, quiet ride and you only hear the sound of the boats. a very nice experience. took some photos before proceeding to John Speke monument just across the river with a nice view of river Nile and the Lake Victoria
Frances M, South Africa, 2016-07-13 at 11:29 AM
A fascinating place, The source can only be reached by boat which I did not realize. Bargain for the best price. Ours was halved, 50 000 shillings. It was worth it. Its not just the source but you see Lake Victoria, Spekes monument and an underwater waterfall.
Margret, Jinja, 2015-10-11 at 7:49 AM
My overall rating for The source of the Nile;
Beauty and visit worthiness 10/10
Accessibility 10/10
Friendly locals 10/10
Food availability 10/10
Activities 6/10
Tips while visiting the River Nile Source
Visit during daytime and leave the site before it gets dark.
Carry a binoculars for birding
Don’t litter around help keep the place clean.
Enjoy your visit
Job, Kampala, 2015-07-20 at 7:06 AM
The source of the Nile is a very peaceful place very calm and very nice place, you just sit and enjoy the great rivers view, its natural beauty, birds, water and fresh cold winds
Leo, Boston, 2014-09-09 at 7:16 AM
Great green gardens at the source of the Nile the river is very refreshing you just sit by its side and spend time with your partner at the restaurants, sip a coffee or cold beer from the neighboring Nile breweries, watch the sunset and definitely take pictures.