The Nile is the longest river on earth seconded by Amazon of South America. The Nile is 6,853 km (4,258 miles) long starting from the pearl of Africa Uganda along the equator and flows all the way through North Africa into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile basin drains tributaries and streams in 11 countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.)
Along the course of the Nile, its waters combined with fertile soils, forests, savannah, plants, birds and mammals, the Nile basin is a region of immense diversity supporting millions of people.
Given such a vast river, it is impossible to talk about the Nile without knowing about its source.
The source of the Nile is found on Victoria Nile at rippon falls in Jinja city dubbed the adventure capital of east Africa. Jinja is a destination blessed with a natural setting along the Victoria Nile River.
The Source of the Nile in Jinja was discovered by a British explorer John Speke in 1863. However to date, there’s a debate about the true source of the Nile following discoveries made before and after Speke’s, including the Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD who thought the melting snow on the peaks of the Mountains of the Moon to be the source of the Nile. Further discoveries were made to claim the furthest source of the Nile in Nyungwe forest Rwanda and in highlands of Burundi where Akagera River originates, the only inlet to Lake Victoria.
These discoveries have added a mystique, however; Speke’s discovery undoubtedly uncovered the true source of the source of the Nile in Jinja.
As you are on a boat cruise sailing to Samuka Island, you will see the section of waters bubbling to mark the source of the Nile. When you stand there, you will definitely agree at the sight of the true source of the Nile. Authentically, the other sections of water on Victoria Nile remain calm to confirm that’s the true source of the Nile.
It is a trip of a lifetime to Jinja city. You will not only see the historical source of the world’s longest river but also include in your trip some outdoor adventure activities.
Jinja has a deal to be called the adventure capital of East Africa. situated on the shores of the Victoria Nile river, Jinja is a prime destination for white water rafting due to the presence of the grade 5 and 4 rapids. Jinja is the only place to do bungee jumping, if you can take a 50 meter jump over the cliff.
Not to mention, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure excursions such as kayaking, horseback riding, quad biking, cycling, swimming, and boat riding. plus, exploring the Jinja city’s favorite hangout spots including bars, restaurants, hotels.
Jinja is 1 hour drive from Kampala city and as such, it is easy to take a day trip and return. there are beautiful spots en route such as Mabira forest and Sezibwa falls to stop by and enjoy nature walks and views.
