The source of the Nile

It was a question since the European occupation in Africa where a number of explorers and geographers were sent to identify its source. Henry Murton Stanley in 1862 took an expedition up to the side of jinja where he had his night and made history through confirming what has been always turning around the tables of Europe.

Countries benefiting from the Nile.

Uganda as a source act as a “lifeline” to South Sudan and Egypt draining its water from Lake Victoria and the underground springs. Victoria constitutes only 60% and the underground springs River Nile covers 6517km flowing from Uganda to the Mediterranean Sea where water takes over 3 months.

Falls & Rapids found on the Nile in Uganda.

Muchison falls

It is the most powerful water fall in Uganda where the Nile spreads a gorge of 7 meters wide and makes a plunge pool of over 43 meters.

Ripon falls

It’s the first water fall where it is believed the Nile initial flow from Lake Victoria.

Kalagala falls

it is 15km away from jinja where water runs in form of rapids. It is suitable for kayaking and white-water rafting.

Karuma falls

It is located in kiryandongo district in the northern part of Uganda where the Nile squeezes its self in the narrow gorges creating very high rapids. It’s the point where hydroelectricity is generated in Uganda.

Itanda falls

It’s considered to be one of the powerful waterfalls in jinja surrounded with a number of rocks on which the Nile hits and creates high rapids around. Water massage, kayaking and rafting are so favorable in the area.

Cultural significance of the Nile.

It’s a source of prestige to the Busoga region being a starting point for the world’s longest river.

Pregnant Basoga Women believe that if u smear yourself with water from the Nile chances were high for one to bore twins because it was full of blessings. Staunch believers in the African traditional religion always take the Nile to have a spirit of “Mukasa” & “Kiyira Nambigirwa” where they always go and worship. Some people visit the Nile to explore while others go to worship, meditate and whisper their wishes to the gods

It has generated employment opportunities to a number of fishermen in the region who take fishing as a source of income. To the tourism industry many guides have been granted opportunities of connecting with tourists and a source of income.

It creates a boundary between Busoga and Buganda kingdoms. These are both powerful kingdoms in Uganda.

Exploration concepts

To the side of Greece and Egypt for those who could see the Nile and a reflection of ice on mountain Rwenzori due to the moon thought that it was originating from the mountains of Kasese hence referring it to as “mountains of the moon”.

Other theories claimed that the Nile was originating from the areas of Rwanda from the rivers of Kagera.

Explores like Mungo park, Sir Samuel Baker, HM Stanley took the initiative to discover the source and also recognizing the efforts of the royal geographical society.

Other rivers feeding the Nile!

River Kagera

This originates from Burundi flowing from Lake Rweru and it’s the longest river serving the Nile .

River Katonga

This originates from the southwestern part of Uganda.

River Nzoia

This flows from the Elgon region giving lake Victoria.

River yala

This comes from the  western part of Kenya.

Attractions found on the Nile

It’s source in jinja

This gives a great experience of where exactly the Nile starts flowing from and it’s main sources of water i.e. the lake and the underground springs.

Falls

The greatest waterfall in Uganda is Murchison falls and not only being an attraction itself it houses a number of flora and fauna in the national park. Visitors who are passionate about nature take this side more important since it’s the biggest park found in Uganda.

Bird species

Pied king fishers, water egrets, great cormorants, crested cranes, pink barked pelicans among others can be spotted on the different areas of the Nile. Dear travelers, Jinja is one of the finest places in Uganda that shouldn’t miss on your itinerary, Kindly book with Ganda Cultural Expeditions for this wonderful experience.