Exploring the source of the Nile

To explore the source of River Nile is an unbelievable trip you can do during a Uganda safari. In Uganda, the source of River Nile is situated in Jinja district which is located on the plateau overlooking River Nile. Jinja town still has some of the remaining architectural building with a colonial touch. The town was the former main industrial city of Uganda because the first hydropower dam called Owen Falls Dam was constructed in Jinja town and a network of old railways that were used to bring in raw materials and exit with finished products to the market.

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To get to the actual point where River Nile funnels from Lake Victoria to start its course, one needs to hire a boat from the pier. A number of motor boats can be hired at a fairly good price to the actual point where the drama happens.

Along the way, the banks of river Nile are dotted with a number of water birds that flock to it to enjoy its freebies and enjoy a bath in the river on a hot sunny day. The evergreen lush vegetation that forms part of the River Nile banks is mesmerizing.

Finally when at the source of River Nile, you get closer to the point where River Nile separates from lake Victoria water. At this point, water emerges from beneath, in a wavy style but River Nile water has momentum as though showing it has a journey to start while Lake Victoria water is calm. The mystery behind what may have been happening below this point at the source of River Nile is hard to explain.

River Nile which is world’s longest river has its source in Uganda at lake Victoria then it flows through south Sudan, the Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt where its delta is at the Mediterranean sea. Along the Nile course are a number of interesting features but in Uganda, the Murchison Falls is one of the highlight where the river releases most of its energy.

At the source of River Nile there is a crafts shop where you may purchase some souvenirs but during the rainy seasons, the water level may increase and submerge its lower part.

Other Activities To do At The Source Of River Nile in Jinja

Bungee Jumping on River Nile

Bungee Jumping is an adrenaline stimulating activity where someone is securely tied to a rope and let down the 44 meters high cliff over river Nile. A boat awaits below to receive you as you touch the water surface. If you are afraid of heights, this may not be an activity for you.

White water rafting on River Nile

Even though the former white water rafting spot was replaced with a Hydro Electricity Dam that is at Bujjagali Falls, The Itanda falls serve the same purpose any may enjoy this thrilling adventure. No need to have experience in white water rafting because on ground is a team of professional instructors who take you through what is necessary.

During white water rafting, participants peddle through the tides on a tube boat. To ensure the safety of the participants, a lead kayak with one of the instructors goes through the waves to test their strength then participants follow the same route.

The white water rafting route has some levels but you can stop where you most feel comfortable.    

Kayaking on River Nile

In case you may not have interest in taking on the white water rafting adventure, you can choose to do kayaking on river Nile. On the way, you enjoy the amazing features on the escarpments that overlook River Nile, by pass a number of birds that flock its banks and much more at a more relaxed moment.

Boat ride on River Nile

You can explore River Nile in Jinja on a boat where you get to relax while enjoying the stunning view. Watch out for the evergreen vegetation and a plethora of birds that over time grace the riverine and surroundings. Enjoy the cool breeze and on a normal day, you can arrange a sunset cruise to watch the sun cast its rays over the River Nile. Boat rides on River Nile are family inviting too.

Tubing on River Nile

Experience the thrill on River Nile by taking on the tubing adventure. During this moment, you get to swim on River Nile using a tube which is exciting especially for those who are not good swimmers. You float on the River surface and relax.

Horse Back Riding along River Nile

Change the narrative of exploring the River Nile Banks using the regular ways by using the horse back riding experience. While on the horse, you follow the route that goes through the countryside where you may encounter the locals, by pass a number of gardens they own, enjoy the vegetation along the way where you my spot some primates especially the vervet monkeys, black and white colobus and others.

Birding experience along River Nile

Ornithologists have something more to enjoy on a visit to the source of River Nile as a number of birds especially water birds graces the shores of this river. Even the surrounding forests and swamps are home to a number of birds which you can identify. For more rewarding birding experience, having a professional birding guide and a birding booklet is an added advantage.

Jet Boating on River Nile

You can enjoy the experience on River Nile on a Jet boat but you need to get training from the instructors on how to go about it.

Swimming in River Nile

If you have experience in swimming, you can decide to swim in River Nile but however you need to be careful not to get to the deeper ends of the River or in hazardous points of the River. 

Biking along River Nile

How about exercising as you take on the River Nile course by enjoying a biking adventure. Since Jinja town is situated on a plateau you may enjoy the biking adventure as you ride through the dense surrounding vegetation past a number of gardens. It is a possible mountain biking location too. Quad biking is fantastic long the River Nile but no experience is needs. It is fun experience too a comfortable adventure if you are with family.

Camping along River Nile

If you wish to get away from the a normal especially the chaotic city and camp in a more relaxed area, Jinja has some of the best camping Locations. Carry your own tents and food or you can order from the restaurants within Jinja town.

Visit Ssezibwa Falls

On the way to see the source of River Nile or as you return, you can make a detour to the Ssezibwa Falls which are believed to have been born. These falls have sparkling crystal clear waters during the dry season and are amazing to spent time at, The compound around the falls is normally well kept inviting campers to spend time here. 

The Ssezibwa falls are under the management of Buganda kingdom and are believed to be the spiritual dwelling spot for the people of this kingdom. When you take a walk in the forested spot of the Ssezibwa falls, you may encounter some ritualists who often visit these falls for personal reasons.

The history surrounding the formation of Ssezibwa falls is mysterious but spending time here is worth. Ensure not to violet the norms of this area so that you have a good time here.

Mabira Forest

Mabira forest was referred to as the largest Nature forest in Uganda. Mabira forest has some of the very old natural trees with a dense canopy. Overtime, human activities have encroached on the forest especially sugarcane growing but the part that is left may offer you some amazing experience when you take on a forest walk. Look out for several birds that find solace in the forest, a number of primates, forest birds and much more.

Jinja town Tour

Jinja town still has some of the building that were designed during the colonial era which you can spot during the town tour. Drive through the streets that were once some of the best business centers in the past. Jinja town was Uganda’s industrial capital a position it held for a very long time until a number of industries where shifted to the Namanve industrial center.

A number of migrants from the Asian community are residents of Jinja town too.

How to get to the source of River Nile

From Kampala, Jinja town is at a distance of about 80 kilometers and you can get there by private means or public means. To get to the actual source of River Nile, you need a boat to sail to this spot which you can hire from the pier. A number of craft shops where you can purchase souvenir are located along the slopes that get down to the pier.

At this point is a location where the ashes of the famous philanthropist Mahati Magandi where scattered from into River Nile as his last wish was.

Charter flight arrangement to Jinja can also be arranged according to your wish but requires advance booking so that all necessary arrangements can be made. This may save on the heavy traffic jam that is normally experienced along this location.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Source Of River Nile

A visit to the source of River Nile is open all year and you can find a number of features beyond the starting point of this river. At the source of River Nile you can clearly see the demarcated point where River Nile water separates from lake Victoria water.

Even other activities in Jinja are best enjoyed in the dry season when the river surface is not rough. The dry season is normally June to September and December to January. Most of the outdoor activities around the source of River Nile are more exciting during the dry season.

The wet season which is March to May and November opens an opportunity to sail on River Nile is as the water level normally increases as the  season intesefies.

Ensure to carry some warm gears because Jinja normally experiences very cold conditions early morning and late afternoon. You need to travel with extra money to use for on ground purposes.

What To Pack For A Safari In Uganda

• A pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the far ranging primates in the forested areas and features
• A travel Journal to keep record of every detail that you may get to see in the park.
• Binoculars to get a clear picture of fur hidden animals and birds.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from sun burns and to apply while at the pool in case your lodge has one.
• A torch just in case lights go out at night and because most accommodation facilities use solar sometimes the panels may run short of power.
• When the dry spell is experienced in the Uganda which is expected between June to September, and Mid December to Mid-January, temperature may rise to about 28 degrees centigrade.  You need to pack some light wear like sleeveless and shorts with flip flops. The color of clothes to pack must be dirt friendly like Khaki.
• Try to avoid bright colors because they may look suspicious to some wild animals and cause them to charge at you. The wild is dusty at times which may make your clothes dirty in case they brightly colored.
• A camera for taking memories of your Uganda safari adventures to different safari destination
•  Some hard cash to exchange into local currency in case you need to have an on ground transaction.
• Carry an extra fully charged buttery to switch with in case one runs low.
• Insect repellant as the wilderness has stinging insects that may hurt your skin.
• First Aid kit for just in case of any illness that is known to you.
• Toiletries in case your lodge doesn’t provide.

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