The source of the Nile

The source of the Nile

The source of the Nile in Jinja is one of the top places to visit in Uganda. Jinja has, over the years, positioned itself as East Africa’s adventure capital because of the numerous adrenaline-raising activities available for Travelers to participate in. The source of the Nile is located about 80km away from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. It is visited by many local and international tourists because it is the longest in the world. The Nile River travels a distance of 6,696 km through South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt, where it finally pours its waters into the Mediterranean Sea.

According to historians, the first European to discover the source of the Nile was an Explorer known as John Hanning Speke in the year 1856. He discovered that the source of the Nile was a lake he later named after Queen Victoria of England. A monument in remembrance of Speke was built at the place where he stood in excitement at his great discovery. A visit to the source of the Nile is incomplete without taking a photo at the John Speke monument or doing other amazing things to do in Jinja. You can read more about how to plan a trip in Uganda.

Directions to the source of the Nile in Jinja

A road trip to visit the source of the Nile in Jinja from Kampala is filled with many discoveries. Travelers get to enjoy amazing views of the Ugandan landscape, consisting of vast tea and sugarcane plantations. There is also the dense Mabira forest and several roadside markets where Travelers stop to enjoy roasted chicken and beef accompanied by sweet bananas (gonja). On arrival at Jinja City, you will be welcomed by the newly built River Nile bridge that lights up so beautifully with multiple colors, especially at night. After crossing the Jinja bridge, you will turn off and approach the gate leading to the source of the Nile. No one goes in without paying the entrance fee.

What is the entrance fee to the source of the Nile in Jinja? There is an entrance fee charged at the gate leading to the River Nile. The entrance fee is 10 US Dollars for international travelers. Ugandans pay 5,000 shillings, while East African Citizens pay 10,000 Uganda shillings. This entrance fee doesn’t include the cost of the boat taking travelers to the actual point where the River Nile leaves Lake Victoria.

During your journey to the Nile

As you enter the vast gardens and walk towards the source of the Nile, you can’t escape the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Before he died, Gandhi made a wish that some of the ash from his cremated body should be poured into the River Nile. A monument was built to remember Gandhi, and many tourists visit it to pay homage and also take photos. As noted earlier, one needs to pay a boat fee of about $15 to get to the actual source of the Nile.

The boat will take you right up to the spot where Lake Victoria ceases to be and becomes the powerful flowing River Nile. If one can’t afford the boat fee. They can simply stand on some tall rocks along the River Nile and catch a distant view of the depression or gorge from which water from the lake leaves to form the River Nile. Regardless of whether you take the boat or remain. At the river banks, you will appreciate the amazing force of nature at work. You will know why many tourists visit the site each year.

After visiting the source of the Nile, tourists tend to relax at the beautiful gardens by the river banks. There are several coffee shops and restaurants that serve both local and international dishes. After trying out the local dishes, you can complete your tour of the area by buying a souvenir at one of the many craft shops.

What to do after Visiting the Source of the Nile in Jinja

A visit to the source of the Nile is incomplete without taking part in other tourism activities available in Jinja City. As noted earlier, Jinja is the adrenaline capital of East Africa. The presence of the fast-flowing Nile has made it perfect for extreme water sports. Those who are afraid of extreme sports or heights can choose to do simpler activities, as you will find out in the following chapters. Before we list the activities, you might want to check out our 1-Day Jinja Tour package. You can also learn about the amazing attractions in Kampala or the activities in Entebbe.

Whitewater Rafting:

This is one of the adrenaline-raising activities designed for tourists who enjoy extreme sports. Travelers have testified that the white water rafting experience in Jinja is of very high quality by international standards. Whitewater rafting in Jinja exposes Tourists to grade 4 and 5 rapids. It is also possible for Tourists to opt for much simpler rafting away from the more challenging rapids. Whitewater rafting is arranged close to the Itanda Kalagala falls using air-filled tube boats. These tube boats slide through the mighty rapids/waves and are very safe. Rafting, like many of the activities in Jinja, will expose participants to the amazing scenery, flora, and fauna that Uganda is known for.

Bungee Jumping: 

This is another exciting activity worth participating in after or before visiting the source of the Nile. Bungee jumping over the Nile is a daring yet fun and safe activity. Most Travelers who go for it love adventure and testing their limits. Participants walk up to the jumping point where their feet are fastened with strong cords. They then dive into space from a 43m high platform towards the flowing River Nile. Although frightening to some participants, Bungee jumping is conducted by professionals who ensure that participants are safe and well prepared. Children under the age of 13 and adults with underlying health challenges are not permitted to take part in bungee jumping over the Nile.

Tubing the Nile:

Have you ever imagined yourself floating freely in a sitting position and in the middle of a mighty river?  The River Nile offers an excellent opportunity to get that experience. Tubing the Nile gives you a chance to float freely on air-filled tubes for between 2 to 3 hours on one of the most famous rivers in the world. The experience goes on for a distance of up to 2km while enjoying the warm sun. Participants get to recognize the sheer beauty of the Nile River with beautiful forests, plants, landscape, and water birds. The floating may continue up to the new Jinja bridge. Tubing the Nile is also safe because of the measures put in place.

Kayaking:

This activity involves using special canoes to go through the white water rapids of the Nile at a slow pace. Kayaking allows one to experience the flow of the River Nile closely. Like rafting and Tubing, participants get to experience the sheer beauty of the River Nile and the surrounding nature. The activity is safe, and participants undergo a briefing that includes instructions on how to row their boat safely. The briefing also includes how to act in case of an emergency.

Quad Biking:

Quad Biking is open to all age groups. The activity involves riding a four-wheeled bike to the nearby villages and along the banks of the River Nile. Longer bike tours take you to forested areas of Jinja, sugarcane and tea farms. Biking through the local villages takes you to enjoy the African countryside side where you will learn a lot about how the local people go about their lives.

Expect to bypass markets, churches, schools, farms, and drinking joints. Quad biking in Jinja does not require any prior experience, which makes it one of the most preferred ways to explore the Nile and the Ugandan countryside. All participants have to follow the instructions from the professional bikers. After the briefing, riders are given the necessary safety gear.

Cycling:

Apart from Quad biking, Travelers can also use normal mountain bikes to discover Jinja and the River Nile. Cycling can be more strenuous, but it is one way of exercising while touring the village communities of Jinja. Cycling Tours in Jinja take participants through small villages, tea farms, sugarcane plantations, and the suburbs of Jinja city. t can be arranged for a few hours or half a day.

Sport Fishing:

Sport fishing is one of the interesting things to do after visiting the source of the Nile in Jinja. Fishing is organized in specific spots along the Nile River. The fishing Guides know the places with the highest concentration of fish, and so you can be sure to end the day with a memorable catch. The main species caught in the Nile waters are the giant Nile perch and the tasty tilapia.

One must use the right fishing gear to avoid indiscriminate fishing or catching immature fish. If one doesn’t have the right gear, they can hire one from the fishing Guides. Before going out fishing, all Anglers are briefed on the safety measures to consider while fishing in Uganda. Fishing activities are organized in the morning and evening hours.

Horseback Riding:

This activity opens up opportunities for those who have never had the chance to ride on a horse. Experienced horse riders can also take part because there is more to it than just riding a horse. Horse Riding in Jinja takes you to the surrounding communities and along the River Nile. This exposes participants to beautiful scenery and opportunities to mingle with the local people.

It is one of the best ways to see how Ugandans go about their lives. Horse riding is safe and easy to learn, even for a first-time rider, thanks to the well-trained and disciplined horses. Horse riding is done in the company of a Guide who leads the way and commands the other horses to follow.

Birdwatching:

The areas around the source of the Nile are one of the best places for birding in Uganda. After reaching the source of the Nile, birders can focus on the hundreds of rare bird species that call the river Nile and Lake Victoria Home. Uganda is one of the best countries to observe birds in the world. There are birds everywhere. So many that you can see them even before coming out of your hotel room. You can request a seasoned birding Guide to go out with you by boat and see kingfishers, water ducks, the shoebill storks, and more.

A visit to the Jinja central market:

This activity is highly recommended for tourists because it offers Travelers the opportunity to associate with the people in Jinja. The best way to understand the culture of a place, town, or city is by visiting its central market. This is where everyone gathers for business, but also for gossip. The central market of Jinja is located right in the middle of town. Getting there involves passing through old structures with unique architecture. These structures were built with a mix of people. The streets around the Jinja market are busy and crowded with Traders. At the central market, you can be sure to find beautiful art/craft pieces, fresh fruits/vegetables, and spices, among others.

In conclusion, a visit to the source of the world’s longest river is highly rewarding if combined with other activities in Jinja. Jinja City is located in an area with beautiful natural scenery. Having both Lake Victoria and the River Nile sets Jinja apart as one of the best places to live in Uganda. Each activity we discussed while in Jinja is special and exposes tourists to the natural beauty of Jinja and the Nile River. Because many tourists visit Jinja, there is no lack of accommodation in the city. The accommodation facilities come in the form of hotels and cottages. Most of them are built along the banks of the River Nile with amazing views and ambience.