Talking about the Nile many get a picture of Egypt and ancient pharaohs in their mind. But being one of the longest rivers in the world it actually starts its journey down in East Africa. In the Ugandan town of Jinja it is possible to take a boat tour out on the Nile. To see the source marked by a placard on a small island in the middle of the river.
In Jinja the mighty Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. As well as from an underground source to start its journey northwards. As well as seeing the source you get a nice boat journey on the Nile seeing beautiful birds such as Kingfishers searching for fish in the waters and maybe spotting a monitor lizard along the shores. Combined with the visit to the source of the Nile it is possible to make a city tour in Jinja. Visiting the crafts shops or making a stop by Ssezibwa falls or Mabira forest along the way to Kampala.
Meanwhile, the mighty Nile has two parts, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, the one starting its journey in Uganda is the white Nile. In the town of Jinja the Nile traditionally said to have its source coming from Lake Victoria, as was discovered by the explorer John Speke. Since his discovery it has been debated. That the true source should be rivers feeding Lake Victoria further southwards. But about this opinions are divided. After leaving Jinja the river Nile flows across Uganda to reach Murchison Falls national park in the west where it is being pushed through an impressive waterfall before heading north and leaving Uganda continuing into South Sudan on its journey towards the Mediterranean sea.
A visit to the source of the Nile in Jinja is interesting for the one liking history or just nature experiences. And can be included at the start or end of a safari in Uganda depending on the routing.
