Source of the Nile : An enormous river in Africa, the Nile originates in Jinja, Uganda, and is regarded as the longest river in the world in general. The Nile River is approximately 6,695 km long and has two tributaries: the White Nile, which is the longest, travels north to Khartoum where it meets the Blue Nile, which flows into Sudan. Beginning its arduous voyage through Sudan and Egypt, the River Nile empties its water into eleven African nations: Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Egypt.
In 1858, British explorer John Speke Hanning made the discovery of the River Nile while exploring Central Africa with his companion Richard Francis Burton. John Speke Hanning gave Lake Victoria its name in honour of the British monarch. The River Nile is Uganda’s primary source of hydroelectricity and flows through the Murchison Falls National Park, where visitors may enjoy a hiking safari adventure at the base of the falls.
 Activities engaged in at the source of the Nile.
When visiting the Nile’s source in Uganda, visitors can take part in a variety of fascinating, daring, and thrilling safari activities, like as
White water rafting.
One of the most well-liked and thrilling safari activities on the Nile is white water rafting, where guests on a trip may enjoy stunning views, warm water, sunshine, and, if it’s wet season, minimal rainfall, among other things. Rafting is an activity where you go down the River Nile in a tiny, air-filled raft accompanied by a captain or qualified guide who will teach you how to paddle. Rafting on the Nile is done in classes, with the river becoming more adventurous at Bugagali Falls in grade 5 after you have completed grade 1, where you start out gently while being trained by your guide. The higher rafting grades, 3 to 5, are only accessible to adults over the age of 14. The guide asks at the conclusion of each rapid grade if you would like to continue to the hard grade, which is often in the centre of the river, or the easy grade near the river’s side. While white water rafting on the River Nile, you may discover the river channels, forest islands, and tiny rapids where you can experience thrilling rapids, water spills, and other experiences that will make your safari activity unique.Â
Horse riding.
Riding a horse is an exciting and distinctive pastime that allows you to see the surrounding areas, Jinja town, tea and sugar plantations, the banks of the Nile, and other places while exploring on your mount. Horseback riding safari on the Nile begins at the source of the river and is available in the morning, evening, or dusk. The trip is led by a professional guide, with another following to make sure no rider becomes uncomfortable. Every horse on River Nile is trained, meaning they know what to do, and comes equipped with a saddlebag, rain gear, and mounting block. The one- to three-hour horseback riding safari experience begins with a briefing during which individuals who are new to riding are instructed. Children can also ride ponies during the trip. Lake Mburo National Park offers horseback riding as well, however those wishing to partake in this activity should make reservations in advance as space for the horses and guides is restricted.
Bungee jumping.
One of the few Ugandan tourist locations that enables bungee jumping is the Source of the Nile. Bungee jumping is a relatively new pastime in Africa. One fun thing to do is bungee jumping, which is something you can do day or night. You can be tied in two different ways when bungee jumping, such as around your ankle or your body with your face facing downward. This allows you to float like a butterfly and jump off a tall structure using a long elastic cord that you can tie to both of your legs. You can also dive down a tower and kiss the River Nile, which is approximately 40 metres below the surface. Bungee jumping is restricted to people over the age of 13, requires a minimum weight of 35 kg and a maximum weight of 260 kg, and is not recommended for guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy, or any other life-threatening illness.
Kayaking.
Another fascinating sport that gives tourists the chance to see the source of the Nile in a leisurely kayak boat is kayaking. On the River Nile, kayaking may be done for many days, half a day, or the entire day with an expert guide. While you paddle among the swift roars, islands, warm water, farmlands, seaweeds, and nearby settlements, you will be able to discover the animals, birds, and the River Nile itself. There are two kind of kayaks on River Nile: sit-on-top kayaks, which may be used without the assistance of an experienced tourist, and tandem kayaks.
Quad biking.
When taking a tour to the Nile’s source, guests may enjoy an exhilarating pastime called quad riding. A briefing and instruction on riding, shifting gears, controlling a bike on the road, keeping an eye out for children and animals in the area, staying on the tracks while riding, and warnings about competition and overtaking are all part of this fascinating safari activity that takes place in the community’s rural areas. When it comes to quad riding near the Nile’s source, tourists are divided into three categories: experienced riders, novices, and kids who should be at least 12 years old. Before you begin riding, the firm in charge of the motorcycles will supply dungarees, helmets and other safety gear. You may pick between riding an automated or manual bike, depending on your preferences. Your trip on the River Nile will be unforgettable because of the opportunities to explore the forests, tour the nearby villages where you can see tea and sugar plantations, kids crossing the street, women carrying babies on their backs, girls carrying Jerri cans of water, and boda-bodas. You can also ride along the riverbank and see people washing, watching children swimming in the river, and participating in canoeing on the river where you can see various bird species and aquatic animals.
Mountain biking.
Mountain biking involves riding a bike with an experienced guide along trails that pass through communities, the banks of the Nile, Bujagali Falls, the Mabira Forest Reserve, which is 20 km from Jinja and offers views of various bird species, butterflies, plant and tree species, and monkeys. You can also explore sugar, coffee, and banana plantations, tour Jinja town, and see other sights, all of which contribute to the rewarding safari experience of mountain biking.
Jet boating.
Jet boating, this is a safari activity where you cruise on River Nile on a motorized high-speed boat with an experienced guide captain. You’ll have a blast on the river when jet boating since you’ll get to experience the thrill of the rapids, leaps, spins, and turns, among other things.
Sport fishing.
The Nile is home to a variety of fish species, including tilapia, catfish, tiger fish, and Nile perch. Sport fishing enthusiasts may enjoy the activity of catching these species by employing the catch-and-release technique. Sport fishing excursions should be scheduled in advance for morning, afternoon, or full days. A guide will be on hand to assist you during the safari activity, and when on the River Nile, equipment is given; however, you are welcome to bring your own fishing gear.
Swimming.
Among the places in Uganda where swimming is practiced perfectly is the source of the Nile. The River Nile is a safe body of water for swimming during your safari vacation of Uganda because it is free of harmful aquatic species like crocodiles and hippos, as well as records of bilharzia and other infectious illnesses.
How to get to the Source of the Nile.
The Source of the Nile lies at Jinja. From Kampala, travel the Jinja Highway via the Mabira Forest, where you may see roadside shops, tea, and sugar plantations. Depending on Kampala traffic, the trip will take around two hours.
A fascinating and unforgettable tour in Uganda can be had by visiting Source of the Nile, a unique and breathtaking tourist destination that can be done after your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or during a tour in Kampala. Here, you can enjoy a variety of safari activities, unwind, and enjoy the sunshine while at the beach.