The Nile River in Uganda
The Nile River in Uganda : The Nile River is the longest river in Africa with total length of 6,650km right from Lake Victoria its origin to mediterranean sea where it drains its waters. The Nile River is also the second longest in the whole world. The Nile River originates from Lake Victoria where its source was determined by the British explorer John Hanning Speke who visited Lake Victoria and determined that the source of the Nile was at Lake Victoria in Jinja district of Uganda which is approximately 82.85km by road. The Nile River runs across different countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Democratic republic of Congo, Sudan. The Nile River however holds an important economic and cultural significance as follows; Economically it helps in power generation, irrigation in agriculture and fishing for sale and food not forgetting water transport. Culturally the Nile River is significant for worship offering sacrifices especially the Christians, the Islam and Judaism. This river also holds a lot of ancient stories and significance not forgetting architecture and craft inspiration. While on a Uganda safari one can visit the mighty source of the Nile at Lake Victoria in Jinja.
Tourist activities that can be carried out at the Nile River.
Exploring the source of Nile River. The source of the Nile River is found in jinja district also known as the tourist city exactly at Lake Victoria, while on a Uganda safari/ tour, one can explore the source of the Nile River and be able to enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, horseback riding, swimming to mention but a few. The Nile River begins it journey right from Lake Victoria and there is a Speke monument to mark it. This is because the British explorer John Speke Hannington found the source of the Nile and thus this monument was to commemorate.
White water rafting; The Nile River provides beautiful opportunities for white water rafting especially around Bujagali falls in Jinja. This activity is one of the best fun activities to involve in while on a Uganda source of Nile / Uganda Jinja safari/ tour. The cost of white-water rafting is 165 USD and 270 USD for half day and full day respectively. This activity can be carried out individually or in a group. However, one must carry out this activity in the presence of a local guide as it is a very risky venture.
Cultural encounter; The people that leave at the banks of river Nile are filled with interesting stories and traditional practices. In Uganda the people who leave along the banks of the Nile river include; the Basoga in Jinja, the Banyoro of Hoima and Masindi, the Alur of Pakwach and the Madi of Adjumani. These groups of people speak different languages, have unique and beautiful cultural dances and songs and not forgetting having unique fishing techniques. One can get a chance to explore these diverse cultures and get to learn about the day to day activities of these people while on a Uganda river Nile safari / tour.
Bird watching; Rive Nile in Uganda is filled with numerous birds’ species that stay around the trees and banks of the river. These birds are indeed beautiful and can fulfil a birders experience while on a Uganda birding safari/ tour. The bird species that are found on the shores of River Nile include; common babul, Egyptian goose, Senegal thick knee, Masked shrike, Graceful prinia, African pied wagtail, Eastern Olivaceous warbler, Eurasian spoonbill to mention but a few are indeed wonderful species that can give one a beautiful birding experience while exploring the Nile River in Uganda.
Nature walks; While on a Uganda river Nile safari, one can also take a hike or walk along the different trails on the shores of the river. while carrying out nature walks, one can also on be able to spot a few wild animals like monkeys, crocodiles, hippopotamus and even get a clearer view of the source of the Nile River, discover the surrounding beautiful sceneries and lush vegetation along the river banks. A tourist can also view sunsets and sun rises while taking walks along the shores of the Nile River.
Nile River Safari; A tourist can take a trip by boat to visit the different tributaries of the Nile River in Uganda and get the opportunity to view the different wildlife species like crocodiles, hippos, fish among others. This river safari can really be thrilling and offer one a chance to look at the beautiful sceneries that surround the river.
Boat cruise; Boat cruise is one of the most relaxing and beautiful activities to carry out while on a Uganda safari along the shores of river Nile. This is because it is so relaxing and rejuvenating. It is worth an activity to carryout while on a Uganda safari/tour.
The best time to explore the great Nile River is during the dry months of January, February, June, July, august, September and December. This is because there are fewer down pours and one is able have an uninterrupted tour.
