The source of the Nile

Photo courtesy: Cory Doctorow – Wikimedia.org

Once over the Ugandan border, my first stop was Jinja. I wanted to see the starting point of Africa’s longest river.

While the actual source of the Nile came from over Uganda’s western border with the Congo, the Rwenzori Mountains, the Nile itself (or the Victoria Nile), began its long journey north from Lake Victoria right where the town of Jinja was situated.

The source of the Nile, Jinja

The area where the Nile began was called the source of the Nile. Water surged from Lake Victoria, rippling over rocks, rushing along its course. I stayed mesmerized by the amount of water pouring from the Rippon Falls.

Years later a friend told me she nearly had her camera stolen while she stood in the same spot. Only her determination not to let go of the camera, allowed her to maintain a visual souvenir of the event. While I stood there, all was quiet, but that was due to my lack of political knowledge rather than reality.