River Nile – Background
Found in north-eastern Africa, the river Nile stands out as the longest river in Africa and the whole world. With a remarkable length of 6853km, the Nile’s drainage system covers as many as eleven countries including; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt and the Republic of Sudan. The Nile is the primary water source for Egypt and Sudan.
The Source of The Nile
The source of the Nile is disputable. Though most recorded findings say the Nile originates from Lake Victoria, the lake has other feeder rivers of considerable size. Flowing into the lake from Bukoba town in Tanzania, River Kagera is believed to be the largest feeder. Some people believe Burundi is the source of the Nile because Ruvubu, a major tributary of River Kagera is found in the country. Regardless of its source, the Nile river has several beginnings marked out in the various countries where it flows.
Uganda’s Nile
In Uganda, the river Nile begins its journey as the Victoria Nile from Lake Victoria at the Ripon falls near Jinja. It flows for about 130km northward to Lake Kyoga. The last part of the approximately 200km of the river starts journeying from the Western shores of Lake Victoria, flowing at first to the west, until just south of Masindi port, from where the river turns northward before making a great half-circle to the east and north until Karuma falls.
The remaining part of the river flows westerly through Murchison Falls until it reaches the northern shores of Lake Albert where it forms a significant river delta. After leaving Lake Albert, the river Nile continues its flow to the Northern region of Uganda where it is known as the Albert Nile.
Adventure and Tourism
River Nile is a major tourist attraction. At its source in Jinja – Uganda, the Nile attracts myriad tourists on a daily basis. A day spent at the Nile is an adventurous one and a sating experience for the avid tourist.
The activities to enjoy while at the river include; white water rafting, jet boating, bungee jumping, kayaking, swimming, horse riding, quad biking, canoeing, fishing, birding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, boat cruising at Bujagali falls, and visiting the Itanda falls. An adventure experience at the Nile is worthwhile.
Wildlife
River Nile is nature’s hub. The waters and the surrounding areas are habitats for a massive wildlife population. The areas near the river are home to tropical rainforests and bamboo trees. Banana plants are also common around the river.
The reptiles to encounter at the river include; Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, softshell turtles, and about fifteen species of venomous snakes. The Nile crocodile is the most common reptile on the river banks – it can be as long as 20 feet and weigh as much as 1500 pounds. The common fish species in the river include; lungfish, Nile perch, tiger fish, and red-tailed catfish.
