RIVER NILE AND OTHER LAKES AND RIVERS ON A UGANDA SAFARI
Before we dive into the discussion of River Nile and other lakes and rivers. Lets discuss in details the Nile River.
The Nile River is a total of 4,258 miles in length making it the second-longest river in the world. The Nile River flows through eleven different countries. Including Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, the democratic republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Nile Rivers’ source is from the Blue Nile River. Therefore, the part of the Nile that goes through Uganda is the same section as the White Nile river.
RIVER NILE IN UGANDA IS THE LONGEST RIVER IN THE WORLD
History of River Nile
River Nile is the longest river in the world and that’s why it’s the father of all rivers in Africa. It’s source being L. Victoria in Jinja Uganda. This is usually one of the features to see on your visit to Uganda. While on your Uganda Tours or Uganda Safari tours or Uganda Safaris. You can visit the source of the Nile or say River Nile and other lakes and rivers with the Help of Gracious Tours. It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. It has a length of about 4,132 miles (6,650 kilometers). And drains an area estimated at 1,293,000 square miles (3,349,000 square kilometers). It consists of two principal streams or tributaries. That is the Blue Nile which flows from the highlands of Ethiopia. And the White Nile which flows into L Victoria and Lake Albert.
John Hanning Speke discovered the source of the River Nile. On 30 July 1858, he reached a great lake, which he named in honor of Queen Victoria. He believed this to be the source of the Nile River. Back in England, this caused a controversy because he had not seen the outlet. On a second trip, he found the source and the outlet of the mighty river from Victoria Lake. An important part of river Nile and other lakes and rivers in Uganda. On the 21 July 1862, Speke writes: ‘Here, at last, I stood on the brink of the Nile. Most beautiful was the scene; nothing could surpass it! It was the very perfection of the kind of effect aimed at in a highly-kept park; with a magnificent stream from 600 to 700 yards wide, dotted with islets and rock.
When coming to Ripon Falls on 28 July, Speke concludes: ‘The expedition had now performed its functions. I saw that old Father Nile without any doubt rises in the Victoria Nyanza. And, as I had foretold, that lake is the great source of the holy river. Which cradled the first expounder of our religious belief’. Nevertheless, the Nile quest was only finally settled in 1876, almost 20 years later, when H.M. Stanley proved that Speke’s claim to have found the source was justified.
Activities that are done on River Nile and other lakes and Rivers
With all River Nile’s rich history, it’s also one of the most sought after places by tourists to visit in Uganda and this is because it’s a beautiful place and it will offer you a variety of activities you can do either as a group or as an individual.
Viewing. This is one of the main activities to be done on the River Nile. It mainly involves viewing the outlet where the R.Nile starts from and that’s its mouth. It’s a few meters from L.Victoria and can be seen underground with bubbles coming out from that point. Viewing this spot is always top of the list for most tourists and natives because it’s one of the things that proves that L.Victoria in Uganda is the source of the Nile.
Water rafting along River Nile. Incredibly, this is one of a few most breathtaking adventures you won’t miss to take part while on Uganda tour in Jinja. It is an on-water recreational activity where an inflatable raft is used to traverse the waters of the river. This is usually happening with a group. This experience takes you through the breathtaking scenery, warm water of the Nile and it is such a lovely experience.
It takes you through challenging Nile rapids that leave you thrilled and filled with lots of joy. On this adventure, you get wet but never will you forget the experience of rafting through the Nile. It is also usually done in different grades either 3 or 5 depending on your for safety purposes . This is an activity that will make you want to visit Uganda all the time. Only to see the River Nile and other Lakes and rivers.
Kayaking on the Nile River . Kayaking is also one of the experiences that you shouldn’t miss to take part while on a trip to Jinja along River Nile. Ideally, it is an amazing way for one to experience the mighty River Nile. And its adjacent areas of local communities, farmlands as well as several bird species as they feed on fish.
On kayak, you enjoy the ideal weather and rapids. A kayak is a small narrow watercraft that is set in motion by a double-bladed paddle. Kayaks are driven by electric motors. For safety purposes, we advise you to follow all guidelines when carrying out this activity and any other activity on River Nile and other lakes and rivers while on Your Uganda Tours or Uganda Safari tours or Uganda safaris and if possible to have some swimming skills just in case the waves are strong that may cause the kayak to turn upside down.
Jet boating along River Nile. Jet boating is more related to kayaking though this time round the boat is moved by a jet of water that is emitted from the hind of a boat. It thereafter takes you through the rapids of a high-speed boat . Equally, this is one of kind adventure that is conducted on River Nile-Jinja and rewards travel endeavors with the most exhilarating experiences.
Swimming along River Nile For every swimming lover , this is an activity you can’t miss out on when you visit R.Nile .The area is free from bilharzia and many other infectious diseases as well as crocodiles and hippos.Its also important to follow all the possible guidelines when carrying out this activity just for safety’s sake .
Bungee jumping. This is by far the top activity that can cause adrenaline to rush through your body in an exciting way and at the same time touch the top water of the Nile with your face. Safety procedures are usually followed like using safety harnesses. This activity is usually happens at any time of the day depending on your time of convenience.
Squad biking . This is another fun activity not to miss out on your visit to Uganda-Jinja along the River Nile. This adventure takes you through the countryside and offers you a chance to view the daily activities by Ugandans. In this part of the country especially while they are in their gardens.
Sunset cruise. First and foremost, this is by far the most beautiful activity. You can set off for a sunset cruise with your snacks and drinks and have a lovely experience. The sunset cruises usually kick start at 6:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm where you spend about 2 hours on the River gazing at the beautiful sunset and the calm waters of the river. This will definitely give you peace of mind.
Conclusion about River Nile
By now we believe that you’re really convinced about the beauty of River Niles history and the interesting activities that can be done on your visit to Uganda while on or near this mighty river. We assure you that this breathtaking experience will leave you with memories worth living for.
Kafu River
The Kafu river is a total of 112 miles in length. And is the second-longest river that is completely in Uganda. The river’s source starts by the kitoma swamp in the Kibaale District. And then it starts to flow east before it turns north where it reaches its mouth at the Victoria Nile River. This is near the town of Masindi port in the Masindi District. Since the river comes out of the Kitoma swamp. It helps to provide a source for wildlife and varies animals in the swampland along its path.
Kagera River
The Kagera River flows through Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. The river’s source starts flowing out of Lake Rweru in Burundi. And then the river goes east crossing along the border of Burundi and Rwanda. Plus the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. The Kagera then meets at a confluence with the Ruvubu river. And then it flows northwards continuing along the border of Rwanda and Burundi before finally crossing into Uganda. Where it finally reaches its mouth at Lake Victoria, where the biggest inflow of water into the lake.
Turkwel River
The river flows through Kenya and Uganda. The source of the river starts at Mount Elgon which is an extinct shield volcano that sits on the border of Uganda and Kenya. From this source, the river flows eastwards into Kenya until it reaches its mouth at Turkana in northern Kenya. The portion of the river that is in Uganda is called the sum River. The rivers flow can change seasonally and are always impacted by flash floods during the rainy season.
Katonga River
The Katonga river is a total of 137 miles in length and is the longest river that is completely in Uganda. The river’s watershed is now the swampy region that is found southwest of Lake Wamala due to regional uplifting of the land in the Albertine Rift that is part of the great East African Rift system from this swampy region the Katonga river then mostly flows in an eastern direction until it reaches its mouth of Lake Victoria. Although it is supplemented by a few tributaries along the way. During the wet season in Uganda, the water levels can rise enough that the watershed of the river will send some water west in lake George.
Sezibwa River
Sezibwa river is located in the southern central part of Uganda. It starts from the wetlands between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, west of the Victoria Nile. It is the third-longest river that is completely within Uganda and it flows in a generally northerly direction to empty into Lake Kyoga. The source of River Sezibwa is located in Buikwe. The surrounding forest that is along the river and falls has a variety of primates and bird species.
LAKES
Almost a third of the country is covered by Lakes and Rivers of Uganda. Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa dominates the southern border of the country while Lakes Edward and Albert lie to the west. Linked to Lake Edward is the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo to the west of Kampala, it’s also the only lake entirely within the National park. In the center of Uganda, Lake Kyoga is fed by the waters of the Nile and Lake Bisinia in the shadow of Mount Elgon.
Fresh lakes offer water activities and sports e.g white water rafting pioneered by Adrift on River Nile. The country attracts 500 rafters every month, these visit River Nile and other Lakes and Rivers all over Uganda on their Uganda Tours.
Lakes found in the Central region of Uganda (River Nile and other Lakes and Rivers)
1. Lake Kyoga
Lake Kyoga is a swampy shallow lake located in central Uganda north of Lake Victoria. The lake is about 1,720km2 in the area and at an elevation of 1033m. the lake has finger-like shoots features that define the swamps that overflow during the rainy season.
2. Lake Nabugabo
The lake lies in a designated Ramsar site 20km from Kampala in the south-central district of Masaka .it was once part of the greater Lake Victoria until silting of Lake Victoria built sand dunes that separated the two lakes. It’s a good place for birders and some of the birds at the lake include Broad-billed roller, kingfishers among others. Some of the animals that live near the lake include squirrels, monitor lizards among others.
3. Lake wamala
Lake Wamala is a small freshwater lake in Uganda that extends to Mityana district, Mpigi district, and Mubende district. Its wetlands contain endangered species of birds and animals. Lake Wamala derives its name from king wamala the last monarch of the Bachwezi dynasty. The lake forms an ecosystem with wetland in the surrounding areas which has become a home to different wildlife species.
4.Lake Kwania
Lake kwania is in the districts of lira, Apac and Amolatar in the northern region of Uganda. It’s part of the large wetland along the Victoria Nile between Lake Victoria and lake Albert. Lake Kwania is heavily fished for Nile tilapia and Nile perch. Lake Kwania accounts for 540 square kilometers (210 sq. ml), about 16 percent of the open water.
Lakes found in the western region of Uganda
1. Lake George and Edward
These two lakes are typically located in the rift valley escarpment in southwestern Uganda and are connected by the Kazinga channel. Lake Edward is shared by Uganda and the democratic republic of congo. Lake George is the smaller of the two and shallow and it occupies 250sq km. The swamp also fringes that silted lake that is joined to lake Edward by the meandering waters of the Kazinga channel
2. Lake Bunyonyi
This lake is found in southwestern Uganda and it is one of the deepest lakes in Africa .it was named after the many birds that nest and migrate to the swamps and islands in the lake.it is a freshwater lake, bilharzia free and good for swimming .It is a remarkable destination for tourist adventures like boating and bird watching among others.
3. Lake Albert
Lake Albert is located in the western Rift valley at an altitude of 615 meters above sea level. The lake is between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Albert is also called Albert Nyanza and Lake Mobutu Sese Seko. The lake narrows into the Albert Nile, through which it supplies water to the White Nile.
4.Lake Mutanda
Lake mutanda lies just North of Kisoro at a distance of 454 kilometers by road and stretch not far south of Bwindi making it a relaxing base for your gorilla trip. Lake mutanda is one of the most scenic lakes in Africa that many beautiful islands numbering to 15 in number dominate. These are covered by beautiful vegetation cover which is home to small animals
5. Ndali Kasienda crater Lakes
These lakes are of a result of volcanic activity that occurred in southwest Uganda some 100, 000 years ago. The extensive lake has more than 50 smaller lakes and water streams that flood in the course of the rainy season. the surrounding area boasts sights of monkey, butterflies and fishing activity.
Some of these crater lakes include;
Lake Nyabikere is the closest lake to Fortportal town. It is located just 11km off fort portal main road to kibale national park. Lake Nyabikere offers spectacular scenery of the area.
Secondly, Lake Nkuruba crater is located in a 25km distance south of Fort portal town. Lake Nkuruba crater is one of the most spectacular craters in Kibale crater region.
Subsequently, Lake Nyinambuga is located in a short distance south of Lake Nkuruba. Lake Nyinambuga is associated with clean waters engulfed by forests. The forest harbors a number of primates including the baboons and bird species
Lake Lyantonde is another crater lake found near Lake Nyinambuga. Its located west of lake Nyinambuga . Lake Lyantonde is the most convenient for the travelers on the quest of exploring the Kibale Ndali kaskj6enda craters
Lastly, Lake Kifuruka offers to travelers a chance to exploring a lot more about the kibale Ndali kasenda crater area. Its surrounding has beautiful scenic views of the forest.
Lakes found in the Eastern Region of Uganda
Lake Victoria
Its Africa’s largest freshwater Lake on the southeast border with Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania covering an area of approximately 68,800 km2 and it’s about 400,000 years old. Lake Victoria is home to numerous animals including 500 fish species, mammals such as hippos, otters, and reptiles such as crocodiles and turtles. the lake has more than 3000 Islands, most of which are uninhabited. Lake Victoria is great for sunset cruises, boating, rafting.
Lake Bisinia
The freshwater lake is located in eastern Uganda. Although long and narrow, the lake is a source of livelihood for the fishing communities in eastern Uganda and a great birding site too. Some of the birds found in the fringing swamp include shoebill stork, white-winged warbler, pygmy goose.
Lake opeta
The seasonal Lake is thought to be part of the greater lake Kyoga covered in papyrus swamp and waterlogged savannah. The wetlands protect Uganda’s largest breeding colonies of the papyrus gonolek, shoebill stork.
There are many lakes in Uganda both seasonal and permanent
RIVERS
Kafu River
The kafu river is a total of 112 miles in length and is the second-longest river that is completely in Uganda. The river’s source starts by the kitoma swamp in the Kibaale District and then it starts to flow east before it turns north where it reaches its mouth at the Victoria Nile River near the town of Masindi port in the Masindi District. since the river comes out of the Kitoma swamp, it helps to provide a source for wildlife and varies animals in the swampland along its path.
Kagera River
The Kagera River flows through Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. The river’s source starts flowing out of Lake Rweru in Burundi and then the river goes east crossing along the border of Burundi and Rwanda and the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. The Kagera then meets at a confluence with the Ruvubu river and then it flows northwards continuing along the border of Rwanda and Burundi before finally crossing into Uganda where it finally reaches its mouth at Lake Victoria, where the biggest inflow of water into the lake.
Turkwel River
The river flows through Kenya and Uganda. The source of the river starts at Mount Elgon which is an extinct shield volcano that sits on the border of Uganda and Kenya. From this source, the river flows eastwards into Kenya until it reaches its mouth at Turkana in northern Kenya. The portion of the river that is in Uganda is the sum River. The rivers flow can change seasonally and are always impacted by flash floods during the rainy season.
Katonga River
The Katonga river is a total of 137 miles in length and is the longest river that is completely in Uganda. The rivers watershed is now the swampy region that is found southwest of Lake Wamala due to regional uplifting of the land in the Albertine Rift that is part of the great East African Rift system from this swampy region the Katonga river then mostly flows in an eastern direction until it reaches its mouth of Lake Victoria, although it is supplemented by a few tributaries along the way. During the wet season in Uganda, the water levels can rise enough that the watershed of the river will send some water west in lake George.
Sezibwa River
Sezibwa river is located in the southern central part of Uganda. It starts from the wetlands between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, west of the Victoria Nile. It is the third-longest river that is completely within Uganda and it flows in a generally northerly direction to empty into Lake Kyoga. The source of River Sezibwa is located in Buikwe. The surrounding forest that is along the river and falls has a variety of primates and bird species.
You can Also Read about: Adventure Parks in Uganda, Top Activities in Kibale National Park
The ones above are some of the few rivers and lakes in Uganda. There are more several Lakes and Rivers in Uganda some of which can be found on your Uganda tours safaris or Uganda Safaris.