Who Discovered the Source of the Nile? John Hanning Speke and Jinja

The British explorer John Hanning Speke reached the southern shore of Lake Victoria in 1858 and proposed it as the source of the Nile. In 1862 he reached the lake's outflow at Ripon Falls near Jinja in Uganda, which he reported as the river's source. His claim was disputed for years, notably by Richard Burton.

The falls were submerged when the Owen Falls Dam was built in the 1950s. Today you can visit the source of the Nile area in Jinja. See Jinja and the source of the Nile and the Nile in Uganda.

This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safaris and tours.

The Search

European interest in the Nile's source was a major question in the 1800s. Burton and Speke travelled inland in the late 1850s, and Speke later returned with James Augustus Grant. Local people, of course, had long known the river and lake.

Visiting Today

Jinja has boat trips to the source, rafting and a calm town centre; see Jinja and hotels in Jinja.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
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• Plan your safari with our team