Nile Fount Excursion Adventures — Attraction in Jinja

The Source of the River Nile in Jinja, Uganda, is one of the most famous and fascinating places in East Africa. It marks the beginning of the world’s longest river, which flows from Lake Victoria all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. This natural wonder has been the heart of adventure, history, and culture in Uganda for many years.

The River Nile’s source was confirmed in 1858 by British explorer John Hanning Speke. He was the first European to declare that the river started from Lake Victoria in Jinja. Though there were many arguments about this at the time, Speke’s discovery made Jinja world-famous. From that moment, explorers, tourists, and researchers from all over the world came to see the place where the mighty Nile begins.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Uganda was going through very difficult times. The country was under the rule of dictators like Idi Amin and later Milton Obote. During these years, tourism in Jinja and around the Nile dropped heavily. Most of the tourist sites, including the Source of the Nile, were poorly maintained. Fear, conflict, and lack of government support led to a decline in visits and business in the area. Many people who depended on tourism lost their jobs, and the community suffered.

But even during those dark years, the River Nile never stopped flowing. Locals continued to rely on it for fishing, water for farming, and daily household needs. It remained a quiet but powerful presence in their lives. Some elders from the Jinja area say that even when the government forgot them, the river provided peace and hope. That is one of the hidden truths — while much of the country was in crisis, the river kept communities alive.

After the 1980s, Uganda began to recover, and the Source of the Nile became popular again. Jinja slowly returned to being one of Uganda’s main tourist attractions. Today, the area is full of life, with boat rides, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and other adventure sports. Tour guides, boatmen, craft sellers, and local restaurants all benefit from the visitors who come to see this historic place. It provides jobs and supports families in the surrounding communities.

The Source of the Nile also contributes to Uganda’s image globally. It’s not just a river start point — it’s a symbol of natural beauty and African pride. People from around the world come here not only to take photos, but to learn about Uganda’s history and culture.

One interesting local fact many visitors don’t know is that there’s a small island at the source called “Speke Monument Island.” It’s a peaceful place where you can take a boat and stand on the exact spot where Speke is believed to have stood when he made his discovery. Locals say that if you listen closely, the sound of the river here is calmer than anywhere else on the Nile — almost like the river is whispering its own story.

For anyone planning a visit, the Source of the Nile is not just a tourist attraction. It’s a place full of history, resilience,...

The short 10- 15 minute walk from the entrance to the bottom of the lake is pretty. As non Ugandan nationals, the entrance fee was 30000 Ugandan per person. The charge is understandable as they need to maintain the area and pay the staff. But it's a bit steep when there is a family of 3/4.

The guide we got (automatically upon entering) was very knowledgeable and polite. He talked to us as we walked from the entrance to the water. At the waters edge seating area, another guide talked to use about the nile cruises. He said a 3-4 hour cruise was £200-£250 for 3-4 hours for our family of 3/4 people. The trip to Jinja was an unplanned trip for us and the quote wasn't within our budget. So, we negotiated a one hour ride for £100 if we share the boat with 3 other people from the nearby hotel. He went to get them but came back without anyone. We were happy to continue as we were given the impression that we will be riding the boat across beautiful scenery for an hour even though the other guests didn't show.

AFTER 27 MINUTES WE WERE BACK AT SHORE. WE WENT A SHORT DISTANCE TO A FLOATING SHOP AND BACK. WE WERE COMPLETELY MISLED AND SAW NOTHING WORTH £100. THEY REALLY SPOILT OUR HOLIDAY. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND USING THIS COMPANY WHO ARE LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE NILE AT JINJA. WHEN WE MENTIONED TO THE GUIDE, THE RIDE WAS TOO SHORT & WE SAW NOTHING WORTH VIEWING. HE SAID HE WAS CLEAR IN WHAT HE OFFERED. THERE WERE 3 OF US IN OUR FAMILY. WE ALL LEFT...

To get access to the point described as the source of the nile you need to get boat services to a little island structure with a bar, gift shop and the signage marking the source of the nile. Other fees involved are the entry fees to the property which is government managed and based on your nationality. If you choose not to go on the boat cruise you can still visit the point where the Rippon falls used to be on the nile before the dam was built. There are restaurants along the waterfronts so lunch and dinner whilst watching the nile is also an option . For a good sunset on the nile I reckon the views from livingstone resort might be better.

For the cruises offered from this point you have 3 lengths short ,medium and long. There are also some shops with souvenirs on...