The source of the Nile

Today we travelled to see the source of the Nile River, at the edge of Lake Victoria. Along the way we went off the beaten path to see an historic waterfall.

Richard said Lake Victoria is very young, the result of a major tectonic shift about 12,000 years ago. Before that time the waters of the Nile flowed East into the Indian Ocean. But about 12 millenia ago, the plates lifted. The changes forced the water North, flooded the area that is now under Lake Victoria, and gave birth to the many civilizations that depend on the Nile for water.

The point that we stood at will likely become a major point of contention as the climate changes and the demand for water grows. Of the 12 nations that border the Nile, only Uganda and Egypt have an agreement on water usage. Lake Victoria is vulnerable to over-use, and remains one of the last pristine large bodies of fresh water on the planet.

We also had some fun... Pete hopped in the water for a ride down the rapids, gripping a big water bottle to keep him afloat.

And it turns out... at the source of the Nile, if you order grilled fish, you really get a grilled fish...