I have long wanted to go on a boat trip along the Nile, but not where it’s like this:
Here is a picture of Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes over rocks as part of the tributary in Uganda. This was the destination of our boat trip which started in calm waters near the Paraa ferry crossing. From here we were able to see crocodiles, including this sunbathing beauty.
And Water buffalo gathering.
And a range of wonderful birds I couldn’t catch on camera, including the iridescent flash of Kingfisher feathers.
Along the river, you could spot hippos …
… and our guide was so keen for us to get a better look, she directed the boat to steer really close.
The disturbed hippos fled but this left us grounded on the river bed. All passengers had to congregate at the stern and rock it by leaping from one side to the other until the boat eventually slipped free.
When we began to see spume spotting the river, it was an indication we were approaching the falls. We were put ashore for a two-kilometre hike that brought us to the top of the falls. We were refreshed by the spray and treated to rainbows.
Given the many features of the Nile, I thought it appropriate to add a few facts here:
- Although the Nile is mainly associated with Egypt, it flows through ten other countries – Tanzania, DCR, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda!
- it’s thought to be the longest river in the world at 6,695 km, but some dispute this arguing that the Amazon is longer
- the two main tributaries, the White and the Blue merge at Khartoum in Sudan then the Nile travels north to the Mediterranean Sea
- At Jinga in Uganda, water pours over the Ripon Falls and there’s a narrow opening which is said to be the source of the Nile
Of course, the Nile is crossed in many places but it was at Paraa that we went backwards and forwards from our accommodation to the national park on the other side. The crossing itself was an adventure, with a line of cars queuing to cross each day.
And there was ample entertainment watching vehicles rev, scrape and bounce aboard owing to the rudimentary boarding platform!
Keep an eye out for a future next blog post where I’ll be sharing stories from my safari in the Murchison Falls National Park.
Wow! I can’t believe you were actually on the Nile. What an amazing experience you ate are having, Gail. Thank you so much for sharing it!!