Source of the Nile

About

Visit the mighty Source of the Nile where the river begins its journey through Africa. Located near the town of Rutovu in southern Burundi, the source is a serene and picturesque spot surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees. Go on a hike to the source and take in the beautiful scenery while learning about the history of the Nile and its importance to the people of Burundi. When the explorer Burckhart Waldecker discovered the source in 1934, he placed a stela on a nearby mountain as a reminder of the river's significance. Later, he replaced it with a stone pyramid featuring a Latin inscription that reads "caput nili meridianissimum" which means "the southernmost head of the Nile." According to local legend, the source of the Nile was discovered by a woman named Nyabingi, who was revered as a spiritual leader by the people of Burundi and Rwanda. Today, the site attracts visitors from around the world who come to witness the beginning of one of the world's most iconic rivers.