White Nile

The White Nile is one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River, the longest river in the world. The White Nile is considered the headwaters and primary stream of the Nile itself. It flows north from its major source, Lake Victoria, through several countries in East Africa, including Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan, where it meets the Blue Nile at Khartoum to form the Nile River.

Geography

The White Nile originates from Lake Victoria, which is located in Uganda. The river flows out of the lake at Jinja, Uganda, and travels northwards through Uganda, where it is known as the "Victoria Nile". It then enters South Sudan, where it is referred to as the "Mountain Nile" or "Bahr al-Jabal". The river continues its journey through the vast Sudd wetlands, one of the largest wetlands in the world, before reaching Sudan.

In Sudan, the White Nile flows through the capital city of Khartoum, where it converges with the Blue Nile. The confluence of these two rivers marks the beginning of the Nile proper, which continues its journey northward through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.

Hydrology

The White Nile is approximately 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) long. It has a relatively steady flow compared to the Blue Nile, which experiences significant seasonal variations. The White Nile's flow is largely regulated by the outflow from Lake Victoria, which is controlled by the Owen Falls Dam.

The river's basin covers an area of about 1,800,000 square kilometers (700,000 square miles), encompassing parts of Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The average discharge of the White Nile is about 878 cubic meters per second (31,000 cubic feet per second).

Ecology

The White Nile supports a diverse range of ecosystems along its course. The Sudd wetlands are particularly notable for their rich biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. The river and its surrounding areas are also home to various communities that rely on its waters for agriculture, fishing, and transportation.

Historical Significance

The White Nile has played a crucial role in the history and development of the regions it flows through. It has been a vital waterway for trade and communication for centuries. The search for the source of the Nile was a major focus of European exploration in the 19th century, with explorers such as John Hanning Speke and Richard Francis Burton contributing to the discovery of Lake Victoria as the primary source of the White Nile.

Also see

• Nile River
• Blue Nile
• Lake Victoria
• Sudd
• Khartoum