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Ripon Falls

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Ripon Falls

Ripon Falls

Ripon Falls is a historical site located at the northern end of Lake Victoria. It was long recognized as the source of the Nile River. Due to the construction of dams, the waterfall is now submerged, but the area serves as a point of historical reflection regarding the river's geography and the early exploration of the Nile.

Getting There

The site is located near the town of Jinja. From the city centre, it is accessible via local transport or taxi. The journey typically takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to one hour at the site, as the primary focus is on the historical significance of the location rather than extensive activities.

When to Visit

Visiting during the morning hours is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site can become crowded during weekends and public holidays when domestic tourism increases.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other landmarks in the Jinja area:

  • New Jinja Bridge: 0.8km
  • Owen Falls: 1.4km
  • Source of the Nile: 1.9km
  • White Nile: 2.1km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Ripon Falls

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Ripon Falls Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Jinja 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Jinja grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

1 nights, 2 days

Jinja 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Jinja grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

New Jinja Bridge

Views & landmarks

New Jinja Bridge

A cable-stayed bridge spanning the Victoria Nile in Jinja, Uganda, opened in 2018. It offers a great close-up view of the point where the Nile River begins.

0.8 km away
Owen Falls

Nature

Owen Falls

A waterfall once located on the White Nile near Jinja, submerged in 1954 when the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Dam was built. Though the falls themselves are gone, the river and dam remain worth a visit.

1.4 km away
source of the Nile

Nature

source of the Nile

The source of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda, marks the starting point of the world's longest river. Here you can see firsthand where a river that has long stood at the center of African history and culture begins.

1.9 km away
White Nile

Nature

White Nile

This is a major tributary of the Nile that flows out of Lake Victoria and runs north across Uganda. It's a great place to enjoy the natural scenery along its course.

2.1 km away
Roman Catholic Diocese of Jinja

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Jinja

A Catholic diocese in Jinja, Uganda, established in 1966. As the center of the local faith community, it's a place where you can sense the city's history while exploring.

2.8 km away
Bujagali Falls

Nature

Bujagali Falls

These falls, near Jinja in Uganda, once stood where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria and were even regarded as one of the river's sources. They were submerged in 2011 with the construction of the Bujagali hydroelectric dam and can no longer be seen.

9.4 km away