Plizio Visual Lab
Speke Monument Jinja
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Speke Monument in Jinja commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in the history of global exploration: the identification of the source of the Nile by John Hanning Speke on July 28, 1862. Speke was the first European to reach this location, settling a long-standing geographical debate about where the world's longest river begins. The monument is situated on the western bank of the White Nile, overlooking the point where Lake Victoria’s waters transition into a river. While the famous Ripon Falls that once marked the exit are now submerged due to the construction of the Nalubaale Dam, the site remains heavy with historical significance. Visitors to the monument can learn about Speke's grueling expedition and the controversies it sparked back in Victorian London. It serves as a gateway to understanding the exploration of the Great Lakes region and remains for those interested in the colonial and geographical history of East Africa.
- Location: Uganda
- Top sights: John Speke Monument · Nile view - outside the park
- Nearby: Lugazi (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 72 | 162 | 216 | 162 | 67 | 59 | 89 | 119 | 166 | 183 | 131 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Speke Monument in Jinja is a historical monument located outdoors. It can be visited at any time as it is in a public park. It commemorates explorer John Hanning Speke and the source of the Nile.
Typical hours
As it is a public monument, there are no fixed opening hours. The park is typically open during daylight hours, but there is no lighting for night visits. Best to visit during daytime.
Photography
Photography of the monument is allowed at any time. The park and nearby source of the Nile provide good backdrops for photos. Be careful not to enter private property without permission.
Time needed
Visiting the monument itself takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow extra time for the park and the view of the Nile. In total, 30 minutes are sufficient.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby source of the Nile and the Jinja docks. A visit to Bujagali Falls is also recommended.
Getting there
The monument is located in Speke Park in Jinja, Uganda, near the shore of Lake Victoria. It is about a 15-minute walk from the city center. By taxi or boda-boda it is even faster.
Insider tip
Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid the heat and take better photos. Combine the visit with a boat ride on the Nile to experience the landscape from a different perspective.
Geography
Facts
- Erected in 1938
- Height 5 meters
- Location: Jinja, Uganda
- Discovery in 1862
- On Lake Victoria
- 50,000 annual visitors
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Speke Monument Jinja (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Speke monument located?
It is in Jinja, near the source of the Nile.
How much time do I need for the visit?
The visit usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Can it be combined with a boat trip?
Yes, it is ideally combined with a Nile boat trip.
Is the place well signposted?
Yes, the signs to the Nile source lead directly there.
What is the best time of day?
Early morning is the most pleasant.
Speke Monument Jinja: where is it located?
Speke Monument Jinja is located in Uganda.
Speke Monument Jinja: what is there to see?
Highlights include John Speke Monument, Nile view - outside the park.
Speke Monument Jinja: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Speke Monument Jinja: why is it worth visiting?
The Speke Monument in Jinja commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in the history of global exploration: the identification of the source of the Nile by John Hanning Speke on July 28, 1862.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Uganda →
Nearby cities
Lugazi
Lugazi is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Mayuge
Mayuge is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Iganga
Iganga is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Kamuli
Kamuli is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Mukono
Mukono is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Busembatia
Busembatia is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Kira
Kira is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Bweyogerere
Bweyogerere is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Bugiri
Bugiri is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Nakawa
Nakawa is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Makindye
Makindye is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Naâma
Naâma is located on the high plains of the west and is known for extensive sheep farming.
Kawempe
Kawempe is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
History & landmarks
🗺️
Jinja Railway Bridge
An old steel truss railway bridge that spans the Nile River in Jinja, historically significant for the Uganda Railway.
Namilyango College Chapel
An iconic historical chapel within Uganda's oldest boarding secondary school, featuring classical missionary architecture.
Baha'i House of Worship
The only Baha'i temple on the African continent, situated on Kikaya Hill, noted for its unique domed architecture and serene gardens.
Kibuli Mosque
A historically significant and visibly striking white mosque situated atop Kibuli Hill, bordered by palm trees.
Uganda National Museum Building
A classic mid-20th century building that houses Uganda's oldest museum, displaying ethnological and historical artifacts.
Independence Monument
A symbolic sculpture located in the heart of Kampala, depicting a man unbinding his hands and raising a child towards the sky to celebrat…
Makerere University Main Building
The iconic ivory tower and administrative heart of Makerere University, characterized by its distinctive British colonial architecture.
More places
Kakoro Rock Paintings
The Kakoro rock paintings are historical artworks left by ancient civilizations on the granite outcrops in the region.
Nyero Rock Paintings
The Nyero Rock Paintings are prehistoric artworks featuring geometric and abstract patterns on granite outcrops.
Jinja Pier
A historic pier in Jinja that was once a hub for freight traffic on Lake Victoria and is being rehabilitated.
Jinja Sugar Cane Plantations
Extensive sugar cane fields near Jinja.
Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Station
A large hydroelectric power station on the Victoria Nile, providing an essential source of electricity for Uganda.
Kakira Sugar Works
The largest sugar production company in Uganda, which also generates renewable energy from bagasse.
Jinja Wildlife Sanctuary
A small sanctuary on the banks of the Nile.
Lugazi Sugar Factory
One of the oldest sugar factories in the country, operated by the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited.