By Nitanga Tchandrou (BURUNDI)
Burundi, a tiny landlocked country in East Africa, has always had a strong connection with the mighty Nile River. While the Nile is famous worldwide as the longest river on Earth, its exact source has remained a mystery and a topic of debate for centuries.
In this photo essay, we embark on a journey to Rutovu, determined to uncover the secrets of the Nile’s origins and shine a light on the captivating natural wonders hidden within this region.
Meet Our Guide: Herman Nahimana
The Nile River stretches an impressive 4,135 miles, coursing through multiple countries before eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. The White Nile and the Blue Nile, the two main tributaries of the Nile, meet in the capital city of Sudan, Khartoum, before continuing their journey northward. However, the ultimate source of the Nile can be traced back to the highlands of Burundi.
Leading our expedition is Herman Nahimana, a former military officer who transitioned to becoming a tour guide after retiring from the army two decades ago.
Herman discovered his passion for tourism at a young age when he first visited the Nile’s source. He fondly remembers meeting Albert Mbonerana, an environmentalist who gave him a brochure showcasing Burundi’s attractions. Since then, Herman has dedicated himself to sharing the beauty of his homeland with visitors from around the world.
The German explorer Burchakt, who set out on a challenging journey in 1934, is credited with discovering the Nile’s source. It took him four years to travel about 6,700 kilometres from Egypt to Burundi, where he finally identified the southernmost source of the Nile. Here, Burchakt built a pyramid to honour this landmark and pay tribute to explorers like Livingstone, who had tried and failed before him.
Life Near the Nile’s Source
In the heart of a community near the Nile’s source in Burundi, you meet Delphin, a bright twelve-year-old boy. He stands by a water tap built in 2009, eager to fill his container.
As the youngest of seven siblings, Delphin has learned how vital the Nile’s water is to his family. His mother, Pascasie, narrates that, “Water from the Nile’s source has been essential for us. Before, we relied on the dirty Jiji River, which made my children sick.”
Likewise, Ndabegamiye, a father of ten and a leader of the Batwa Community, a small group of around 36 families, totalling about 400 people, lives close to this source.
Standing just three kilometres from the Nile’s source, Ndabegamiye’s face reflects the struggles of his community. Despite the proximity, they face barriers every day. He confides “We live in deplorable conditions. Our children often get sick from drinking dirty water, and we struggle to find land. We build our houses from grass because others frequently push us away.”
Resilience and Hope
As you listen to their stories, you feel a profound connection to their resilience and hopes for a better future, all intertwined with this vital waterway.
True, the stories of Delphin, Pascasie, and Ndabegamiye highlight the complex relationship between the Nile’s source and local communities.
While the river provides essential life-giving water for many, it also highlights marginalized groups’ social and environmental challenges. Their experiences underscore the need for fair access to clean water and the importance of sustainable development in protecting the region’s natural beauty.
As you conclude your journey to Rutovu, the mysteries of the Nile’s origins leave you in awe. You stand amidst the stunning highlands of Burundi, feeling the significance of the Nile’s source all around you. Here, the secrets of nature are waiting for you to discover.
But most importantly, it reminds you of nature’s wonders and the responsibility to protect them.
Source: This EverydayNile story was supported by InfoNile, MICT and FOTEA with funding from the IHE-Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, JRS Biodiversity Foundation and GIZ, on behalf of the German Federal Government. This story is among 10 articles, written by 10 photojournalists from 10 countries, who participated in EVERYDAYNILE project 2024.
