Which African lake is the traditional source of the White Nile?

Lake Victoria is the traditional source of the White Nile.

The lake lies between Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya and is Africa’s largest lake by surface area. Water leaves it through the Victoria Nile at Jinja in Uganda, then continues through Lake Kyoga and the Albert Nile before joining the White Nile farther north.

European explorers debated the Nile’s sources during the 19th century. John Hanning Speke identified Lake Victoria as the principal source of the Nile in 1858, although later expeditions and geographic research refined understanding of the river system. The White Nile’s farthest headwaters extend into the Great Lakes region, so “source” can mean different things depending on the definition used.

Lake Victoria is also important for fisheries, transport, hydropower, and agriculture. Introduced Nile perch contributed to major ecological changes, while fluctuating water levels, pollution, shoreline development, and invasive plants have created continuing environmental pressures.