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Which tributaries form the Nile River?
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Nile River
Sand dunes along the Nile River, Egypt.
The Nile River is primarily formed by two major tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which converge at Khartoum, Sudan.12
- White Nile: This tributary begins near Lake Victoria and flows northward. Its headstreams include the Kagera River, and it receives water from other sources such as the Sobat River and the Al-Ghazāl River before reaching Khartoum.2
- Blue Nile: Originating near Lake Tana in the Ethiopian highlands, this tributary provides a significant portion of the Nile's water and is characterized by a pronounced flood season.12
- Atbara River: Often considered the last tributary of the Nile, the Atbara River joins the main stream north of Khartoum, contributing to the river's flow with water from its own tributaries, the Angereb and the Tekezē River.32