Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile

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July 14, 2026

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James Bruce was a Scottish explorer known for his travels in Ethiopia, where he reached the headstream of the Blue Nile in 1770, which was then believed to be the main source of the Nile River. His account of these journeys was published in Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile in 1790. Although initially met with skepticism in Britain, later travelers confirmed the accuracy of his observations. Bruce's expedition began in 1768 from Cairo, traveling through Egypt and the Red Sea before reaching Gonder, the Ethiopian capital. His journey continued to Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. The exploration of the Nile's source had a long history, with ancient Egyptians familiar with parts of the river, and later explorers like Pedro Páez locating the Blue Nile's source in the 17th century.12

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James Bruce
…of his observations, published in Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile (1790), was questioned in Britain, partly because he had first told the French court of his discoveries. Reports by later travelers, however, confirmed the accuracy of his account.
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…of his observations, published in Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile (1790), was questioned in Britain, partly because he had first told the French court of his discoveries. Reports by later travelers, however, confirmed the accuracy of his account.
Read More