For thousands of years, explorers chased one of geography’s greatest riddles: Where does the Nile begin? This journey reveals more than just a river’s origin.

In other words, the Nile’s bygone Khufu branch was indeed high enough to allow ancient engineers to move enormous blocks of stone – and construct the magnificent pyramids we know today.

Such is the case with the White Nile River (also often called Victoria Nile) in East Africa. Add to that the amount of controversies tied to this river and the site of its source.

The river stretches over 4,100 miles and flows through 11 countries. The Blue Nile, the artery that gives the river more than 80% of its waters, begins in Lake Tana in Ethiopia.

With the river, she says the ancient Egyptians were capable of designing a harbor on the edge of the desert where the small Khufu channel would drive in water without the risk of flood.

Viking Nile River cruises are 12-day-long experiences that cost upwards of $6,000 per person in the hot season. During the winter, these cruises sell for as much as $12,000 per person — not ...

Scott Simon talks with Candice Millard about 19th century British exploration and her new book, "River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile." ...

For 17 years, Mohamed Nasar has supported his family of five by fishing in the Nile River near the banks of the tiny island of Al-Qursaya close to central Cairo.