The Nile River is a freshwater river. It runs through several different countries in Africa and its source is located in Lake Victoria in Rwanda. The water that flows downstream is fresh and un-saline, allowing important species such as fish, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds to thrive along its banks. The only saltwater found near the Nile River is that of the Mediterranean Sea which it eventually empties into via the Suez Canal. In addition to this distinction between saltwater or freshwater sources, the Nile River can also be divided into two sub-regions: Upper Egypt (the area surrounding Cairo) and Lower Egypt (the area flooding down towards Aswan). Both sub-regions contain unique ecosystems with fascinating wildlife that lures millions of tourists each year!