Lake Nasser - man made beauty

Lake Nasser is one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. The lake covers an area of 5250 sq km, and is 510km long and between 5km and 35km wide. Lake Nasser occupies parts of southern/Upper Egypt and northern Sudan. 

The Aswan High Dam was constructed between 1958 and 1970. Lake Nasser was created as a consequence of the creation of the dam. The river’s waters flooded vast areas beyond the dam resulting in the formation of Lake Nasser. Due to the desert which stretches from both sides of the lake. Lake Nasser is a place of beauty and huge space of tranquillity and silence. Cruise boats make the peaceful journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel, visiting Philae Temple, the Great Temple of Ramses II and other temples that were moved to higher ground when the dam was built.

There is lots of wildlife living around and in the lake. Make sure you look out for migratory birds, gazelles, foxes and several types of snake (including the deadly horned viper) on shore, and enormous Nile perch and monitor lizards in the shallows.

The Nile crocodile can be found in Lake Nasser. The lake is one of the last safe havens of this species which is quickly vanishing, due to the destruction of habitat and also due to poachers targeting them. If you are lucky, you may see the crocodiles basking in the sun along the shores of Lake Nasser.

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Fishing is allowed in parts of the lake and people can enjoy fishing both from the shore and from the boats. Fishing in Lake Nasser is also an important activity of the people living along the lake. Nile perch is a prized catch for the anglers here.