Lake Nasser

Lake Nasser is considered one of the largest lakes in the world to store the waters of the Nile River, which led to providing a significant amount of water and improving agriculture in this vast region.

This lake is home to many diverse types of fish and plays an essential role in generating hydroelectric power, which leads to an increase in electricity production and significantly boosts the Egyptian economy. 

In this article, we will learn about Lake Nasser and the most prominent tourist attractions located near it, making it a unique and distinctive tourist destination.

What is Lake Nasser?

Lake Nasser is one of the most important and largest artificial lakes in the world, containing fresh water that is continuously fed from the Nile River after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The lake is located on the border between Egypt and Sudan, but the largest part of it lies within Egyptian territory. 

This lake has also been named Lake Nubia, and it is about 550 kilometers long, capable of storing approximately 162 billion cubic meters of water, making it a vital strategic reserve for Egypt.

What activities can be done in Lake Nasser?

There are many activities that can be done in Lake Nasser, one of the most important of which is fishing, as the lake is rich in many delicious species. There are also some ancient Egyptian sites, the most important of which is the Buhen Fortress and some other ancient Egyptian fortresses located in the Nubia region. 

In addition, there are some temples, parts of which are located under the waters of Lake Nasser, giving them a special mystery and attractiveness. Swimming is also considered one of the most important activities that can be done in this lake, as you can explore some areas and enjoy exercising while seeing the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds the lake. 

You can also watch many types of birds that live around the lake and make it their home, in addition to the possibility of riding boats and enjoying the magical view of the water that soothes the soul and pleases the eye.

The most prominent tourist attractions around Lake Nasser

There are many tourist attractions that can be seen and enjoyed, all of which are located near Lake Nasser. When visiting Lake Nasser, you can see many ancient monuments and temples that reflect the greatness of Egyptian civilization.

Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel Temple is one of the most important ancient Pharaonic monuments located around Lake Nasser, and this temple was built during the reign of King Ramses II.

The temple is characterized by the four huge statues that adorn the facade of the temple and are located at the entrance representing the god Amun-Ra, the god Ptah, the god Ra-Horakhty, in addition to Ramses II himself. 

It is worth mentioning that the sun’s rays are perpendicular to the temple on two specific days of the year, which are February 22 and October 22, and there is a part of the temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, which indicates the importance of women in ancient Egyptian civilization.

Wadi El-Seboua Temple

This temple is located near Lake Nasser and is considered one of the most important ancient Egyptian monuments. It was built by King Amenhotep III and consists of three huge, interconnected temples.

The outer part of it was constructed of stone, while the inner part was carved from rock. 

This temple has been restored more than once; it was restored during the reign of King Ramses II, and some believe that this temple was designed specifically for the god Horus, the god of the sun and protection.

Kalabsha Temple

This temple is considered one of the best temples located in the Nubia region, and it was built in the Roman era. It consists of a large edifice leading to an open courtyard, and it has two rooms that were considered offerings to the gods, then the temple was later dedicated to some Nubian gods, reflecting the cultural and religious diversity in this region.

Lake Nasser Crocodile Reserve

There are some crocodiles that have lived in the waters of the Nile River since ancient times, but after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, these crocodiles gathered behind the High Dam inside Lake Nasser. 

A nature reserve was established that includes a large number of crocodiles, and strict penalties were imposed on hunting these crocodiles to preserve them and protect them from extinction.

Travel tips to Lake Nasser

There are some tips that must be followed when traveling to Lake Nasser, and the most important of these tips are the following:

• You must choose the appropriate time to visit this lake. One of the best times to visit it is in the winter, due to the high temperature in this area during the summer.
• Try to do many activities to enjoy your time in the lake, including fishing, enjoying boat rides, or doing some sea trips to explore marine life.
• One of the most important things to follow when visiting Lake Nasser is to maintain the cleanliness of the lake, not to throw waste into it, and to take care of the surrounding environment.
• Try some local foods of the Nubian people and try to learn about some of the special activities in this region, as it is one of the best regions that carry out many handicrafts in Egypt.

FAQs

What is the importance of Lake Nasser in Egypt?

Lake Nasser is considered one of the most important artificial lakes in Egypt, and it is used to store excess river water until it is needed. It is also an important source of fish wealth and receives water coming during the flood of the state of Ethiopia, which leads to not flooding Egyptian lands with water. 

This water is used in agriculture, irrigation, and drinking, and hydroelectric power is produced through this lake, which is one of the most important sources of electricity in Egypt.

How can I get to Lake Nasser?

This lake is located in southern Egypt, and it can be reached by land or by the Nile River through Nile cruises that depart from Aswan.

What are the best times to visit Lake Nasser?

One of the best times to visit Lake Nasser is to visit it in the winter, because it is located in southern Egypt and the weather in the winter is warm and pleasant, and therefore visits to it increase in the winter.

It can also be visited during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is mild and suitable for doing various tourist activities.

Lake Nasser is considered one of the most important tourist destinations where many tourists go to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, see some of the ancient monuments and temples located around the lake, and learn about the history and civilization of ancient Egypt.