Lake Nasser

Lake Nasser is the largest man made lake in Africa. The south of the lake is in Egypt and is what is known as Lake Nasser whilst the northern part is in Sudan and there the lake is called Lake Nubia.

The making of this vast reservoir was as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which stretches across the river Nile. The development of the dam was the idea of President Gamel Abdel Nasser and so it was named after him.

This huge lake is approximately 560km. long and at its widest part approx.36km wide. Its estimated capacity is 160 of water.

When constructed the water levels rose and as a result massive relocation initiatives had to be carried out. Amongst these was the rebuilding of the town of Wadi Halfa, the original town being covered by the waters. The resettlement of the people was a big undertaking and the figure of those involved ran to hundreds of thousands. They saw their homes and villages literally disappear.

The area is now a huge attraction to those interested particularly in history, fishing, wild life and those who love beautiful places.

For historians there are many important archaeological sites there are 18 temples alone in the area in particular the impressive temple of Ahu Simbel.

For anglers there is very good fishing including Nile Perch which can be caught from the shoreline or out in a boat. Other fish available include the Vundu catfish. Or, if strictly an observer peasant fisherman can be seen fishing the lake using the traditional wooden boats.

For those interested in wildlife there is a good range to be seen including crocodiles, lizards, desert fox and gazelle.

It is also a place where flocks of migrant birds can be watched and the herdsmen seen grazing their flocks at the edge of this magnificent lake.