Funding for Aswan High Dam came from the Soviet Union.

Some of the historical sites were not moved and are submerged under the lake.

Lake Nasser has an average depth of 83 ft. and a maximum depth of 590 ft.

The prior Sudanese river-port and railway terminal of Wadi Halfa was submerged under the lake.

The UNESCO Nubia Campaign resulted in 22 monuments and architectural complexes being moved with the help of 40 technical missions from five continents.

Lake Nasser was created from the construction of the Aswan High Dam, built across the Nile between 1958 and 1971 to control flood waters and harness the hydroelectric power. It is named after Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt’s president from 1956 to 1970 and the biggest proponent of this controversial dam.

Archeologists became concerned about the ancient treasures that would be flooded by the dam, and in the 1960s, UNESCO launched a rescue operation. Many ancient archeological sites—including the Temples of Abu Simbel and Amada—were painstakingly dismantled stone by stone and moved to higher ground. However, while many temples were moved, Lake Nasser flooded much of lower Nubia and over a hundred thousand people were forced to relocate as their villages disappeared. Today, Lake Nasser is a gateway for visitors to many of the ancient temples and archaeological sites. It also has become popular for sport fishing.

Lake Nasser is 342 miles long, 22 miles across its widest point, and has a surface area of 2,027 sq. miles. The inflow and outflow comes primarily from the Nile River. Roughly 83% of the lake is in Egypt and called Lake Nasser. The remaining portion is in Sudan and called Lake Nubia. Many bird and animal species have settled into the lake, including the Nile crocodile and 32 fish species. The lake is one of the most important sources of Egypt’s freshwater fish.

Lake Nasser is a reservoir created in the 1960s when the Aswan High Dam was built to harness the waters of the Nile. Located at the border between Egypt and Sudan, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and plays a large role in the fishing industry as well as the local and national economy. As you sail along this marvelous lake, cross the Tropic of Cancer, see ancient temples and archaeological treasures, and enjoy its varied shorelines—hilly and rugged desert, or flat and sandy with clean freshwater beaches. The lake is remote and sparsely populated by fishermen and Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen.

Fast Facts

Countries: Egypt and Sudan

Inflows and Outflows: The Nile River

Length: 342 miles long and 22 miles across at its widest point

Surface Area: 2,027 sq. miles

Located on the border between Egypt and Sudan, the man-made Lake Nasser is one of the largest lakes of its kind in the world. This vast reservoir was created as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam across the waters of the Nile. The reservoir, constructed between 1958 and 1970, is named after President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who is responsible for the controversial High Dam project.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a comfortable cruise or participate in the search for the Nile perch (a 2 meter long freshwater monster) with the local fisherman. The lake, being rich in fish and sparsely populated by fisherman, is quite the fisherman’s dream. While the fisherman fish, the tourists can explore. The combination of monuments, pyramids, and temples create a land of exploration. Sail across the Tropic of Cancer to Aswan and enjoy breathtaking sites while taking in the Egyptian culture.

It is highly recommended that you make arrangements for cruises, fishing trips, and organized tours through local travel experts before your visit to Egypt. Through such preparation, you can be sure no events are left out and your travel discoveries will be limitless.

From exploring the ancient temples to relaxing along the white sandy beaches, Lake Nasser will be the memorable experience you are looking for. From the temples to the water, the fish to the sunsets, this will surely be your most peaceful vacation ever. Pack your suits and don’t forget that camera; we are going to Lake Nasser with Avalon Waterways today.

Journey along the lifeline of Egyptian civilization on a Nile river cruise.  A cruise on the Nile is your chance sail past 5,000 years of history on a vacation through Egypt and take in the breathtaking views.

The Nile River is the combination of three long rivers in central Africa: the White Nile, the Blue Nile and the Atbara. The White Nile, which begins at Lake Victoria in Uganda, supplies about 28 percent of the Nile’s waters in Egypt. The Blue Nile, which originates at Lake Tana in Ethiopia, provides an average of 58 percent of the river’s water. The much shorter Atbara River, which also originates in Ethiopia, joins the main Nile just north of Khartoum, Sudan, and provides about 14 percent of the Nile’s Egyptian flow.

The Nile enters Egypt near Wadi Halfa, a Sudanese town that was completely rebuilt on high ground when the original city was submerged by the creation of the High Dam in Aswan. As a result of the dam’s construction, the Nile begins its flow into Egypt as Lake Nasser. After it snakes through the narrow gorges, reservoirs, and dams near Aswan, the Nile’s fertile floodplain widens and thrives. At Qina, 1,000-foot limestone cliffs force the Nile to change course to the southwest before turning northwest once again. From here, the elevation slowly diminishes and the valley again expands to include an agricultural plain beyond which lies the interminable Sahara.

At Cairo, the Nile spreads out to form a fertile, fan-shaped delta about 155 miles wide where it meets the sea. The lush Nile Delta extends over approximately 8,500 square miles—roughly the size of Massachusetts.

Although the draw to the Nile is obvious for those drawn to history and archaeology, you don’t have to be Indiana Jones to enjoy a life-changing journey along the world’s longest river. Hieroglyphic-covered temples and mysteriously built pyramids will enthrall and amaze travelers of all ages and interests. Nature- and water-lovers will enjoy soaking in the beauty of the Nile’s soothing flow, exploring vibrant botanical islands, and watching as the sun rises and sets over the Sahara.

Nile River Fast Facts

Countries: Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: The confluence of the White Nile, the Blue Nile and the Atbara Rivers near Khartoum, Sudan

Mouth: The Mediterranean Sea

Length: 4,132 miles

As the Nile enters Egypt, Aswan is your first stop. Here, feats of ancient architecture are juxtaposed with modern marvels of engineering like the High Dam and the Old Dam. The Old Dam was completed near the turn of the century, but it remains to this day the world’s widest dam. The idyllic island of Agilika, located on the waters between the two dams, boasts the incredible Temple of Isis, transplanted from the submerged island of Philae.

Back on shore, the ancient Granite Quaries feature a giant unfinished stone obelisk. As you cross the Nile in Aswan, a visit to Elephantine Island includes a discovery of the famed “nilometer,” an ancient flood gauge used to warn cities downstream of impending high water. Enjoy Kitchener Island’s lush Botanical Gardens before continuing on to the left bank and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum.

Sailing north on the mighty Nile, the glimmering town of Kom Ombo beckons. Haggle for bargains in the local market before ascending to the bluff-top temple dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods.

Built in the time of Cleopatra around 2,000 years ago, the Temple of Horus is the pristinely-preserved pride of the city of Edfu. With its sheer vertical façade, elaborate hieroglyphics and stunning black stone statues, the temple is quintessential Egypt.

Follow the Nile River to Luxor and Karnak, the grandest cities of ancient Egypt, with a combined population of more than a million. To walk among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amon Ra and along the Avenue of the Sphinxes is an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

Nearby, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens on the west bank of the Nile, is the glorious final resting place for generations of pharaohs and royalty. Sixty-two royal tombs have been uncovered so far including the amazingly well-preserved visage of King Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922. Nearby, visit the monumental rock temple of Deir El-Bahri and the truly colossal Colossi of Memnon, 60-foot tall pharaohs who stand guard over the valley.

Heading north toward the lush Nile Delta, Cairo is the bustling capital of Egypt and Africa’s largest metropolis. Nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Minarets,” it’s filled with Islamic architecture and steeped in history. The Egyptian Museum is filled with the artifacts and treasures of more than 3,000 years of Egyptian civilization. Stroll the narrow walkways of Old Cairo surrounded by stone-clad buildings. The 12th-century Citadel, the Alabaster Mosque, and the labyrinthine bazaar are highlights here.

Nearby, Giza beckons with the iconic Sphinx, and the Great Pyramids, the oldest (and most intact) of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Travel on to Sakkara, with its extraordinary “Stairway to the Sky,” the oldest of all pyramids. The archaeological playground of Memphis is next, boasting an immaculate 40-foot statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.

In the fertile Nile Delta, the seaside resort town of Alexandria is a delightful ending to any Nile exploration. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., this Mediterranean port city soon became one of the major centers of commerce and science of the Hellenistic world.