What are Egypt's most beautiful lakes?
Recognized as one of the cradles of civilization, Egypt is home to many ancient lakes – including Lake Qarun, considered one of the oldest in the world.
Recognized as one of the cradles of civilization, Egypt is home to many ancient lakes – including Lake Qarun, considered one of the oldest in the world. Between history, boat trips and water activities: discover Egypt's most beautiful lakes!
1. Lake Nasser
Straddling Égypte and Sudan, Lake Nasser (or "Nubia Lake" for the portion on the Sudanese side) is an artificial reservoir spanning 550 kilometers! It was created between 1958 and 1970 following the construction of the Aswan High Dam (itself built to control the Nile's flooding, which once inundated the valley). The lake bears the name of President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who initiated the project.
Observing ancient sites
Essential in combating rising waters, its construction posed a threat to numerous archaeological sites and temples. Fortunately, a UNESCO preservation plan allowed them to be saved…
Today? These monuments can be admired during a cruise... More than just a boat ride, an excursion on Lake Nasser allows you to marvel at ancient treasures, such as the temples of Wadi es-Seboua, Dakka and Amada or the Aswan Dam.
Observing nature
The shores of Lake Nasser are also renowned for hosting around a hundred bird species. Considered a gateway to Sudanese Africa, the site is home to several tropical species in particular. A secret? The lake also harbors numerous crocodiles…
Practical information Region (city): Aswan (Abu Simbel) Depth: 180 m Activities: boat cruise, bird watching and historic site observation |
2. Lake Siwa
Located in the eponymous oasis (not far from the Libyan border), Siwa Lake is known for its extreme salinity – which makes swimmers float! Its turquoise waters are celebrated for their therapeutic properties (and are freely accessible).
While Siwa Lake is a marvel: it is not advisable to travel there solely to see it. The Siwa oasis is nonetheless situated in the western desert – 740 km from Cairo and 600 km from Alexandria! So, if you absolutely wish to see it or benefit from its therapeutic properties, plan a stay of several days in the oasis.
Practical information Region (city): Siwa (Marsa-Matruh) Depth: shallow Activities: swimming, oasis exploration To note: despite its therapeutic benefits, the lake is inadvisable for those with cuts or skin lesions |
3. Lake Burullus
In northern Égypte (a few kilometers from the port city of Rosetta), you'll find Lake Burullus (Égypte's second largest natural lake). Far more than just a body of water, this lake sits at the heart of a nature reserve (designated a Ramsar site since 1985, due to its ecological importance).
On site? You'll be able to spot numerous fish, as well as mammals and reptiles during a boat ride; accompanied by a local fisherman authorized to navigate the lake.
Practical information Region (city): Kafr el-Cheikh (Rosetta) Activity: boat ride, discover the small fishing village of Shakhlouba |
4. Lake Moeris (Qarun)
Formerly known as Qarun, Lake Moeris is located north of the Fayoum oasis. It was renamed in honor of Pharaoh Amenemhat III Moeris, who had canals and hydraulic structures built to improve agricultural irrigation – which helped make the region the "breadbasket of Egypt" until 230 BC.
Spanning 50 kilometers, the lake is a basin protected by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 1989 and designated a Ramsar site since 2012, thanks to its geological richness and avian fauna…
Indeed, the lake is an important breeding zone and an exceptional bird-watching spot – you'll notably spot the yellow-legged gull or the black-necked grebe!
Practical information Region: Fayoum Oasis Activity: boat ride, bird and landscape observation To note: considered one of the world's oldest lakes, this is highly prized by travelers worldwide. A tip? Avoid visiting on weekends to escape the crowds. |
5. Magic Lake
Located at wadi El Hitan ("Valley of the Whales," a UNESCO World Heritage site), Magic Lake owes its name to the changing color of its waters; different depending on the sun's position. Surrounded by cliffs and dunes, this lake offers a postcard-perfect landscape, and plenty of relaxation opportunities…
On the agenda? Swimming in its crystal-clear waters, hikes around the lake and sandboarding… Thanks to its dunes, Magic Lake is an ideal playground for sand sliding!
Practical information Region (city): Fayoum (wadi El Hitan) Activities: swimming, trekking, sandboarding |
6. Wadi El Rayan Lakes
Some 2.5 hours' drive south of Cairo, you'll find the Wadi El Rayan National Park or one of Égypte's finest nature reserves! It's also a major archaeological zone, with many marine fossils present on its land.
The park features two artificial freshwater lakes (formed from agricultural drainage water). Located at two different levels, the two basins are connected by a hydraulic system. The result? The site is home to the country's only waterfall – in the middle of the desert! The Wadi El Rayan Fayoum Falls attracts nearly 190,000 visitors annually.
Practical information Region (city): Fayoum (near Youssef Al Seddik) Activities: swimming, boat excursions, kayaking, bird watching (35 species present on site) and sandboarding in the surrounding area |
7. Lake Karnak
The Karnak Temple located in southern Égypte (in Luxor) also houses a rectangular lake at the heart of its ancient site: the Sacred Lake of Karnak. This water, sourced from the water table, once served as a purification basin during religious ceremonies…
Also called the "Lake of Amun," it measures 80x130 meters and is bordered by sandstone banks. Its beauty lies less in its aesthetics than in its history and state of preservation: the lake was excavated during the reign of King Thutmosis III (1473-1458 BC)!
Frequently asked questions
Lake Nasser is the largest lake in Égypte. It is an artificial lake spanning 550 kilometers, straddling Égypte and Sudan, formed by the construction of the Aswan High Dam between 1958 and 1970.
Lake Moeris (or Lake Qarun), situated in the Fayoum oasis, is considered one of the world's oldest lakes. It has been protected by the IUCN since 1989 and designated a Ramsar site since 2012.
Yes, several Egyptian lakes are suitable for swimming. Lake Siwa is renowned for its turquoise waters and therapeutic properties, Magic Lake (wadi El Hitan) offers crystal-clear waters, and the Wadi El Rayan lakes also permit swimming. However, Lake Siwa is inadvisable for those with skin cuts due to its high salinity.
Yes, Lake Nasser is home to a population of Nile crocodiles. It is therefore strongly inadvisable to swim in this lake. Always consult with local guides before any water activity.
The Siwa oasis is situated approximately 740 km from Cairo. It is accessible by bus (from Turgoman bus station), rental car, or organized tour. The journey takes between 8 and 10 hours. It's recommended to plan at least several days on site to fully enjoy the lake and oasis.
The ideal period to visit Egyptian lakes is between October and April, when temperatures are milder (between 15°C and 25°C). The summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot, especially in the western desert and around Aswan.
