Lake Nasser - Less known cruise destination of Egypt

For years, cruises on the Nile River have attracted visitors who wanted to see some of the oldest treasures of ancient Egypt, but in more recent times an alternative cruise in Egypt is on offer. The lake was created between 1958 and 1970 when the Aswan dam was built on the river Nile as a hydroelectric project. The lake is more than 300 km long and 35 km wide at its widest point. The increase in water has also involved the transfer of a number of ancient temples and some villagers whose former homes have been swallowed up.
Lake Nasser has turned into a real attraction for fishermen with excellent fishing for those looking for perch, catfish and tiger. These fish were all originally found in the Nile River before the Aswan dam was built and once the lake was formed, these species thrived in their new environment. Perch fishing here is considered the best in the world.
As a destination for inland cruises, Lake Nasser is entering its territory. The format is similar to Nile cruises with cruises that depart from Aswan and sail along Lake Nasser in the south to Abu Simbel. There are several stops along the way for the passenger to explore some of the lesser known Egyptian sites but they are still impressive.

Cruises on Lake Nasser last 4 or 7 nights. Both cruises depart from Aswan and head south to Abu Simbel at the end of the lake. While the cruise heads south, stops at various points of interest, including the temples of Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and of course, Abu Simbel. After 4 days, your cruise ship arrives at Abu Simbel at the end of Lake Nasser and from there passengers can disembark and resume the 3 hour journey to Aswan. Alternatively, the longest cruise brings passengers back to Aswan back north, going up Lake Nasser, this time without stopping.

Not only are the ancient Egyptian sites to be impressive, the scenery around Lake Nasser is spectacular. Desert landscapes turn from rugged hills to flat sandy beaches. Some Bedouin and local fishermen live near the lake and can be seen occasionally. There is also a variety of birds that live near the lake including ducks, geese, pelicans, herons and various birds of prey. You can also see reptiles like lizards and crocodiles and desert animals like gazelles, jackals and foxes.

Although the popularity of the Nile cruise is stronger than ever, Lake Nasser offers tourists an alternative cruise that explores the past of ancient Egypt in a spectacular setting.