As the worlds largest man-made lake, Lake Nasser is over 300 miles long and, in places, can reach a depth of 600 feet. The lake was created in the 1960s when the world famous High Dam was built. Together with the old Aswan Dam (built by the British between 1898 and 1902) it provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt.  It was named after Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt's President from 1956-1970.   

Part of the area Lake Nasser covers today was once the site of the temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II around 1200 B.C.  The temple was moved but other sites of historical significance were submerged. Today, 32 species of fish, as well as Nile River crocodiles, are found in the lake, with 80,000 tons of fish a year being caught.  The shoreline varies between desert landscapes, to being hilly and rugged, or flat and sandy with clean freshwater beaches.

The lake is remote and sparsely populated by peasant fishermen and Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen who are occasionally seen grazing their flocks on the scant vegetation at the edge of the lake.

There is an impressive variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, with more than 100 species of birds having been recorded.  Wild duck, Egyptian geese, pelicans, herons, egrets and various species of hawks, kites, falcons and eagles will be among the birds seen.