2023

Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam was initiated under the leadership of General Muhammad Naguib, who headed the Egyptian Revolutionary Council. The decision to build the dam on the Nile River was made after the 1952 revolution by the Free Officers. The project was conceived by the Greek-Egyptian engineer Adrian Daninos. Construction of the Aswan High Dam received a significant push in 1956, even though the groundwork for the project had begun in 1952 during Gamal Abdel Nasser's administration.

The construction of the Aswan High Dam, one of the largest embankment dams in the world, began in 1960 and was completed in 1971. It created the massive Lake Nasser, which holds over 157 cubic kilometers of water and was named after former Egyptian President Nasser. Since its filling in 1979, the dam has become a popular tourist attraction for visitors on Aswan day tours. The project was initially planned by German companies and executed by Russian companies.

The Aswan High Dam produces an average amount of electricity sufficient to satisfy over fifty percent of the nation's requirements, while also facilitating the distribution of electricity at minimal costs, even in the most isolated areas. Currently, it stands as the most powerful hydroelectric facility in Africa; however, this status may change in the coming years due to the ongoing construction of the "Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam" on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. The significance of the Aswan High Dam for tourism in Egypt is equally noteworthy as its economic impact.

After visiting the High Dam, what attractions can one explore in Aswan?

The construction of the High Dam led to the creation of Lake Nasser, an expansive artificial lake measuring 500 kilometers in length and 16 kilometers in width, encompassing a total area of 6,000 square kilometers. This makes it the largest artificial lake ever constructed by humans. The inundation of land resulted in the relocation of over 90,000 Nubian residents and the submersion of 24 significant monuments. Among these, the Abu Simbel temple.

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What is the most fun way to discover and gain knowledge about Egypt?

Egypt is a great place to visit! The people there are nice and will help you if you need anything. The cities are usually safe, but it is important to plan ahead and be careful. Crime is not very common, especially in places where tourists go. Therefore, you don't have to worry about being safe when you visit Egypt.

Aswan Dam opens at what time ? What day is it open?

Plan carefully if you intend to visit the Aswan Dam on Fridays when it closes early at 2pm due to religious observances. The Aswan Dam is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

How long is the Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise?

The Nile Cruise takes 4 days to travel from Aswan to Luxor and 5 days to travel from Luxor to Aswan.

Is it possible to tour the Aswan High Dam?

A visit to the High Dam is considered a unique and fun experience, as from the top of the dam, impressive for its size, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding desert. The Aswan High Dam transformed Egypt's Nile Valley and created the enormous Lake Nasser while it was being built to control the annual flooding of the Nile River.

What are some other popular activities to do in Aswan besides visiting the tourist attractions?

Aswan offers a variety of activities to explore, including visiting the Nubian Village, taking a camel ride, visiting a Nubian House, relaxing by the Nile River, shopping at the Souk, enjoying sound and light shows at historical sites like Philae Temple and Abu Simbel, tasting Nubian cuisine, participating in a felucca cooking class, and visiting the Aswan Botanical Garden. These activities allow visitors to immerse themselves in Nubian culture, interact with locals, and learn about their traditions, crafts, and way of life. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views and the opportunity to shop at the Souk, where bargaining is common.

How to explore the Nile River trail in Aswan?

You can explore the Nile River trail in Aswan in several ways, including:

Nile boat trips: One of the main ways to explore the Nile is by boat. You can rent a small private boat or join river tours offered by local tour companies. During these trips, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Nile River and its enchanting landmarks.

Visit temples and archaeological sites: The Aswan region has many archaeological sites located on the banks of the Nile, such as the Philae Temple and the Ram Temple in Kom Ombo, which are major tourist destinations in the city. Visit these sites to explore Pharaonic ruins and learn about the history of ancient Egypt.

Active tourism: You can explore the trail of the Nile River in Aswan by practicing water sports activities such as sailing or jet skiing. These activities allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Nile River and experience adventure at the same time.

Walking on the banks of the Nile: Exploring the trail of the Nile can also be done by walking on the banks of the river. You can wander the magnificent pathways bordered by the Nile on both sides and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

What is the Aswan Dam and what is its role in Egypt?

The Aswan High Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River in southern Egypt, built during the reign of Gamal Abdel Nasser and built by the Soviets. Owned and operated by the General Authority for High Dam and Aswan Reservoir, the dam has helped control the flow of water and mitigate the effects of Nile flooding. It is used to generate electricity in Egypt.

The High Dam 16 / 5 / 2023