The High Dam, Nubia Travel Guide

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Explore the Aswan High Dam: An engineering marvel controlling the Nile, generating power, and offering stunning Lake Nasser views.

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The High Dam

The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, is an engineering marvel that has reshaped Egypt's economy and environment. Controlling the Nile's floods, it provides irrigation, hydroelectric power, and increased navigability. A visit offers insight into this monumental project and panoramic views of Lake Nasser.

A brief summary to The High Dam

XVCG+9W2, Aswan, Manteqet as Sad Al Aali, Aswan Governorate, EG
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The High Dam.

Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Bring your passport, as it may be required at security checkpoints.
Be aware that video cameras and zoom lenses may not be allowed on site.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Philae Temple or Kalabsha Temple for a comprehensive Aswan experience.

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Explore The High Dam on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The High Dam, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Aswan and offer a direct route to the High Dam. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A one-way trip from Aswan to the High Dam typically costs between 150-200 EGP and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Public Transport

Public buses offer an economical way to reach the High Dam from Aswan. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. The fare is around 5 EGP.

Discover more about The High Dam

The Aswan High Dam, located a short drive south of Aswan, stands as a testament to modern engineering and Egypt's ambition to harness the power of the Nile. Completed in 1970, the dam is one of the largest embankment dams in the world, measuring over 3,600 meters in length and 111 meters in height. Its construction was a pivotal project for President Gamal Abdel Nasser, aimed at transforming Egypt from an agricultural society into an industrial nation.The dam's primary purpose is to control the Nile's annual floods, which historically brought both life-giving silt and devastating inundations. By regulating the river's flow, the Aswan High Dam provides a reliable water supply for irrigation, supporting agricultural expansion and development. The dam also generates a significant amount of hydroelectric power, contributing to Egypt's energy needs.The creation of the dam resulted in Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes, stretching hundreds of kilometers south into Sudan. While the dam has brought numerous benefits, it also had significant social and environmental consequences. The construction led to the relocation of thousands of Nubian people, and the dam's impact on the Nile's ecosystem continues to be a subject of debate.Visitors to the Aswan High Dam can explore a small pavilion with exhibits detailing the dam's construction and dimensions. A monument on the western side commemorates the Soviet Union's support in the project. The site offers impressive views of Lake Nasser to the south and the old Aswan Dam to the north. Despite tight security, the dam is an accessible and worthwhile attraction for those interested in engineering, history, and the complex relationship between humans and the environment.