Toshka Lakes
Lake Large artificial lakes in Egypt from Nile diversion project
Series of lakes in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate formed by irrigation projects off the Nile; they interest birdwatchers, hydrologists and travellers tracking seasonal changes in desert waterways.
The Toshka Lakes are a group of seasonal and semi-permanent lakes in the Toshka (or Toshka) Depression of Egypt’s Western Desert, in New Valley Governorate. They formed after high Nile flood episodes and water transfers from Lake Nasser at the end of the 20th century.
The area is notable for expansive, shallow water bodies in an otherwise arid landscape and for rapidly changing shorelines as water levels rise and fall. The lakes attracted attention for irrigation and reclamation plans as part of the Toshka Project but remain highly variable in size.
The lakes appeared following significant Nile flood events and managed overflows from Lake Nasser in the late 1990s and early 2000s; subsequent years have seen large reductions in area as hydrological and management conditions changed. The hydrology and human plans around the lakes have been subjects of ongoing study and debate.
The lakes lie in the Toshka Depression in the Western Desert of Egypt, southwest of Aswan and within New Valley Governorate, set in a flat desert environment where seasonally available water creates the lake system.
- Recent origin and variability: The lakes were created by Nile overflow and human-managed diversions in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have since shown large seasonal and multi-year fluctuations in extent.
Tips for Visiting Toshka Lakes #
- Plan visits in the cooler months (roughly October-March) - the Toshka Lakes are in a hot, arid region and temperatures and dust can be extreme outside that window, and the lakes themselves are highly seasonal so conditions can vary by year.
- Treat access as an expedition: the area is remote, road quality is poor and services are scarce, so travel with a high‑clearance 4x4 and an experienced local driver or guide who knows the current track conditions and where fuel/overnighting is available.
- Check recent reports before you go - the Toshka system is ephemeral and water levels, shoreline access and wildlife presence change dramatically; plan flexible timing (sunset photography is often best) and confirm permissions with local authorities in New Valley Governorate if you intend to camp or work from the lakes.
Best Time to Visit Toshka Lakes #
Visit in the cooler months (late autumn-early spring) when temperatures are milder and any standing water is more likely to be present, remembering the lakes are often intermittent.
Weather & Climate near Toshka Lakes #
Toshka Lakes's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
_31.jpg?width=600)
