Toshka Lakes

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.

• 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.