Aswan High Dam
A monumental feat of engineering controlling the Nile, generating power, and creating Lake Nasser. A symbol of modern Egypt.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Aswan High Dam
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental feat of engineering controlling the Nile, generating power, and creating Lake Nasser. A symbol of modern Egypt.
"An amazing engineering marvel in the middle of the Egyptian desert, a strategic source of electricity for Egypt."
🎟️ Easy Ticket Access
Tickets are generally easy to obtain with no long wait times.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the impressive engineering and scenic views; photography is permitted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam Itself
An immense concrete and earth structure controlling the mighty Nile River. Witness its scale and engineering prowess.
Lake Nasser Views
Gaze upon the vast expanse of Lake Nasser, a man-made reservoir created by the dam, stretching into the horizon.
Friendship Monument
A symbol of international cooperation, this monument offers panoramic views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the Dam's Impact
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Easy Ticket Access
Tickets are generally easy to obtain with no long wait times.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the impressive engineering and scenic views; photography is permitted.
🏛️ Visit Friendship Monument
Your dam ticket often includes access to the Friendship Monument for great views.
💧 Understand its Purpose
Learn about its role in flood control and hydroelectric power for Egypt.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Easy Ticket Access
Tickets are generally easy to obtain with no long wait times.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the impressive engineering and scenic views; photography is permitted.
🏛️ Visit Friendship Monument
Your dam ticket often includes access to the Friendship Monument for great views.
💧 Understand its Purpose
Learn about its role in flood control and hydroelectric power for Egypt.
🚗 Parking Available
Designated parking is available for tourist vehicles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Aswan High Dam an impressive feat of engineering with significant historical and geopolitical importance. The scale of the dam and the views of Lake Nasser are highlights, though some note the surrounding landscape can be stark. Access and ticketing are generally straightforward.
"The Aswan High Dam: A Modern Marvel on the Nile.
The Aswan High Dam, located just south of Aswan in Egypt, is one of the most impressive engineering projects of the 20th century. Completed in 1970, the dam was built to control the annual flooding of the Nile, generate hydroelectric power, and provide a reliable water supply for agriculture throughout Egypt. Stretching nearly 4 kilometers in length and 111 meters in height, it stands as a symbol of modern development and national pride.
The construction of the dam created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, which extends over 500 kilometers into southern Egypt and northern Sudan. This massive reservoir provides irrigation water for millions of hectares of farmland, helping Egypt secure its food supply and supporting agricultural expansion in an arid region.
The Aswan High Dam also produces significant hydroelectric power, supplying much of Egypt’s electricity needs and contributing to the country’s modernization. However, its creation had environmental and cultural consequences, including the relocation of thousands of people and the submersion of ancient archaeological sites.
Today, the dam is not only an engineering landmark but also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Nile and Lake Nasser while learning about the dam’s crucial role in Egypt’s economy and history."
Lefteris Stamatelatos
"The high dam of Assouan is an interesting site to visit especially if you get the history of its construction.
It a mixture of geopolitics, archeological issues, and Egyptian engineering - the model of a step pyramid was used.
The dam was built under the government of Abdel Nasser, and it allows the country to regulate the flux of the biggest river in the world, the Nile.
Of course, it is a main source of electricity for Egypt."
Oliver K
"200 EGP as of September 2025 to enter and stop on the middle of the damn wall to see some views. There are a few stalls with souvenirs and snacks. You'll only spend max 15 min there.
If you want to go to the Soviet friendship monument then it is another 300 EGP, which I am certain is not worth it as you drive right past it just before stopping on the damn wall."
Nico G.
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aswan High Dam is located south of Aswan city. Taxis or private car hires are common ways to reach it from Aswan. Many day tours from Aswan also include a stop at the dam. 
Yes, transportation is readily available in Aswan. Taxis are plentiful, and tour operators can arrange transport as part of a package.
For convenience, hiring a taxi or booking a guided tour that includes the dam is recommended. This allows for easy access and often includes commentary on the dam's history.
While direct public buses might be limited, local taxis and tour buses are the primary modes of transport.
The Aswan High Dam is quite close to Aswan city, typically a short drive of about 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance ticket is required to visit the dam and access specific viewpoints.
Ticket prices are generally affordable, with specific costs often around 1000 EGP for a full-day tour that includes the dam and other sites.
The dam is typically open during government working hours, usually from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Access to the internal facilities usually requires special clearance or a separate ticket. General visiting is to the viewpoints.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but booking tours might offer bundled value.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Aswan High Dam, allowing you to capture its impressive scale and the surrounding landscape.
While general photography is permitted, be mindful of any security personnel or restricted areas.
The viewpoints near the Friendship Monument and along the dam's edge offer excellent perspectives of the dam, Lake Nasser, and the Nile River.
Drone usage is typically restricted at sensitive infrastructure sites like dams. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Expect wide-angle shots of the massive dam structure, panoramic views of Lake Nasser, and the contrasting blue of the Nile River.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can see the dam itself, the vast Lake Nasser, the Nile River, and the Friendship Monument.
A visit to the dam itself typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, but if combined with other sites like the Friendship Monument, allow more time.
Yes, as a significant piece of infrastructure, the dam is heavily guarded.
The dam was built under President Gamal Abdel Nasser to control the Nile's floods and generate hydroelectric power. Its construction involved international partnerships. +2
Access to walk across the entire dam may be restricted, but designated viewpoints allow visitors to experience its scale.
🎫 🏞️ Nature & Geography
The dam regulates the Nile's flow, preventing floods and ensuring a consistent water supply for irrigation and electricity generation.
Lake Nasser is a vast reservoir created behind the Aswan High Dam, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
The Aswan High Dam stands at approximately 111 meters (364 feet) tall.
The dam has significant environmental impacts, including altering sediment flow downstream and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
It's a crucial element in controlling the Nile River's water resources, impacting agriculture and power generation for Egypt and neighboring regions. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Friendship Monument provides a great vantage point for panoramic shots, showcasing the dam and the surrounding water bodies. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel and Geopolitical Significance
The geopolitical implications of the dam were profound. President Gamal Abdel Nasser championed the project as a symbol of national sovereignty and progress. The dam's construction and its role in managing the Nile's waters have been central to Egypt's development strategy and its relationships with upstream and downstream countries.
Visiting the Aswan High Dam offers a chance to appreciate the sheer scale of this engineering feat and reflect on its multifaceted impact. While the dam itself is a concrete and earth structure, the surrounding viewpoints provide a dramatic perspective on its immensity and the vastness of Lake Nasser. The Friendship Monument offers a particularly good vantage point for photography and understanding the dam's strategic importance.
Visiting the Aswan High Dam: Practicalities and Perspectives
Many visitors find the dam's history and engineering to be the most compelling aspects. It's a place where geopolitics, archaeology, and Egyptian engineering converge.
For the best experience, consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, such as mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the intense desert heat.
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