Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Burullus

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Burullus is the second-largest lagoon in Egypt, located in the Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate within the central Nile Delta. It is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow sandbar and is connected to the sea via the Al-Burg channel. The shallow lagoon covers an area of approximately 460 square kilometers, though its size has diminished in recent decades due to extensive land reclamation projects. Ecologically, the lake is of paramount importance and was designated as a Ramsar site in 1988, serving as a vital stopover for migratory birds along the Palearctic flyway. The brackish waters support a wide variety of fish species, forming the backbone of the local fishing industry which employs thousands of residents. There are about 50 islands within the lagoon, some of which are inhabited or used for agriculture. Despite its protected status, the lake faces environmental challenges, including the discharge of agricultural drainage water and illegal encroachment.

Location: Egypt
Nearby: Desouk (31 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	15	17	19	23	26	28	28	27	24	21	17
Rain mm	27	17	11	9	1	1	0	0	0	9	14	23

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Access to the brackish lake is mostly via the coastal roads traversing the Nile Delta, near towns like Baltim. Local fishermen frequently offer boat rides to help visitors explore the aquatic landscape and small islands.

📅

Best season

The winter months are particularly interesting for birdwatchers since the lake serves as a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds. The climate is also significantly milder and more pleasant than during the hot summer.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The shoreline zones are predominantly shallow, frequently muddy, and densely overgrown with reeds, complicating direct walking. Exploration of the nature reserve is thus typically best accomplished from the water.

🎒

What to bring

For birdwatching, a good pair of binoculars belongs to the absolute basic equipment. Mosquito repellent, sun protection, and light, long-sleeved clothing are highly recommended out on the open water and near the shores.

🅿️

Parking

Vehicles can typically be parked safely in the surrounding fishing villages or at small boat landings. Large, formal parking lots are rare; instead, arrangements are made locally at the fringes of the settlements.

⚠️

Safety

Boat trips should always be undertaken with experienced locals who know the lake's shallows well. Furthermore, it is important to respect the rules of the nature reserve and carefully avoid disturbing the bird habitats.

⏱️

Time needed

An excursion onto the lake usually lasts about two to four hours, largely depending on your interest in birdlife. A half-day is generally more than sufficient to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lagoon.