Plizio Visual Lab

Wadi Halfa Fisheries

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Fishing in Wadi Halfa on Lake Nubia, the Sudanese portion of Lake Nasser, is a cornerstone of the economy in northern Sudan. Following the flooding of the region due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, a productive freshwater fishing industry emerged, primarily catering to the Sudanese domestic market. The lake is home to numerous fish species, with Nile perch and various types of tilapia being the most common catches. Wadi Halfa serves as the primary logistical hub where fish is processed, chilled, and prepared for transport to Khartoum and other urban centers. Fishermen often employ traditional wooden boats, though modern motorized vessels are increasingly utilized to improve efficiency. This industry provides employment for thousands of individuals and is a critical source of protein for the local population. The geographical location on the border with Egypt also establishes the region as a strategic trading center. Despite the festive and extreme climatic conditions of the Nubian Desert, the lake has a stable livelihood and significantly shapes the social and economic fabric of the town of Wadi Halfa.

Location: Sudan
Nearby: Wadi Halfa (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	18	22	27	31	33	34	34	32	28	21	17
Rain mm	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Wadi Halfa fisheries on Lake Nasser are a central hub for freshwater fish like Nile perch. They provide animal protein to the region and livelihoods for many families.

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Visiting

The fishing area at the port of Wadi Halfa is publicly accessible. The processing facilities are generally not open to visitors.

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Where to view it

From the quay of Wadi Halfa port, there is a good view of the fishing boats and the lakeshore. Especially in the morning when boats depart, the atmosphere is impressive.

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Local products

Main products are fresh and dried Nile perch, as well as tilapia. At the port fish market, catches are landed and sold directly.

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Active season

Fishing takes place year-round, with the highest catches after the rainy season in summer. Fish stocks then increase due to nutrient inflow.

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Nearby

A visit to the fisheries can be combined with the town of Wadi Halfa and its lakeside promenade. The planned Nile ferry to Egypt and archaeological sites like Soleb are further destinations.

Geography

Coordinates

21.83000, 31.33000

Facts

Lake Nubia was formed in the 1960s after the completion of the Aswan High Dam.
The lake's surface area in Sudan varies but covers approximately 1,000 square kilometers.
Over 50 species of fish have been identified in the waters of Lake Nubia.
The Wadi Halfa Fishing Company was established to industrialize the sector.
Fish is typically transported south via a dedicated railway link to Khartoum.
The annual fish production from the lake is estimated at several thousand tons.