Plizio Visual Lab

Sennar Dam Region

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Sennar Dam was completed in 1925 on the Blue Nile and stands as one of the most significant engineering feats of the colonial era in Sudan. The structure spans 3025 meters in length and reaches a maximum height of 40 meters, primarily serving the irrigation needs of the massive Gezira Scheme. This agricultural initiative enabled the large-scale cultivation of cotton, which fundamentally reshaped the economic structure of the region and the entire country. The reservoir created by the dam regulates the flow of the Blue Nile, providing a steady water supply for thousands of kilometers of irrigation canals. Beyond its agricultural role, the dam is a key contributor to local hydroelectric power generation and supports a thriving inland fishing industry. The area surrounding the dam has evolved into a center for agricultural research and production, critical for Sudan's national food security. Today, it remains a point of interest for domestic visitors who appreciate its monumental technical design and the lush greenery of the nearby gardens.

Location: Sudan
Nearby: Maiurno (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	28	30	33	33	31	28	27	28	30	29	26
Rain mm	0	0	0	2	27	50	136	149	69	29	1	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Sennar Dam region is a crucial agricultural hub in Sudan, utilizing the Blue Nile's waters to cultivate vast tracts of fertile land and support the local economy.

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Visiting

While there are no formal tourist facilities, travelers can typically observe the expansive farming activities from public roads traversing the agricultural landscape.

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Where to view it

The most accessible vantage points are often found along the main routes connecting local villages, providing sweeping views of the irrigated fields and the dam infrastructure.

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Local products

Visitors might encounter local markets selling fresh produce grown in the region, such as fruits, vegetables, and regional staples depending on the current harvest season.

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Active season

The area is typically most animated during the planting and harvesting seasons, when the fields are bustling with agricultural workers and the irrigation systems are in full operation.

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Nearby

A visit to this agricultural zone can be combined with a trip to the historic city of Sennar, allowing travelers to explore both the natural resources and the cultural heritage.

Geography

Coordinates

13.50000, 33.60000

Facts

Construction began in 1914 but was delayed by the First World War.
The dam consists of a central masonry section and two earth embankments.
It was officially opened in January 1926.
The reservoir has a storage capacity of approximately 0.93 billion cubic meters.
It supplies water to over 800,000 hectares of land in the Gezira Scheme.
The dam features 80 sluice gates to manage water discharge.