Lake Burullus Protected Area
Nature
The second largest of the Nile Delta's coastal lakes, a wetland of reeds, islands and dunes known for winter birdlife and fishing communities.
- Arabic name
- محمية بحيرة البرلس
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- Kafr El Sheikh
- Area
- 484 km²
- Protected since
- 1998
- Nearest city guide
- Kafr El Sheikh
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
Lake Burullus lies on the Mediterranean shore of the Nile Delta, between the Rosetta and Damietta branches of the river. A narrow sand bar separates it from the sea, and a single channel, the Boughaz, links the two. The lake is recognised internationally as a wetland of importance for waterbirds.
Landscape and wildlife
Reed beds, small islands, salt marshes and coastal dunes support huge numbers of wintering ducks, coots, herons, egrets, flamingos and waders. The lake is also an important fishery, and the fishing village of Burg El Burullus has painted boats and a lively fish market. The dunes on the sand bar hold unusual coastal plants.
What to do
- Take a boat trip through the reed channels with a local fisherman.
- Visit Burg El Burullus for seafood and a look at boat building.
- Birdwatch from the international coastal road, which runs along the sand bar.
Getting there and best time
The lake is about 3 hours by road from Cairo and around 2 hours from Alexandria via the international coastal road. November to February is peak birding season, while spring and autumn bring migrants.
Entry fee: no gate fee for general access; boat trips are paid separately (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lake Burullus important for birds?
It is an internationally recognised wetland where reed beds, islands, salt marshes and dunes support huge numbers of wintering ducks, coots, herons, egrets, flamingos and waders.
What can I do there?
Take a boat through the reed channels with a local fisherman, eat seafood and watch boat building at Burg El Burullus, and birdwatch from the international coastal road along the sand bar.
How do I get there?
The lake is about 3 hours by road from Cairo and around 2 hours from Alexandria via the international coastal road.
When is the best time to go?
November to February is peak birding season; spring and autumn bring migrants.
Is there an entry fee?
There is no gate fee for general access; boat trips are paid separately.
