Lake Burullus Protected Area

A Biodiversity Oasis in Northern Egypt

📍 Location & Area
Lake Burullus Protected Area is located in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, northeast of the Rosetta Nile branch.

Stretching approximately 70 km in length with a width ranging between 6-17 km, it covers a total area of about 460 km².

As Egypt’s second largest natural lake, water bodies constitute about 420 km² of its area.

🌿 Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Lake Burullus hosts:

Over 135 species of terrestrial and aquatic plants

Numerous migratory bird species, making it a crucial stopover on global migration routes

28 islands, including the notable Shakhlouba Island – one of the area’s prime tourist attractions

🧭 Ecotourism Activities
The protected area offers exceptional experiences for nature and bird enthusiasts:

Birdwatching (particularly migratory species)

Eco-tours and educational excursions

Scenic landscape appreciation

🌍 Ecological & International Significance
Designated as a natural protectorate in 1998 to:

Preserve its rich biodiversity

Protect endangered species

Maintain its vital position in Mediterranean wetland ecosystems

⚠️ Challenges & Conservation Efforts
Despite protection measures, the reserve faces threats including:

Climate change impacts

Unregulated human activities

Overfishing practices