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