Lake Burullus, Ramsar site and lake in Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt

Lake Burullus is a Ramsar site and lake in Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. It is a large body of water separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow strip of land, with reed beds and open water.

The lake formed over centuries as sediments and sea currents shaped the coastal strip. It has long been a source of fish and reeds for local people, and in recent decades it gained recognition as a wetland of international importance.

The lake is central to the lives of nearby fishing communities, and you can see their wooden boats and nets along the shore. In the early morning, the water comes alive with small vessels heading out, a daily rhythm that has gone on for generations.

The lake is best explored by boat, and local fishermen can often take visitors out. Access is easier from the northern side, where the road runs close to the water.

The lake is a stopping point for many migratory birds, and in winter you can see large flocks gathering on the open water. Its shallow depth means that small islands of reeds appear and disappear with the seasons.