Wadi Halfa

Wadi Halfa is a city on the eastern bank of Lake Nubia, which forms the border between Sudan and Egypt. It was rebuilt after the original settlement was flooded in the 1960s, and today it functions through its position on this large reservoir where ferries and boats connect to Egypt.

The original city existed for thousands of years as an important trading post for caravans crossing the region. When the Aswan Dam was completed in 1964, the old city disappeared beneath the water and the population had to resettle further south in Sudan.

The name refers to an ancient Nubian region, and the place reflects both Egyptian and Sudanese traditions in daily life. It serves as a meeting point for people from both countries who travel across the lake and share goods and stories.

The city sits at the border crossing point between the two countries and is the natural starting place for travelers heading across the lake. It helps to check on ferry schedules before arriving and allow extra time, since crossings can vary depending on water conditions.

The land around it is extreme desert where rain virtually never falls and summer heat is intense. Despite these harsh conditions, the city thrives, showing how people adapt to some of the harshest environments on Earth.

Location: Northern State

Elevation above the sea: 187 m

GPS coordinates: 21.80050,31.35074

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01