Back in February, I was contacted by a keen Western Palearctic birder who had one clear goal in mind: to travel deep into southern Egypt and find some of the African specialties and Lake Nasser treasures that every birder dreams of.
Among his targets were Village Weaver, Kittlitz’s Plover, Yellow‑billed Stork, Pink‑backed Pelican, and African Skimmer.
Once his trip was confirmed, I began preparing the route, arranging comfortable stays, and organizing local transport so that we could focus entirely on the birds.
Arrival in Aswan – 11 July
We began our adventure late on Friday evening.
23:15 – My guest touched down at Aswan Airport under a calm and starry sky.
00:15 – A short boat transfer brought him across the Nile to a small and cozy hotel on Elephantine Island.
Southbound to Lake Nasser (Abu Simbel ) – 12 July
The following morning, we set out early.
06:00 – Our car headed south through the wide desert roads.
09:30 – We reached Abu Simbel, its monumental temples overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Nasser.
Our first land‑birding session started almost immediately. By 09:45, we were watching Kittlitz’s Plovers scurrying along the edges and admiring the graceful flight of Yellow‑billed Storks.
After lunch, we checked in at Kabara Nubian House, a lovely base right in Abu Simbel.
Later that afternoon, we explored again, hoping for a glimpse of the Crimson‑rumped Waxbill.
Despite our efforts, the waxbill kept its secrets, and we ended the day with anticipation for what tomorrow might bring.
Highlights on Lake Nasser – 13 July
The next morning delivered exactly what we had hoped for.
06:00 – We set out by boat to a site known for its Village Weavers. After patient scanning, we were rewarded with excellent views of these beautiful birds—confirmation of their presence in Egypt is always special, and it felt like a real achievement.
By midday we returned to the waxbill site, determined not to give up. This time, luck was on our side: tiny Crimson‑rumped Waxbills appeared, glowing like little gems among the foliage.
After lunch, we began our journey north. Before leaving, we made one last stop near Fekra Cultural Center in Aswan. The golden light of sunset provided a fitting finale, with birds moving through the reeds and the calm of the Nile all around us.
By 20:00 we were back at Aswan Airport, ready to catch the flight to Cairo —tired, happy, and carrying a list of sightings that would make any birder smile.
Bird Species Highlights
Some of the memorable species recorded on this trip include:
Kittlitz’s Plover
Yellow‑billed Stork
Reed Cormorant
Village Weaver
Crimson‑rumped Waxbill
African Pied Wagtail
Greater Flamingo
Full eBird Trip Report:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/395327
A Memorable Birding Adventure
This three‑day journey combined long desert drives, peaceful boat trips on the Nile, and the excitement of tracking down elusive species in the heart of Nubia.
Finally observing the Crimson‑rumped Waxbill and confirming the Village Weavers made every step worthwhile.
If you are planning your own birding adventure in Egypt, Abu Simbel and the surrounding shores of Lake Nasser are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
