Esna Lock Closure

If you are planning a cruise along the Nile while on your Egypt tour, then you should keep in mind that the Esna Lock is closed at certain times during the year for scheduled maintenance.

What is the Esna Lock?

It is a device for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways, that is located at Esna in Egypt. The distinguishing feature of a lock is a fixed chamber whose water level can be varied; whereas in a caisson lock, a boat lift, or on a canal inclined plane, it is the chamber itself (usually then called a caisson) that rises and falls.

Esna Lock Closure Dates

Every year, the Esna Lock is closed for routine maintenance from the 1st and 16th of December and June. During this period the cruises are made from Esna to Aswan and vice versa and the visits of Luxor are done by bus from Esna.

The Nile cruises taken at these times of the year can be quite a bargain as the price is often reduced. It is worth checking before you book a cruise to see when the lock will be closed - you can then make your choice beforehand and not be disappointed on arrival.

Esna Lock, Egypt

Esna Lock, A Different View

Children at Esna

Peddlers in Boats at the Esna Lock