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Province · Cairo and Giza
Qalyubia
Qalyubia, at the start of the Delta: the Al-Qanater al-Khayriya dams, where the Nile splits into two branches, and the riverside gardens.
In the photo: Arches and towers of the Nile dams at Al-Qanater al-Khayriya.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Qalyubia
Qalyubia lies just north of Cairo, where the Nile leaves the valley and opens into the Delta. The southern part of the governorate, including Shubra el-Kheima, is part of the capital’s urban area; the rest is a plain of irrigated fields, villages and canals. The capital is Banha, on the bank of the Damietta branch.
At Al-Qanater al-Khayriya, about 20 km from downtown Cairo, the Nile divides into the Rosetta and Damietta branches. In the 19th century Muhammad Ali had two large stone dams built there, with towers and arches, to control the Delta’s water. They still stand, surrounded by riverside gardens.
The Al-Qanater gardens are a weekend outing for Cairo families, who arrive by car or by boat along the Nile. There are bicycle, carriage and boat rentals, and food kiosks along the banks.
In Banha, the remains of the ancient city of Athribis (Tell Atrib) recall the region’s importance in ancient Egypt. The governorate is mainly agricultural and is often overlooked by travelers on the train between Cairo and Alexandria, which passes through Banha.
When to go
From October to April the days are mild for the riverside gardens. On Fridays and public holidays, Al-Qanater receives many Cairo families; on weekdays there is less activity. Summers are hot and humid.
Getting there
Al-Qanater al-Khayriya is about 20 km from downtown Cairo by car or taxi; at certain times there are boats on the Nile from Cairo, which should be confirmed before you go. Banha is on the Cairo–Alexandria rail line and on the agricultural road between the two cities.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Qalyubia
What is Al-Qanater al-Khayriya?
They are the 19th-century dams built at the point where the Nile divides into the Rosetta and Damietta branches, about 20 km from Cairo, with gardens along the banks. It’s a half-day outing from the capital.
How do you get from Cairo to Al-Qanater al-Khayriya?
By car or taxi, in about 40 minutes to one hour depending on traffic. At certain times there are Nile boats departing Cairo; confirm before you go.
Where does the Nile split into two branches?
At Al-Qanater al-Khayriya, in the Qalyubia governorate north of Cairo. From there the Rosetta branch heads northwest and the Damietta branch heads northeast toward the Mediterranean.
What is there to see in Banha?
Banha is the capital of Qalyubia, on the bank of the Damietta branch, with the remains of the ancient city of Athribis (Tell Atrib). It is a stop on the train line between Cairo and Alexandria.