Tour to Botanical Garden, Elephantine Island

Visiting Botanical Garden and Elephantine Island in Aswan offers a unique opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical significance. These two destinations are located on the Nile River and provide a peaceful, scenic retreat with diverse landscapes, lush greenery, and ancient ruins.

1. Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island

The Botanical Garden is located on Kitchener's Island, a small island in the Nile near Aswan. It was established in the early 20th century by the British ruler Lord Kitchener and is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Aswan.

Key Highlights:

• Lush Flora: The garden is home to a wide variety of exotic plants, including tropical and subtropical species brought from various parts of the world, such as palm trees, bougainvillea, cacti, fuchsias, and mango trees. The island's climate makes it ideal for cultivating such diverse flora.
• Scenic Views: Surrounded by water, the island provides stunning views of the Nile River, with the rocky hills of Aswan in the background. It’s an excellent spot for photography, nature walks, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting.
• Birdwatching: The island is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular location for birdwatchers. The lush vegetation attracts various migratory and resident birds.
• Relaxing Strolls: The paths in the garden are well-maintained, allowing visitors to leisurely stroll and explore the different sections of the island, which are marked with names and descriptions of the plants.
• Accessibility: The botanical garden is accessible by felucca boat from Aswan, which is a short, scenic ride that enhances the experience.

2. Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is one of the most historically and culturally rich sites in Aswan, located just a short distance from the city center. The island is known for its ancient ruins, lush landscapes, and significant role in Egypt’s history.:

Historical Significance:

• Ancient Temples and Ruins: Elephantine Island has been inhabited since ancient times and was a key settlement during the Old Kingdom. The island is home to several important archaeological sites:

  • Temple of Khnum: The most prominent temple on the island is dedicated to the god Khnum, the god of the Nile and fertility. The temple was built during the reign of Amenemhat II (Middle Kingdom) and was later expanded by other pharaohs.
  • The Nilometer: The island also features the Nilometer, a structure used in ancient times to measure the water level of the Nile, an important task for the ancient Egyptians to track the annual flood levels.
  • The ruins of Elephantine's ancient town: You can see remnants of the ancient town's walls and houses. The island’s archaeological site offers fascinating insights into the Nubian culture and its interactions with ancient Egypt.

The Nubian Museum:

• The Nubian Museum located near Elephantine Island offers a comprehensive overview of the Nubian culture, which has a deep connection to the region. It houses artifacts, mummy collections, and historical displays about the Nubian people who have lived in southern Egypt and northern Sudan for thousands of years.

The Botanical Gardens (On Elephantine Island):

• Although the more famous botanical garden is located on Kitchener’s Island, Elephantine Island itself also has lush greenery and palm trees, giving visitors a peaceful atmosphere to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Modern Nubian Villages:

• Nubian villages on Elephantine Island offer an opportunity to experience traditional Nubian culture. You can visit the homes of local Nubians, enjoy their hospitality, and learn about their art, crafts, and way of life.

Views of Aswan:

• The island provides stunning panoramic views of Aswan, the Nile River, and surrounding desert landscapes. From the island’s high points, you can capture breathtaking views of the city, the river, and the cliffs of the west bank.

inclusions

• fluent experienced tour guide
• trasportation
• mineral water
• entrance fess
• lunch

exclusions

• tipping
• extra expenses