Kitchener's Island in Aswan | El Nabatat Island

• 16 / 5 / 2023

Kitchener's Island in Aswan

Kitchener transformed the 750-meter island into a paradise of exotic trees and plants surrounding the gardens with paths to see this spectacular view. It then transferred to the ownership of the Egyptian government and used the island as a research station called the Plant Research Institute, better known as the Aswan Botanical Island.

This tour is considered one of the most enjoyable tours in Aswan, where you can enjoy the fascinating natural scenery surrounding the Nile, so take this opportunity to delight yourself by visiting the amazing sites of Aswan.

The island of Nabatiye "Kitchener" is one of the two main islands on the Nile near Aswan, and the other is the elephant. The elephantine is the largest between Nabatat Island and the city of Aswan (East Bank). Therefore, it may be difficult to see the smaller Nabatat Island than Aswan: "Aswan is hidden behind Elephantine Island.

Elephantine Island Temple in Aswan

Aswan Botanical Garden

The island is one of the best reasons to visit Aswan to see the Aswan Botanical Gardens. Passengers can sail by the local Felucca ride in Aswan boat or take a motorboat within Egypt day tours to the east bank of the Nile to reach this island.

The island has 3 entrances. The main entrance is at the northern end of the island; the best way to see the island, without much walking, is to enter the main entrance and walk along the island until you reach the southern end and book a felucca from there and ask the captain to wait for you at the other end. The Botanical Island of Aswan is divided into 27 squares cut by vertical and horizontal tracks, making it like a chessboard. It is an amazing experience to explore this island and everything it has to offer during our Aswan excursions.

There is a big group of farms and trees on the island. Some of them were grown normally on the island before being transformed into a floral island, and they were delivered there. There are several unique palm trees, such as the royal palm tree, the sabal palm tree, and the phoenix palm tree.

One of the most important pieces of information about this island is that the name of the island is in honor of General Lord Horatio Kitchener, who in 1883 was sent to Egypt to be Governor General of Sudan and won the war against the Dervishes (1896-1898), and as a reward, he was given the island.

The only way to get to the Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener Island is by boat. You can hire a felucca tour to privately explore this stunning section of the Nile River, or you can take one of the public ferries that run between Aswan, Elephantine Island, and Kitchener Island. The Nile River glides into the Egyptian dusk.

Discovering Kitchener's Island: A Botanical Eden within Aswan

Adrift on the Nile in Aswan lies Kitchener's Island, or El Nabatat Island, an emerald isle set against the backdrop of a peaceful, nature-quickening breeze. The masterpiece of botany to be found here is dedicated to Lord Kitchener, and this remains one of the most treasured tourist places of Aswan, serving as a magnet to tourists who want to enjoy the rich greenery and peace hymns of the silence.

A Glimpse of History

The island was given to Lord Kitchener in the latter part of the 1800s as an acknowledgment of his military campaigns in Sudan. Being a man with an enormous interest in horticulture, he converted the island into heaven for experimental gardens, importing plants and trees from various regions of the world. As time went by, it became a land of plenty, and today it is owned by the Egyptian government and serves as a typical display of rare flora right in the desert.

A Stroll Through Paradise

The Island welcomes visitors into a world of colors and textures. Towering palm trees swing with the breeze while aromatically rich flowers fill the air. Sensational kinds of delights are offered by this island. Winding paths are manicured for guests who want to stroll slowly in between relaxing, shaded venues to admire the breathtaking views over the Nile.

An island where innumerable species of plants grow, many of which are extinct and with high ecological value. To the typical bird lover, the island is a real paradise since many migratory birds find refuge and rest almost every part of the year on this island.

Activities to undertake
Nature Tours under Guidance: Attaching the visual and pictorial symbolism to the strange and exotic diversity of a guided tour by local experts will include the small print and significance of diversity in the country.
Picnic on the Nile: Pack your yummy meal and perhaps a perfectly fresh and well-cooked one, then have a relaxed time sitting on the green grass while viewing points all-inclusive. 
Felucca Ride: Combine your visit with a traditional felucca sail around the island to get a fresh perspective on all its lush and beautiful features. 
Bird observation—bring along your binoculars to find the colorful and lively birds that dwell here.

How to Reach Kitchener’s Island

The island can be reached within minutes with a boat from the mainland in Aswan. Feluccas and motorboats are accessed from near the Corniche of Aswan as one travels across the Nile towards this botanical wonderland.

Why Visit Kitchener's Island?

It promises to be much more than a destination—it's an experience! Whether a search for peace, an appreciation of exotic flora, or just a postcard-perfect location, this green haven has something for everyone. Escape from the daily grind for the family, couples, or even a solo adventure. History, natural beauty, and serenity all blended.

Plan Your Visit

Making it part of your Aswan itinerary would make your adventure worthwhile. With its peaceful charm and captivating greenery, it is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored.