Kitchener's Island in Aswan
Kitchener's Island in Aswan
Kitchener Island is a special little island in the Nile River that is 750 meters long. It used to be just a small piece of land, but now it has many beautiful trees and plants, making it a green paradise. Today, it’s called Aswan Botanical Island because the Egyptian government took care of it and turned it into a place where people study plants. Going to this island in Aswan is super fun! You get to see the pretty views around the Nile River. It's a nice, calm place where everyone can relax and enjoy what Aswan has to show. Kitchener Island, also called Nabatat Island, is one of the two main islands close to the city of Aswan. The other island is bigger and is called Elephantine Island. Elephantine Island is between Kitchener Island and the part of Aswan where people live, so it makes it hard to see Kitchener Island from the city. Visiting the Aswan Botanical Gardens is like going on a fun adventure to see lots of different kinds of plants and trees. It's a place where you can learn about nature and see beautiful flowers and interesting plants from all around the world! One of the best things about going to Aswan is getting to see the plant gardens on Kitchener Island.
To get there, you can sail on a traditional felucca or take a motorboat from Aswan’s East Bank. The island has three entrances, with the main one located on the northern end. For the easiest route, you can enter from the north, walk across the island, and arrange for a felucca to pick you up at the southern end.
The island is laid out like a chessboard, divided into 27 squares by pathways, making it easy to explore. As you walk around, you'll discover a rich variety of plant life, from native species to exotic trees brought in to create a botanical wonderland. Notable palm trees on the island include the majestic royal palms, sabal palms, and date palms.
A Bit of History
The island was named after General Lord Horatio Kitchener, who was sent to Egypt in 1883 to serve as Governor General of Sudan. After his successful military campaigns, he was rewarded with this island, which now bears his name.
Reaching Kitchener Island
The only way to visit Kitchener Island is by boat. You can book a private felucca ride to explore the island at your own pace, or hop on one of the public ferries that run between Aswan, Elephantine Island, and Kitchener Island. As you sail along the Nile, the river's gentle flow and the beautiful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience, especially as the sun begins to set.
