Quick answer
Kitchener's Island is a small island in the Nile at Aswan, west of Elephantine, that has been a botanical garden since the 1920s. It is planted with trees and shrubs from Africa and Asia, full of birds, and best reached as a 45–60 minute stop on a felucca sail.
What is Kitchener's Island?
It is a long, narrow island turned into a walled garden of exotic trees, now run as a public botanical garden by the Egyptian government. In the 1890s the island was given to Horatio Herbert Kitchener, then commander (Sirdar) of the Egyptian army and later Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, who used it as a private retreat and filled it with plants gathered from across Africa and Asia.
After Kitchener's death in 1916 the island passed to the government, which developed it as a botanical garden and research station. Today it is a shady oasis of palms, flowering shrubs and broad-canopied trees, laid out along a central avenue and smaller paths. It is a pleasant, quiet contrast to Aswan's temples rather than a world-class garden, and some areas look tired; enjoy it for the shade, the birds and the river views.
What will you see on the island?
Expect avenues of tall palms, flowering bougainvillea and hibiscus, fig and other tropical trees, many labelled with their botanical names, plus glimpses of the river through the greenery on both sides. The western shore looks across to the hillside of the Aga Khan Mausoleum, the domed tomb of Aga Khan III, and the cliffs of Qubbet el-Hawa; the eastern shore faces Elephantine Island across a narrow channel.
- The main avenue: runs much of the island's length and is the easiest route for a loop.
- The southern tip: look out over the granite boulders of the cataract and the feluccas tacking past.
- Riverside benches and a small cafe: good for a cold drink before reboarding your boat, if it is open.
Is Kitchener's Island good for birdwatching?
Yes, it is one of the easiest places in Aswan to see birds up close, especially in the early morning. The mix of dense trees, open lawns and riverbank attracts species you would struggle to see in town. Look for hoopoes probing the grass, Nile Valley sunbirds and bulbuls in the flowering shrubs, pied kingfishers hovering over the channel, and herons and egrets along the water's edge.
Winter brings migrants from Europe, which makes October to March the most rewarding time. Bring binoculars; the felucca ride over is itself a good chance to spot waterbirds on the rocks. Keen birders should also read our birdwatching in Egypt guide.
How do you get to Kitchener's Island?
Only by boat: most visitors land from a felucca, and a motorboat from the Corniche takes about 10 minutes. The boat lands at a jetty where you buy an entry ticket for the garden. Agree with the captain in advance that the price includes waiting time on the island, typically an hour.
The classic way is to add the island to a one- to three-hour sunset sail around Elephantine; our guide to felucca rides on the Nile explains how to arrange one and what to pay. Note that feluccas depend on the wind, and on still afternoons the crew may need a tow from a motorboat to get you back on schedule.
When should you go and how long do you need?
Forty-five minutes to an hour is enough; go early in the morning for birds and cool air, or mid-afternoon so you can be back on the water for sunset. The island is open in daylight hours only. In summer, when Aswan is in the 40s, the shade makes it more bearable than most sights, but the boat ride there is exposed, so bring water and a hat.
Is it worth stopping, and who will enjoy it?
It is worth it as part of a felucca sail, especially for families, garden lovers and anyone needing a break from temples. Children can walk freely, and the landing by boat feels like a small adventure. Keen gardeners can spend longer reading the labels, which give each tree's botanical name and region of origin. Travellers who are short of time can see the island well enough from the water and spend that hour at the Nubian Museum instead. On our Egypt honeymoon a private sunset felucca sails past the island, and a landing can be added on request.
One practical point: there are toilets near the entrance but few other facilities, and the cafe keeps irregular hours, so carry water. Paths are flat and mostly shaded, which makes this one of the few Aswan sights that is comfortable for travellers with limited mobility once they are off the boat, although the landing steps can be uneven, so ask the crew for a hand.
Kitchener's Island (Aswan Botanical Garden): FAQs
Why is it called Kitchener's Island?
The island was given to Horatio Herbert Kitchener in the 1890s, when he commanded the Egyptian army. He turned it into a private garden of exotic plants, which became the public Aswan Botanical Garden after his death.
Can you walk to Kitchener's Island?
No, it can only be reached by boat. Most visitors stop there on a felucca sail, or take a motorboat from the Corniche.
Is there an entry fee for Kitchener's Island?
Yes, a ticket is sold at the landing, separate from your boat fare. Fees change, so check locally or with your guide.
Can you visit the Aga Khan Mausoleum from Kitchener's Island?
You can see it on the hillside opposite, but at the time of writing the mausoleum itself is closed to visitors. The Monastery of St Simeon is reached from the landing nearby.