- DurationApprox. 3 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $42 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Aswan Botanical Garden tour combines a felucca sail with a gentle walk on Kitchener’s Island, a narrow island in the Nile covered in tropical trees and flowering shrubs. It is the greenest, shadiest and calmest place in Aswan, and a welcome break between temple visits.
The island was given to Lord Kitchener in the 1890s, when he commanded the Egyptian army, and he filled it with plants from India, East Africa and Southeast Asia. Today it is run as a botanical garden, with palm avenues, bamboo, fig and mango trees, and plenty of birds. Your felucca, guide and the garden ticket are included.
Highlights
- Private felucca sail to Kitchener’s Island and back
- Avenues of royal palms and trees from Africa, India and Southeast Asia
- Birdlife among the trees and along the island shore
- Views of Elephantine Island and the west bank dunes
- The island’s history from Lord Kitchener to today
- Hotel pickup, guide, felucca and entrance ticket included
Itinerary
Pickup and board your felucca
Your guide meets you at your hotel or Nile cruise and takes you to the felucca landing on the Corniche. Board your private felucca for a sail of around 30 minutes, past the granite boulders of Elephantine Island, to the landing on Kitchener’s Island.
Palm avenues and tropical trees
Walk the main avenues lined with tall royal palms, then wander the shaded paths through sections planted with trees from different continents: mahogany, rubber, sausage trees, bamboo and fruit trees. Labels give the names and origins of many plants, and your guide explains the more unusual ones.
Birds, river views and free time
The island attracts hoopoes, kingfishers, herons and many smaller birds, especially in the morning. Find a bench by the water for views across to the Aga Khan Mausoleum and the west bank dunes. The small botanical museum on the island opens irregularly; if it is open, your guide will take you in.
Sail back and drop-off
Reboard your felucca at the southern or northern landing for the sail back to the Corniche, with the city skyline ahead of you. Your guide accompanies you back to your hotel or cruise, about three hours after pickup.
Good to know: Feluccas depend on the wind; on calm days the captain may be towed by a small motorboat. The botanical museum on the island opens irregularly and cannot be guaranteed.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
- Private felucca to Kitchener’s Island and back
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance ticket to the Aswan Botanical Garden
- Bottled water and all taxes
Not included
- Drinks and snacks on the island
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and captain
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $115 |
| 2 travellers | $69 |
| 3–5 travellers | $52 |
| 6+ travellers | $42 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the garden?
Morning is best for birdlife and cooler air, and the low sun makes the palm avenues photogenic. Late afternoon also works well in winter, sailing back as the sun sets. The garden closes before dark, so we plan the sail around closing time.
Is there much walking?
No. The paths are flat and mostly shaded, and you can walk as much or as little as you like, with benches along the way. Getting in and out of the felucca needs a little care, and the captain and guide will help you.
Can we combine the garden with other sights?
Yes. It pairs well with the Tombs of the Nobles on the west bank or a Nubian village visit. The combined tour adds the boat time and extra tickets. Tell us your interests and we will suggest a half-day route.
Is it good for children?
Yes. Children enjoy the felucca, the open space and the birds, and the flat paths make it easy for younger ones. There are few facilities on the island, so bring water and snacks. Life jackets are available on the felucca on request.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
