El Nabatat Island
Island Nile island housing Kitchener's botanical gardens in Aswan
Kitchener’s El Nabatat Island in Aswan hosts a British-era botanical garden, mature exotic trees and Nile views; reachable by short boat from Aswan’s quays.
El Nabatat Island, also known as Kitchener’s Island, is a planted botanical island in the Nile River opposite the city of Aswan, Egypt. It is famed for its dense collection of exotic and native trees and shrubs arranged as a formal botanical garden.
The island contains shaded paths, specimen trees from several continents and garden layouts established in the late 19th century; it provides cooling shade and botanical interest in contrast to the surrounding desert. Visitors reach the island by a short boat trip from Aswan and can walk the main paths within the garden.
The island’s gardens were developed in the late 19th century under the direction of Lord Kitchener and later maintained by Egyptian authorities as a municipal botanical garden. Over time plantings expanded to include many subtropical and ornamental species used for study and public enjoyment.
Sits in the Nile opposite central Aswan in southern Egypt, immediately adjacent to the city’s riverfront and visible from Aswan’s quays.
- Short boat access from Aswan: Reached from Aswan by a short motorboat or felucca crossing of the Nile, making it an easy half-day visit from the city.
How to Get to El Nabatat Island #
El Nabatat Island is reached by a short felucca or motorboat ride from the Aswan corniche. Boats depart regularly from the area near the Old Cataract Hotel and the main bridge; negotiate price and return time with the boatman before departure.
Tips for Visiting El Nabatat Island #
- Take a short felucca ride from the Aswan corniche rather than hiring a hotel operator - local boatmen often know the island's best shaded paths.
- Look for the Victorian-era plantings and the signposted botanical variety; the Kitchener garden layout still survives in part.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Philae Temple and the Aswan Botanical Garden for a compact cultural day.
Best Time to Visit El Nabatat Island #
November-February is the most comfortable season for visiting Aswan and El Nabatat Island.
Weather & Climate near El Nabatat Island #
El Nabatat Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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