El Nabatat IslandAbout El Nabatat Island
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.
Nearby Attractions to El Nabatat Island
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 9° - 23° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 42% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| February | Ideal | 10° - 25° | 18° | 0 mm | clear | 33% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 14° - 30° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 23% | 3.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 19° - 36° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Ideal | 24° - 40° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 15% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.2h |
| June | Ideal | 25° - 42° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 15% | 3.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.5h |
| July | Ideal | 26° - 42° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 17% | 2.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Ideal | 26° - 42° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 3.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Ideal | 24° - 39° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 20% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 37° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 26% | 2.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Ideal | 15° - 30° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 2.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| December | Ideal | 11° - 25° | 18° | 0 mm | clear | 44% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.5h |
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.