Aswan, Egypt
Island in the Nile River at Aswan, Egypt
El Nabatat, Plant Island, is a small oval island in the Nile at Aswan, under a kilometre long and covered entirely by a botanical garden. It used to be called Kitchener's Island after Lord Kitchener, who was given it while serving as British Consul-General in Egypt (1911 to 1914) and filled it with exotic trees and plants, many from India, Africa and Asia. It later passed to the Egyptian government, served as a botanical research station, and opened to visitors under its present name. Shaded paths wind between palms, mango trees, banyans and fragrant shrubs laid out in sections. Birdlife is rich, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in Aswan, and the western edge looks across to the dunes of the West Bank and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. It is a calm green break between temples, and works well for families with children.
You can only get there by boat: a motorboat from the corniche, a felucca tour, or a small rowing boat from the west side of Elephantine. Agree the price and waiting time before you set off. Allow one to two hours; late afternoon is lovely for birds and soft light, then carry on by felucca for sunset.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionAswan, Egypt
