If Aswan has a heart, it is the river around Elephantine Island. The island lies in the middle of the Nile, facing the corniche, and was once a frontier fortress and trading post. A boat is the natural way to reach it.
The ruins and the Nilometer
On the southern part of the island you find the remains of a temple of Khnum, the ram-headed god of the cataract, and the foundations of earlier buildings. Nearby is the Nilometer, a stair that descends into the river and was used to measure the height of the annual flood, which set the tax for the year.
Two Nubian villages
The northern part of the island is home to Siou and Koti, villages of painted houses, narrow lanes and goats. Your guide takes you on a short walk and explains Nubian customs, language and food. Locals are used to visitors, but a polite greeting goes a long way.
Kitchener's Island
A short ride away, the Botanical Garden occupies a small island given to Lord Kitchener in the late nineteenth century. He filled it with trees and plants from Asia and Africa. Today it is a shady, peaceful place to stroll, with birds and a view across to the West Bank.
The ride back
On the return, the boat passes the Aga Khan Mausoleum on the west bank. It is a striking building above the water, but it is closed to visitors, so you view it from the boat. The route also passes the granite rocks of the First Cataract.
- Boat from the corniche: about 15 minutes to the island.
- Ruins and Nilometer: about one hour.
- Villages: about 45 minutes.
- Botanical Garden: about an hour.
- Return past the mausoleum and cataract rocks.
The history under your feet
Elephantine was a fortress town on Egypt's southern border for thousands of years. It controlled trade in ivory, granite and gold from Nubia. Archaeologists have found papyri here, written in several languages, which tell us about ordinary people's lives. The ruins are modest, but the story is rich, and a good guide brings it to life.
When to go
Morning is best for the island, with cooler air and good light for the Nilometer. The garden is pleasant at any hour, but the late morning shade is welcome. In the hottest months, ask for a start at eight or earlier. In winter, bring a thin jacket for the boat. Binoculars are handy for the birds that live in the garden.
This trip works well on your first full day, since it introduces the river and the islands. It also pairs with an afternoon rest and a sunset felucca ride. If you plan to visit Philae or Kalabsha, do them on different mornings. The boat trip is gentle enough to follow a long journey or a night flight.
Siou and Koti are homes, not exhibits. Keep your voice low, ask before taking pictures, and accept an invitation for tea only if you are happy to chat. If you buy a craft, pay what you agree and say thank you. Your guide will introduce you to a family and set the tone.
The trip is private. Open the page for details and booking.
Plan with us
Elephantine Island and Kitchener's garden: Aswan by motorboat
A morning by private motorboat round Elephantine Island: Khnum temple ruins, the Nilometer, Nubian villages and the Botanical Garden.