To the west of Elephantine Island is the Aswan Botanical Gardens, it is often referred to by its old name, Kitchener's Island. This land belonged to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s when he commanded the Egyptian army. A passionate lover of nature, palm trees and flowers, Kitchener ordered the establishment of a botanical garden throughout the island, bringing plant specimens from India, the Far East and parts of Africa. The park has a total area of 6.8 hectares and is home to a wide variety of birds and hundreds of species of flora. Shortly after the owner left the island, the land was returned to the Ministry of Irrigation.
There are three entrances to the park, the central one is located at the northern tip of the island and entrance tickets can be purchased there. The best way to fully explore the botanical garden is to take a walking tour from the main entrance, walking the entire length of the island to its southern edge. The path will be easy and pleasant, the entire park is divided into 27 identical squares with intersecting paths, making it look like a chessboard.
The best way to get to the Aswan Botanical Garden is to hire a local paddle boat or motorboat on the east bank of the Nile. To avoid walking back through the park, ask the boatman to wait for you at the southern edge.
Kitchener Island is a popular destination for weekend family holidays and Friday picnics. If you're looking for quiet and solitude, it's best to schedule your visit to the park on other days.
