Aswan Botanical Garden: A Natural Oasis in Egypt

The Botanical Garden of Aswan, situated on the island of  Kitchener's Island on the Nile River, is an island treasure covering a large green area in the very center of Aswan and surrounded by several temples and remains of ancient architecture. It provides a great view over the Nile, expressing an exquisite landscape with a wide variety of exotic plants, huge historical importance for this place, and simple beauty. The botanical paradise deserves a visit and is a must-visit in any kind of Egyptian tour, especially, Egypt day tours, and travel packages to Egypt. In this article, we will introduce the location, history, and how to visit the botanical paradise.

Location

The Aswan Botanical Garden is situated on the area called  Kitchener's Island, otherwise known as El Nabatat Island, on the Nile River near the city of Aswan in southern Egypt. This island is about 16 acres large, giving adequate room for a myriad of species to grow in the plants. Being right in the Nile means a constant supply of water, which sustains its evergreen appearance and many exotic flowers.
The location of this island allows it to be quite easily accessed on an excursion by tourists. In itself, Aswan is a large town in Egypt, rich in history, beautiful temples, and an entry point to the temples of Abu Simbel. Its positioning on the Nile River has fixed it for centuries as one of the large towns of commerce and culture in the region, which often leads to populations remarkably diverse and dynamic. 

History

The history of the Aswan Botanical Garden dates back to the late 19th century. The island was first given to Lord Horatio Kitchener, the British Consul-General of Egypt, as an acknowledgment of his services. Being an excellent botanist, in 1899 Kitchener laid the foundation for a botanical garden on the island. He imported plants from various parts of the British Empire, such as India, East Africa, and the Far East. a variety of garden flora that were very exotically developed.
Under the hands of Kitchener himself, this garden flourished, and it directly became a hub for botanical research and education. After his tenure, the Egyptian government itself took over the maintenance and development of the garden, expanding on its collection and general features. The Botanical Garden Aswan today houses hundreds of plant species, including rare and endangered flora species, hence earning the title of being a living museum of botanical treasures.

How to Get There

Visiting Aswan Botanical Garden is always a delight, and there are several ways through which one can access this lovely garden. Here are a few of them.
Felucca Ride
The most well-known and traditional way of entering the botanical garden at Aswan is the Frdlla ride. The feluccas are the traditional wooden sailing boats used on the Nile for eternity. The river sail allows for a peaceful and beautiful, tranquil trip to the island where most of the people come to soak up the beauty of the Nile with its surroundings. Most of the available Egypt day tours include a felucca ride as part of their itinerary, so it is quite convenient for tourists. 

Motorboat
For those who would love a faster and more contemporary way to travel between the islands, motorboats are constantly available in Aswan. They can take visitors to the island within a few minutes. This way is apt for visitors with a short time portent or simply for those who appreciate speed in traveling.

Egypt Luxury Tours

Even more exclusively, most Egyptian luxury tours cater to a private boat drive to the Aswan Botanical Garden. Guided tours, refreshments, and exclusive access to parts of the garden are some of the added bonus features of such tours. This option is ideal for those travelers who desire a high-end, tailored visit to the island.
Aswan Day Tours
Many of the Egypt travel packages or even Aswan day tours include a visit to the Aswan Botanical Garden. These trips include transportation, guides, sometimes lunch, and all the headache-free arrangements to make a visit to the garden as smooth as possible. Thus, it is ideal for every tourist who wants a well-organized and complete visit.

The Garden Experience

Soon after entering the Aswan Botanical Garden, one is hit with scenery: greenery at its best, vibrant flowers, and tall palms. The paths are well-maintained and wind around the garden in sections separating the different plants and trees brought in from all over the world. For this reason, this spot offers a serene atmosphere, complemented by the soft sounds of the Nile and the chirping of birds, hence rejuvenating.
The yard is divided to accommodate various plant species. Some areas cater specifically to palms, cacti, succulents, and flowering plants. This is frankly amazing, for the varied aspects of plant life together present the species from Africa, Asia, and the Americas in perfect harmony with one another. Informational plaques and signs tell about the plants, their homes, and what makes them special.
Except for its botanical wonders, the garden offers fine vistas of the Nile River and the surrounding landscape. There are benches and shades where visitors can rest and enjoy the view. The entire ambiance of the garden is very tranquil, making the venue quite conducive to picnics, casual strolls, and picture-taking.