Itinerary:
Day 1: Nile Islands & Nubian Villages
Birdwatching at Elephantine Island & Kitchener’s Island
Location: Central Aswan, accessible by felucca boat.
Species to Look For: Egyptian Goose, Pied Kingfisher, Little Egret, Purple Heron.
Best Time: Early morning when birds are active, and the light is ideal for viewing and photography.
Visit to Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden
Species to Look For: Glossy Ibis, African Mourning Dove, and Egyptian Goose.
Experience: The lush greenery of the garden attracts a variety of species, making it an excellent spot for observation.
Lunch on a Felucca: Enjoy a leisurely meal on a traditional felucca while floating on the Nile, continuing to spot birds along the riverbanks.
Nubian Villages & Riverbanks
Location: Gharb Soheil and nearby Nubian villages.
Species to Look For: Spur-winged Lapwing, White-throated Bee-eater, and African Mourning Dove.
Best Time: Late afternoon, perfect for catching birds returning to roost.
Evening: Return to the hotel for rest or explore Aswan’s evening markets.
Day 2: Desert Edges & Lake Nasser Exploration
Birding Near Philae Temple & Surrounding Desert
Location: Rocky desert areas around Philae Temple.
Species to Look For: Osprey, White-throated Bee-eater, Marsh Harrier.
Best Time: Early morning, when raptors are actively hunting.
Lake Nasser Shoreline Birdwatching
Location: Shores of Lake Nasser.
Species to Look For: Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Osprey.
Experience: Observe waterbirds in one of Egypt’s most significant man-made lakes, known for its rich diversity of migratory species.
Birdwatching Cruise on Lake Nasser
Experience: A short boat trip along the lake, providing more opportunities to see species like the Greater Flamingo and Marsh Harrier.
Return to Aswan for Final Birding Session
Location: Small islands and riverbanks along the Nile near Aswan.
Species to Look For: Pied Kingfisher, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Lapwing.
Evening: Departure from Aswan or optional stay for relaxation.
- Best Season: November to March offers cooler weather and peak migration, enhancing birdwatching opportunities.
- Guides: Hiring a local guide can enrich the experience by helping to identify birds and their calls.
- Equipment: Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, camera gear, a bird identification book, and sun protection.
- Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for bird activity, so plan around these periods.
This condensed 2-day program provides a focused yet comprehensive birding experience, covering diverse habitats and maximizing your chances of spotting the key bird species of Aswan.
