Overview
Elephantine Island floats in the Nile in the middle of Aswan - a 1.5km-long island that in antiquity served as the border town between Egypt and Nubia and as a hub for the ivory trade. Its southern end holds the Temple of Khnum, Temple of Satis, the Heqaib Shrine, and an open-air museum, while its center is a living Nubian village of brightly painted houses, narrow lanes, and home cafes. Just five minutes by boat from town, the island offers a remarkably peaceful counterpoint to the city. Museum admission EGP 200. About 5 minutes by motorboat from Aswan Corniche.
Opening Hours
Ruins 09:00-17:00 / Island accessible 24 hours
Travel Tips
Try hibiscus tea or Nubian coffee at a family-run home cafe. Boat fares are cheaper per person if you share with others at the Corniche.
Hotels near Elephantine Island
Hotels and guesthouses in Aswan, Aswan, Aswan Governorate
Other attractions in Aswan
Abu Simbel Temples
Massive rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II and famously relocated as a UNESCO World Heritage rescue.
Philae Temple
A temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, famously relocated island and all because of the High Dam.
Nubian Village
Brightly painted Nubian houses line the Nile, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Unfinished Obelisk
A 42-meter, 1,200-ton unfinished obelisk still lying in its ancient quarry.
Aswan High Dam
Completed in 1970, this massive dam created Lake Nasser and shaped modern Egypt.
Kitchener's Island (Botanical Garden)
A small botanical garden island in the middle of the Nile filled with tropical plants and birdsong.