Ismael Khalifa is a bird guide based in Aswan and the founder of Aswan Birdwatching.A profile of him will be published in our Bird Guide series on November 25, 2025.
Aswan, a city long celebrated for its ancient temples and tranquil felucca rides, also holds a quieter secret: It is one of the most rewarding birding destinations in Egypt, especially during the winter months.
Aswan City
As the northern hemisphere cools, Aswan’s mild, sunny climate becomes a refuge for a variety of birds. The Nile River and its lush islands around Aswan turn into a stopover for migratory birds escaping harsher European and Asian winters. Raptors such as the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, and Long-legged Buzzard can be seen in the skies.
Marsh Harrier
The waterways host many ducks and waders, including Northern Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Common Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, and sandpipers such as Common, Wood, and Marsh Sandpiper.
Eurasian Wigeon
Alongside these migrants, Aswan also has interesting resident birds such as Nile Valley Sunbird, Pied Kingfisher, and Black-winged Stilt. Other species include Little Bittern, Senegal Thick-knee, African Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Striated Heron, and African Swamphen.
Nile Valley Sunbird
African Swamphen
Some of the best birding in Aswan is experienced from the water, where a felucca or small motorboat allows quiet passage through habitats with minimal disturbance.
Striated Heron
Three top birding spots are
Kitchener’s Island (Aswan Botanical Garden): The plants offer cover and food for Egyptian Geese, Common Bulbuls, Masked Shrikes, and a variety of herons and egrets.
Sehel Island: A smaller Nubian island with wetlands and sandy banks. Target birds here include Spur-winged Lapwing, African Green Bee-eater, and other riverine species
The First Cataract Islands: The rocky islands near the Aga Khan Mausoleum are a haven for waterbirds. Several species of kingfishers, including White-throated, can be seen here, along with herons, egrets, and waders.
White-throated Kingfisher
For birders considering winter destinations, Aswan offers practical advantages. It is far closer to Europe and the Middle East than many African birding hotspots, requiring fewer flight hours and making short trips realistic. Once there, the city is generally more affordable than comparable destinations: accommodation, local transport, and guiding costs remain moderate, allowing birders to spend more time in the field without stretching a budget. In addition, the proximity of birding sites to world-renowned historical landmarks allows for family vacations shared by birders and non-birders. Birding excursions can be easily combined with visits to temples, the High Dam, and Nubian villages.
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I would go for the sunbird! Probably get the stink eye from the wife for not paying attention to the archaelogy… Which monument would guarantee a chance for the sunbird?
Dear PETER,
The Nile Valley Sunbird is a common sight in Aswan, frequenting areas with trees and flowers. You can spot it in various locations, including the garden of the Philae Temple, Elephantine Island, West Aswan, Qubbet El-Hawa (the Tombs of the Nobles), the Aswan Botanical Garden (Kitchener’s Island), and the garden near the High Dam. It’s also seen perched on Acacia trees along the Nile Islands during boat trips (of course, if you have a good pair of binoculars) 😉
Thank you very much for your kind words about Egypt, dear Peter. You’re always most welcome whenever you come.
Janet
September 18, 2025 at 8:05 am
We will be in Aswan in November on a traditional Nile cruise. But unfortunately I don’t think there will be free time for birding, and we’ve been told that binoculars aren’t allowed to be brought into Egypt. Is this truly the case, as I’m hoping to at least get some incidental birding in. If we can manage some free time I will try to contact you!
Hello Janet,
First of all, you’ll be most welcome in Egypt. I know the time for Nile cruise tourists can be a bit stressful. Regarding binoculars, there are – unfortunately – no clear rules about bringing them into Egypt. Many of my birding clients have brought their binoculars without any issues. However, some other birders have reported that their binoculars were confiscated. You have a couple of options:
1. You could bring a budget pair of binoculars that you’re not too concerned about losing if they happen to be confiscated.
2. Alternatively, you could avoid bringing binoculars altogether. If you have just 3 hours of free time in Aswan, we can arrange a nice birding trip on the Nile together, and I can lend you a pair of binoculars for the trip.
Thanks Ismael, it’s really a shame about the binocular issue! I thought of bringing a cheap, confiscate-able pair but I worry about drawing custom’s attention to my camera gear etc. Anyway, I will look closely at our schedule and if it looks like we can fit it in I will contact you through your website.
I would go for the sunbird! Probably get the stink eye from the wife for not paying attention to the archaelogy… Which monument would guarantee a chance for the sunbird?
I have been to the Nile delta for work and it was amazing. Lots of birds and super nice people.
Dear PETER,
The Nile Valley Sunbird is a common sight in Aswan, frequenting areas with trees and flowers. You can spot it in various locations, including the garden of the Philae Temple, Elephantine Island, West Aswan, Qubbet El-Hawa (the Tombs of the Nobles), the Aswan Botanical Garden (Kitchener’s Island), and the garden near the High Dam. It’s also seen perched on Acacia trees along the Nile Islands during boat trips (of course, if you have a good pair of binoculars) 😉
Thank you very much for your kind words about Egypt, dear Peter. You’re always most welcome whenever you come.
We will be in Aswan in November on a traditional Nile cruise. But unfortunately I don’t think there will be free time for birding, and we’ve been told that binoculars aren’t allowed to be brought into Egypt. Is this truly the case, as I’m hoping to at least get some incidental birding in. If we can manage some free time I will try to contact you!
Hello Janet,
First of all, you’ll be most welcome in Egypt. I know the time for Nile cruise tourists can be a bit stressful. Regarding binoculars, there are – unfortunately – no clear rules about bringing them into Egypt. Many of my birding clients have brought their binoculars without any issues. However, some other birders have reported that their binoculars were confiscated. You have a couple of options:
1. You could bring a budget pair of binoculars that you’re not too concerned about losing if they happen to be confiscated.
2. Alternatively, you could avoid bringing binoculars altogether. If you have just 3 hours of free time in Aswan, we can arrange a nice birding trip on the Nile together, and I can lend you a pair of binoculars for the trip.
Thanks Ismael, it’s really a shame about the binocular issue! I thought of bringing a cheap, confiscate-able pair but I worry about drawing custom’s attention to my camera gear etc. Anyway, I will look closely at our schedule and if it looks like we can fit it in I will contact you through your website.