Elephantine Island is a traffic-free retreat, brimming with wildlife and steeped in generations of proud identity. Known in Ancient Egypt for its strategic position and ivory trade, as well as the cult-centre for the god Khnum the island has been important for millennia. Located in the middle of the fast-flowing Nile you can only access it by boat, making it instantly feel a world away from the bustle of the mainland. Boarding the public ferry you immediately get a sense of the interconnected nature of this community as commuters and school children embark with ease and greet each other with familiarity.
Stepping off the boat feels like arriving in a rural village. A pattern of narrow sandy lanes cover the island linking all aspects of daily life; winding through mud-brick houses, patches of farmland and a communal football pitch. The flora of the island claims its space wherever it can, with waving date palms, floriferous bougainvillea and huge gnarled mango trees providing colour, sustenance and shade for the islanders.
The reverberating 5am call to prayer,the loudest we have ever heard, was the only interruption to the peace here. We found the island a relaxing place to stay where the pace of life suited our mood. From its calm shores you can watch the boat life that encircles the island; local fishing boats, dhows with young couples enjoying romantic sojourns, and the continuous flow of ferries going about their business.
After watching the water-craft we decided to join the activity on the Nile in the form of a dawn bird watching trip. In the pink hues and chill of the morning our knowledgeable guide pointed out the varied flora and fauna that call these waters home. We were pleased to see our old favourite, the monochrome pied kingfishers, diving in and out of the Nile for breakfast. Sailing around the island you can also spot the archaeological remains of the Temple of Abu that can also be explored by foot.
Out of kilter with island life is the controversial Movenpick Hotel which dominates the north of the island. This huge concrete structure feels disconnected from daily life however the panoramic views of Aswan, from the heights of its tower, are spectacular.
This tranquil island has a lot to offer, whether you stay here or just come for a wander make sure to explore this island that has been considered important since ancient times.
