Nile River Islands Protected Area
Nature
A protectorate made up of more than a hundred islands scattered along the Nile, conserving riverine habitats and traditional farmland.
- Arabic name
- محمية جزر نهر النيل
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- Several Nile governorates
- Area
- 160 km²
- Protected since
- 1998
- Nearest city guide
- Cairo
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
This protectorate is made up of 127 islands in the Nile, from Aswan in the south to the Delta in the north. Declared in 1998 and amended several times since, it aims to stop unplanned building on the islands and to conserve their natural river habitats and traditional agriculture.
Habitats and farming
Nile islands are formed from river silt and are among the most fertile land in Egypt. Many are farmed by small communities growing vegetables, fodder and palms, while others keep stands of acacia, tamarisk and reeds. Together they provide resting and nesting places for herons, egrets, kingfishers, ducks and other waterbirds, and they help regulate the river’s flow.
Experiencing the islands
- In Cairo, a felucca ride passes several island shores, and Qursaya Island is a quiet residential example.
- In Aswan, the islands of the First Cataract, including Saluga and Ghazal, are the most scenic.
- Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan pass many protected islands, which are best seen from the sun deck at dawn.
Practical tips
Many islands are inhabited and private, so visit only with an invitation or a local guide. October to April gives the best weather and birdlife.
Entry fee: none for viewing from the river (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
What does this protectorate cover?
It groups 127 islands along the Nile from Aswan to the Delta, declared in 1998 to stop unplanned building and to conserve river habitats and traditional farming.
What birds can I see?
The islands provide resting and nesting places for herons, egrets, kingfishers, ducks and other waterbirds. October to April gives the best weather and birdlife.
How can I see the islands?
Take a felucca ride in Cairo or Aswan, where Saluga and Ghazal at the First Cataract are the most scenic, or watch from the sun deck at dawn on a Luxor to Aswan cruise.
Can I land on the islands?
Many are inhabited and private, so visit only with an invitation or a local guide. There is no fee for viewing them from the river.
