The Orman Garden is Egypt’s best-known botanical garden, in Giza on the west bank of the Nile. It was established in 1875 by Khedive Ismail as part of the gardens of his palace in Giza, partly to supply the royal household with fruit and vegetables. Its name comes from the Turkish word for forest.
What to see
Today the garden covers about 28 feddans, smaller than the original royal grounds, and is planted with hundreds of species of trees and plants from Egypt and abroad. Highlights include:
- The lotus pond, the garden’s central feature, with a small wooden pavilion.
- Rose gardens, a rock garden and a large cactus and succulent collection.
- Old and rare trees from different parts of the world, many labelled.
- The annual Spring Flower Exhibition, usually held in March, when nurseries and growers from across Egypt fill the garden with plants and flowers. It is one of the oldest flower shows in the country, dating back to at least the 1930s.
The garden is especially pleasant in spring and on winter afternoons. It is busy with families on Fridays and holidays.
How to get there
The garden lies opposite the Giza Zoo, near Cairo University, so you can visit both on the same day and see Egyptian flora and fauna together. The nearest Cairo Metro station is Cairo University on Line 2, about a 10-minute walk away. Taxis from Downtown take around 15–20 minutes.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: en.wikipedia.org, egypttoday.com, thenationalnews.com, scoopempire.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Orman Garden?
One of Egypt's most visited botanical gardens, founded by Khedive Ismail in 1875 in Giza to supply the palace with fruit and vegetables. 'Orman' is Turkish for forest.
What plants grow there?
About 500 species of rare plants and 150 types of flowers, including rose and cactus collections and a lotus pond.
What can I combine it with?
Giza Zoo is just across the road, although it has been closed for redevelopment in recent years, so check its status first.
Is there an entry fee?
A small fee is charged at the gate. Check locally for the current amount and opening times.
