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The town of Aswan in Upper Egypt marked the southern boundary of Ancient Egypt. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country with the town located on the east bank and the desert coming right to the Nile on the west bank.

The river is dotted with islands. Near the town, the two main ones are Elephantine and Kitchener. Kitchener's Island is the site of a botanic gardens, whilst Elephantine has ruins, a museum and an Oberoi hotel. Unfortunately, hotels are sprouting on a number of islands in the area.

 

The best view of Aswan is from the Aga Khan's Mausoleum on the west bank. For total relaxation, take a felucca around the islands.

Just south of Aswan is the Old Dam built around the turn of the century and later increased in height. Just south of the dam is the beautiful island temple complex of Philae. Even further to the south is the mighty Aswan High Dam built in the 1960s. Behind it have amassed the waters of Lake Nasser which extend some 500 kilometres south along the old course of the Nile. The lake is often referred to as the Nubian Sea by tour operators who now operate cruise boats on the lake visiting old re-located sites.