Aswan Birdwatching is breaking new ground with its first-ever birding trip for the visually impaired, proving that the beauty of birds isn’t limited to sight alone. The “Birding for All” initiative embraced the sounds and stories of nature, offering a deeply moving experience on the Nile.
At Aswan Birdwatching, we believe that nature is for everyone—no exceptions. In line with our mission to make birding accessible to all, we recently organized a very special charity event under the slogan “Birding for All.” This free birdwatching trip for people with visual impairments was a powerful reminder that birds can be enjoyed not just through sight—but through sound, imagination, and emotion.
A new way to experience birds
Held on the tranquil waters of the Nile in Aswan, the event welcomed several participants with visual impairments, along with their family members. For many of them, it was their first birdwatching trip—and a deeply emotional one.
To allow participants to fully immerse in the sounds of nature, we made several stops along the river, switching off the motorboat engine so that the only thing left was the orchestra of bird calls. And what a concert it was!
The haunting, flute-like call of the Senegal Thick-knee (locally known as Karawan) brought back memories of the classic Egyptian film Doaa El Karawan (دعاء الكروان) —its name now taking on a whole new meaning.
The sharp “check-check” notes of the Clamorous Reed Warbler and the sweet, bubbling song of the Graceful Prinia impressed everyone on board.
A sudden, striking call of the White-throated Kingfisher surprised the children and brought laughter and amazement to the group.
Each bird’s song was an invitation to discover, to imagine, and to connect with nature in a way many had never experienced before.
Guiding through sound and story
To enhance the experience, our birding guide offered brief verbal descriptions of each bird—its size, colors, habits, and habitat—to help participants form mental images and connect the sound with the story. For those who had lost their vision later in life, some of the birds were familiar old friends. For others, they became new companions of imagination. The atmosphere on board was one of warmth, learning, and joy.
Collaborative community spirit
This heartwarming event was made possible thanks to our fruitful collaboration with: The BR Association for Creativity and Arts, led by the inspiring Mr. Bassam Raoof, The “Leadership with Will” initiative, with the support of Ms. Salma Al-Ansari, Head of the Disability Activities Department and Aswan Birdwatching led by the birding guide and wildlife photographer Mr. Ismael Khalifa.
Ms. Salma Al-Ansari shared her reflections:
“It was a truly unique journey in every sense of the word… Participants were able to discover the world of birds in a new way, full of passion and knowledge. For the first time, we conducted a birdwatching experience through sound for the visually impaired, a pioneering and inspiring step that allowed them to enjoy the symphony of nature and its amazing details through the sounds of birds that some of us heard for the first time!”
Giving back through birding
At Aswan Birdwatching, this event is part of our ongoing commitment to community support and environmental education. A portion of the revenue from every birdwatching trip we offer is reinvested into free birding trips and awareness activities for the local community in Aswan.
So when you book a trip with us, you’re not just enjoying a memorable nature experience—you’re also helping educate and inspire others, and contributing to bird conservation in Upper Egypt.
Join us in making a difference
Birding has the power to heal, connect, and uplift. Whether through sight or sound, it’s an invitation to be present, to observe, and to care. Book your trip today and help us make birding accessible to everyone.