Saluga and Ghazal Nature Reserve is the smallest NR in Egypt. Despite their small size, Saluga and Ghazal Protected Area represent a critical refuge for birds and wildlife in southern Egypt. Their natural beauty, biological richness, and cultural importance make them a true gem for nature lovers and birders alike.
Tucked away just south of Aswan, downstream of the Aswan Dam, lies one of Egypt’s smallest yet most ecologically significant protected areas: Saluga and Ghazal Protected Area (Also called First Cataract Islands Protected Area). These two granitic Nile islands—Saluga and Ghazal—are managed by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Authority (EEAA) and have been under official protection since 1986.
The word Saluga comes from the ancient Nubian language, meaning waterfall. Though the islands together span less than half a square kilometer, their ecological value is immense. They preserve a rare remnant of the acacia gallery forest that once flourished along the Nile’s First Cataract. Today, they host over 100 plant species, 15 mammal species, and an impressive 135 species of birds.
A rest Stop for migrants
Thanks to their legal protection and limited human disturbance, Saluga and Ghazal serve as a safe haven for migratory birds. Each year, during the wintering season in Aswan, flocks of waterbirds find refuge in the calm waters and reed beds between the islands.
As a birdwatcher, I’ve been lucky to witness rare and shy species here. I’ve often spotted the elusive Black Stork resting on or near the islands. On one unforgettable occasion, we observed a Little Crake foraging in the reeds—an uncommon visitor in the region.
In fact, bird conservation has deep roots in this area. In 2003, a migratory bird ringing station was established on the islands as part of Poland’s South East European Bird Migration Network (SEEN). More recently, a visitor center was inaugurated in July in memory of Japan’s late Prince Takamado Norihito—a passionate bird lover who held a special affection for these islands.
Fire: A growing threat
Unfortunately, these islands are not immune to the consequences of nearby human activity. Over the past 15 years, at least four major fires have been reported on Saluga and Ghazal. The most devastating blaze occurred in 2003, damaging significant vegetation and old trees.
In winter 2011, embers from a nearby fire drifted across the Nile and ignited the reed beds, burning nearly 60% of the islands’ plant cover. The most recent incident was in March 2022, when a large section of the reserve was once again affected by fire.
Still, nature proves resilient. After each fire, the islands slowly regenerate, showing an incredible ability to recover and support wildlife again.
A place close to my heart
As a birdwatcher and wildlife photographer from Aswan, Saluga and Ghazal hold many special memories for me. I recall attending my very first bird identification training on these very islands. Since then, I’ve returned countless times, especially during global birding events like World Migratory Bird Day (BIG DAY).
Each year, we make a point to stop at the protected area during our trips, educating participants about the significance of bird migration and conservation. Just last October, Aswan Birdwatching organized a free birdwatching boat trip on the Nile, with a special stop on Saluga to mark the occasion.
At last if you’re in Aswan and love birds or photography, don’t miss the chance to visit this hidden paradise. You never know what rare species might be waiting to greet you. Its unique blend of natural beauty and conservation significance makes it an invaluable gem in Egypt’s environmental heritage.
