Siwa Oasis in Egypt: What You Need to Know

Apart from the must-visit pyramids and the Nile River, you can explore the original view of the Siwa Oasis in the western desert of Egypt. It offers various salt lakes, ancient mud-brick buildings, and Berber culture. If you're interested in visiting here, follow this article to learn about what to know and plan your Egypt trip.

Why Is Siwa Oasis Worth Visiting

Many travelers wonder if Siwa Oasis is really worth the long drive from Cairo when planning their Egypt trip. My answer would be YES, YES, YES!

Beyond the Instagram-viral Salt Lake, Siwa is full of natural beauty and cultural gems. You can soak in Cleopatra's Spring, visit the ancient Oracle Temple where Alexander the Great was once declared divine, wander through the ruins of the mudbrick Shali Fortress and ancient town, or take a jeep safari through the Great Sand Sea. Fun fact: if you are a fan of Assassin's Creed: Origins, parts of the game world come to life here!

But the most important reason I recommend Siwa is its atmosphere. This remote oasis shows a completely different world. Even the language spoken here - Siwi, is distinct from Arabic spoken in other cities. Life moves at a slower pace, the suroundings feel pristine, and the people are warm and welcoming.

Siwa is not just a place to see. It is a place to feel. If you're looking to connect with Egypt's more original side, slow down, Siwa is absolutely worth the journey.

Best Time to Visit

From October to April is the best time to visit Siwa. During this period, the daytime temperature remains pleasant at 22 - 30 °C, while the nighttime temperature drops to 10 - 18 °C. You can see millions of date palms, olive trees, and the salt lake shines brightly under the winter sunlight. And in spring (February to April), occasional wildflowers add vitality to the quiet desert.

From May to September, this hot season (tempretures may rise about 40 ℃) has few tourists, you can enjoy the discounted hotel prices. To get best experience, it's recommended to stay in a traditional mud-brick hotel to keep cool and comfortable.

How Long to Stay

It is ideal to stay 3 to 4 days in Siwa Oasis for a full experience. This itinerary offers a good choice to discover the essence of Siwa at a slow pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Day 1: Take a leisurely tour of the Shali Fortress and markets in the town center to get a quick scan.

Day 2: Float in salt lakes, and enjoy desert activities, including sandboarding, a 4-wheel drive, and a camping experience to find Siwa's charm.

Day 3: A leisurely day to explore the Mountain of the Death, visit Cleopatra Spring, and watch the sunset on Fatnas Island.

Day 4 (optional): You can spend extra time exploring nearby attractions such as the Temple of Amun or admiring the local view by bike. If you visit Siwa in October, you can celebrate the Siyaha Festival with locals.

Siwa Town

Where to Stay

Although its equipment is relatively primitive, Siwa Oasis offers several levels of accommodation including camp, eco-lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and budget stays.

If you prefer comfort, choose mid-range inns and budget accommodation, retaining local characteristics while providing modern facilities.

If you're seeking a special experience, camp in the desert and sleep under the stars, or stay in eco-lodges. The eco-lodges are built with traditional materials, allowing you to experience the authentic oasis life.

Transportation

How to Get to Siwa Oasis From Cairo

The transportation from Cairo to Siwa Oasis is a bit challenging (about 740 km/2,427,821 feet), here are two main options to help you make plans in advance.

By Private Car: Recommended Way

Hire a car or drive yourself takes 7-8 hours to get to Siwa. You can pass through Alexandria or Mersa Matruh, and stay there for a night. It can not only relieve the fatigue of the long journey, but also add your experience by admiring Egypt's coastal views and wandering along the beach.

By Bus: Economical Way

Take a 12-hours bus is budget-friendly. If you have no time constraints, and want to be immersed in original view, it's a nice choice to gain some special experience.

How to Get Around in Siwa

Due to the relatively primitive road conditions, the common means in Siwa are bicycles, motorcycles, and the local three-wheeled tuk-tuks. Additionally, you may see traditional donkey carts moving through the palm trees. For short trips, it is recommended to rent a bicycle. If you want to visit salt lakes or more attractions further away, it is best to hire a tuk-tuk and find a local guide.

Our team offer excellent service with professional guides, private cars, and tailor-made trips, allowing your journey to be safe and comfortable. If you're planning a Siwa trip, don't hesitate to contact us or send to [email protected]. I believe that it will become an unforgettable memory.

Top Attractions to Visit

Salt Lakes

Want to get a lot of likes on your Instagram? The must-see salt lakes will help you do that! Sparkling under the sun, the salt lakes are visibly blue-green with the bottom covered in white salt crystals. Their salt concentration is as high as 95%, allowing you to float easily on the salt water, which is beneficial for some diseases like rheumatism. But it's better not to stay in the salt pool for more than 25 minutes. Additionally, it takes about 30 minutes to drive from the center of Siwa, so I highly recommend hiring a car to get there.

Tips:

-Put on your swimsuit in advance as there are only simple changing tents on site.

-Bring sandals (to prevent salt crust from scratching), water, and snacks.

-It's better not to contact with salt water if you have wounds.

Shali Fortress

Shali Fortress, an iconic historical site, is located in the center of Siwa Town. It built with the local material "karsheef" (a mixture of salt and mud), keeping it cool during the day and warm at night. Its top offers a mysterious view: the unique mud-brick buildings of Siwa Town, the majestic Mountain of the Dead, the shimmering salt lakes, and the green date palm trees.

Tips:

-There are no obvious official entrance signs. You can follow the narrow alleyway near the Albaab Ben Shar Hotel, and enter the fortress by the steps on the left.

-Please wear comfortable shoes and be careful when climbing the ancient steps.

Mountain Of the Dead

The Mountain of the Dead is located near the center of Siwa Town. You can easily reach it by walking, cycling, or taking a tuk-tuk. The elaborate tombs on the top belonged to the powerful and wealthy, while the simple tombs at the foot housed ordinary people.

At present, 3 exquisite tombs are open for visitation: the Tomb of Siamun, the Tomb of Mesu-lsis, and the Tomb of Niperpathot. It only takes 10 minutes to reach the summit. Standing on the platform, you can not only closely observe the ancient tomb murals but also enjoy the spectacular views of Siwa Oasis.

Tips: The interior space of the tombs is relatively narrow. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and bring drinking water.

Temple of the Oracle of Amun

Located in the Aghurmi village of the Siwa Oasis, the Temple of the Oracle of Amun is an important religious center dedicated to the Egyptian sun god Amun. The temple is a 30-minute walk from the Shali Fortress. Walking among these ancient ruins, the remaining trapezoidal gate towers, hieroglyphics, and sun god carvings are still visible. Although it is only left with broken walls and ruins, it is still an important religious site.

Tips: Please respect the ruins and do not touch the stone carvings.

Best Things to Do

Admire Sunsets On Fatnas Island

Fatnas Island is the best place to enjoy the desert sunset in Siwa Oasis. Take 15 minutes by a tuk-tuk from the town, and the driver will directly take you to the two traditional restaurants on the island, which offer seats facing the lake for viewing the sunset. You can order a pot of mint tea to be granted entry. To get the best front-row seats, I recommend to arrive 90 minutes before sunset. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this fascinating moment: when the sun sets, the sky and lake will create an orange picture with desert rocks and palm trees.

Explore the Cleopatra Spring

Cleopatra Spring is a natural spring water that maintains a temperature of about 29 ℃ all year round. Located on the road leading to the Temple of Amun, about a 20-minute walk away. Its water is clear and surrounded by palm trees and golden dunes, giving you a peaceful feeling. Local brides still retain the tradition of bathing here before marriage, hoping to achieve the beauty of Queen Cleopatra. You can swim in the spring water or taste fresh juice, enjoying a moment of relaxation. By the way, to respect local cultural customs, it is recommended to experience it in an appropriate swimsuit.

Desert Safari in the Great Sand Sea

The Great Sand Sea is a vast desert, suitable for desert sports like sandboarding and 4WD safari. Its magnificent view with various adventures gives you a feeling blended with surprise and thrill.

You can take 4-wheel vehicles through the continuous dunes and find the sand slopes with a drop of nearly 100 meters to enjoy sandboarding. In the evening, the vast and quiet environment offers a good opportunity to sit around the campfire, enjoy a cup of mint tea, and chat with your accompanies. If you are lucky, you may encounter rare desert foxes.

Desert Fox

Celebrate the Siyaha Festival

The Siyaha Festival is held 3 days every October during the full moon, showcaseing the traditional way of the Siwa people celebrating the harvest of dates and maintaining community bonds. It takes place at the foot of Dakrour Mountain, and you can celebrate it with locals wearing colorful costumes, dancing lively around the campfire, singing ancient Berber folk songs, and taste freshly picked sweet dates.

More Things to Know

Dress Conservatively

It's better to dress appropriately to cover shoulders and knees, including swimwear and entering religious sites. Women are advised to wear long skirts or loose trousers, while men should avoid sleeveless vests and shorts.

Take Sun Protection Measures

Take proper sun protection measures since you'll enjoy various outdoor activities under Siwa's strong ultraviolet rays. If you plan to soak in salt lakes, it is recommended to wear a long-sleeved swimsuit and apply physical sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.

Taste Traditional Egyptian Cuisine

The cuisine of the Siwian Oasis is worth trying, including dishes like salt-shell grilled fish and spiced pigeon. Don't miss the dates, bread with olive oil, and a glass of Siwian juice (date and pomegranate juice).

The Policy About Alcohol

In Siwa Oasis, alcohol is strictly restricted, which are not sold openly in regular stores. Only a few high-end hotels and restaurants are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages. You can ask the locals or a professional guide to confirm. It is better to respect local customs and avoid drinking alcohol in public.

Explore Siwa by Bike or Donkey Carts

Renting a bike or taking 4-seat donkey carts is a good choice to integrate into local life due to its traditional road conditions. You can admire the paths through the date palm trees and traditional buildings at a slow pace. By the way, choose a mountain bike because of the sandy and stony road.