When people think of Egypt, some of their first thoughts are – The Pyramids, mummies, Mo Salah, and the Sahara Desert.
And fair enough, they are all famous Egyptian connections. But what not many people know is that in the Sahara, besides lots of sand, there are some really beautiful oases to visit.
In particular the most hidden of all Egyptian Oases – Siwa Oasis
(By the way, yes that is correct, the plural of oasis is oases…I googled it!)
Isolated in the heart of the Great Sand Sea and around 50 kilometers from the Libyan border is a paradise with very unique attractions, lots of history, and some of the most welcoming people you will ever meet.
After dealing with the madness in Egypt’s larger cities and tourist sights, Siwa Oasis is the perfect place to chill and take time out.
What is Special About Siwa Oasis?
Siwa Oasis could be a massive film set with the many similarities it has with world-famous movies.
The town itself could be on the planet Tatooine (in case you’re not a Star Wars fan, it’s the planet where Anakin and Luke Skywalker came from).
In the middle of the town lies Shali Fortress, which is like a trip back in time when the French Foreign Legion occupied many forts in the Sahara Desert.
Next, there is a temple that looks like a scene from the Gladiator movie with some very interesting history.
And finally, you have turquoise springs that make Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach” look like a cesspit! Bold words right, yet this place is real!
Getting to this desert paradise does take a bit of effort. nonetheless, it will be worth it once you see the incredible sights.
From Cairo to Siwa Oasis takes 12 hours by public transport, and there are daily departures which will cost you only 8 Euro for a single ticket. Is it worth going to Siwa Oasis, 100% yes!
If you have some spare time then an alternative option is to break the long drive up by stopping at Alexandria or Mursa Matruh for a night.
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Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Shali Fortress
After arriving in Siwa Oasis, it is impossible not to notice an ancient mud fortress in the centre of the town.
This magnificent ancient structure is called the Shali Fortress and was the main reason we wanted to visit Siwa Oasis. Even before we heard about all the other magnificent sights!
Construction started in the 12th century on an elevated position for protection from invaders.
The name Shali is a local word which means city and once upon a time thousands of people lived here.
Back in those days, it would have been very hard to find building materials in the desert. So the locals used whatever they could get their hands on, palm trees, clay, sand, and salt, and built this wonder that is FREE to discover!
In the historical ruins are the remains of many old houses, a mosque, and old wells. Today some of the locals still live there in rebuilt structures.
Inside this massive labyrinth, you can walk around for hours discovering something new around every corner. To get the best view find your way to the very top, it’s easier said than done!
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: The Mountain of the Dead
Just over a kilometer outside of Siwa Oasis is another mountain that stands out in the surrounding landscape. Although, this one is very different when compared to Shali Fortress.
Inside the mountain are hundreds of ancient tombs cut out of rock that were built in pre-Islamic times. At the top, you will see great panoramic views of the city centre and surroundings.
The walk-up is steep but short and can be slippy in some parts. More importantly, don’t fall into one of the many empty tombs in the ground!
The entry fee is a very reasonable 50 EGP.
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Temple of the Oracle
An Oracle was a priest in ancient Greece and Egypt whose role was to speak on behalf of the gods through their Divine communication.
Often kings and other leaders would travel from far away seeking their guidance, advice, and prophecies.
In 331 BC Alexander the Great was a busy man. While he was building the city of Alexandria he also traveled to Siwa Oasis to speak with the oracle that lived in this temple.
It is believed that the Macedonian leader asked the oracle if he was going to “rule the world.”
Legend has it that the answer was yes, but not for very long. After his visit, Alexander went on to live for only eight more years……
Visit the temple yourself for another bargain of only 50 EGP.
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Cleopatra Spring
There are many springs in Siwa Oasis, both hot and cold. The most famous one of them all is Cleopatra Spring which is just down the road from the Temple of the Oracle.
There are two versions of why the spring is named after Cleopatra.
The first one is that Cleopatra bathed here with Alexander the Great while he was holidaying in Siwa Oasis.
The second version is that the first version is a load of shite and the pool was just named after the Egyptian queen because it sounds impressive!
The spring itself is FREE to swim in and can be a refreshing dip after sightseeing all day.
There are many shops and cafes surrounding the pool that serve juices and coffee but surprisingly not any food. Still, it is a nice place to hang out and relax.
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Gabal Dakrur Hiking
Only 3 kilometers from Siwa Oasis lies Gabal Dakrur Mountain Range. You would have noticed this mountain range from the viewpoints of Shali Fortress and Mountain of the Dead.
Once you approach the mountain you will realize that it’s not really that big when looking from close up, which is good news because you are going to hike it!
The entire hike around the mountain range is a 4-kilometer loop, alternatively, you can take a shorter walk just around Gabal Dakrur Mountain (it is clearly marked on Google Maps).
At the top, you will have more panoramic views over endless lands of palm trees, salt lakes, and the Great Sand Sea.
Along the hike, you will come across more old abandoned houses, tombs, and chambers cut out of rock.
Also, keep a close eye out for some Red Egyptian Foxes that will be out during the day.
All of the above attractions can be done in one day, either by walking or taking a tour.
Because we are the Happy Irish Wanderers we walked to all the sights. This can be easily done with the help of Google Maps.
Walking is not your thing? No problem, there were tours available for 200 EGP per person, make sure to use your negotiating skills though to get a cheap price!
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Can You Swim There?
The next day you might feel a bit stiff in the legs if you did hike to all of the sights.
Should that be the case then we have the perfect remedy for you! Introducing the famous turquoise Siwa Oasis salt lakes!
Some of the pools have a depth of 4 meters but with a salt percentage of 95%, it is physically impossible to sink!
Once you enter the water you immediately float on the top, a very surreal experience!
These stunning pools and lakes are actually part of a salt mine and in some places, you will see machinery digging up the ground for salt.
There are no showers nearby so make sure to bring a large bottle of water to rinse all the salt off afterwards.
A pair of flip-flops to walk in is also recommended as salt can be sharp as fxxk!
Finally and MOST importantly, do not get this water in your eyes!! Proper Instagram V Reality eh!! Even so, this place is stunning beyond words!
Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes: How Much Was Our Private Tour?
We got a private driver for 3 hours to bring us to the lakes for 300 EGP in total.
Ask your driver to take you to the less visited sights, as we did, and you can have a massive pool all to yourself.
Most times the drivers will bring gallon bottles of water to wash your self off but this may not always be the case so be prepared.
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: Hot Springs to Relax
Siwa Oasis really has it all!
After floating in the salt pools your driver will bring you to a hot spring as part of your tour.
There are many hot springs available with accommodation in Siwa. However, lazing in these hot pools is still possible even if you are not a resident. 50 EGP per person will have you relaxing those stiff joints and muscles in a pool to yourself for as long as you want!
Siwa Oasis Things To Do: The Great Sand Sea
All around Siwa Oasis are massive sand dunes that are part of the Great Sand Sea. There are safari tours available that take you into the desert for some “dune bashing” and sandboarding.
Some also offer overnight camping.
Is Siwa Oasis Worth Visiting?
Hands down Siwa Oasis was our favorite place in Egypt!
So, to answer the question, “Is Siwa Oasis worth visiting?” Absolutely!
Yes, it is an effort to get there, and don’t forget you have to backtrack as well.
But the price to pay for that effort is unforgettable memories and lots of new experiences!
There is so much to see and do in this tiny place in the middle of nowhere.
The history, the vibes of the local culture, the beautiful attractions. If you haven’t been here, then you should most definitely update your bucket list!
Enjoy Stunning Siwa Oasis!
Have you been to this unbelievable oasis before, did you enjoy it as much as we did? Please let us know about your adventures and thoughts!
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If you enjoyed this read and are thinking about visiting Egypt then check out the following links.
- How to Prevent Scams Anywhere in the World – Good Tips for Egypt
- Egypt Tips & Advice – Things to Know Before You Go
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