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Explore the enchanting Siwa Oasis with its ancient temples, natural springs, and unique Berber culture set amidst the majestic dunes of Egypt's Western Desert
View Travel PackagesDiscover our carefully designed journeys to experience the beauty, culture and adventure of Siwa Oasis and Egypt's western desert landscapes
Discover the magnificent attractions that make Siwa an unparalleled destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts
This ancient mud-brick fortress dating back to the 13th century once housed the entire population of Siwa. Built from kershef (a mixture of salt and mud), its melting remains create a haunting, dramatic silhouette in the center of Siwa town, offering remarkable views of the surrounding oasis.
This ancient temple dedicated to the god Amun gained fame when Alexander the Great journeyed across the desert to consult the Oracle in 331 BCE. Legend claims the Oracle confirmed Alexander's divine status as the son of Amun, legitimizing his rule over Egypt. The remains of this historically significant temple still stand on a hill offering panoramic views.
The mesmerizing Great Sand Sea stretches from Siwa to Qattara Depression, featuring massive dunes reaching up to 140 meters in height. This vast sea of sand offers thrilling adventures from sandboarding to overnight camping under spectacularly clear night skies, revealing the true magic of the desert landscape.
This ancient necropolis contains hundreds of rock-cut tombs dating from the 26th Dynasty, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. The conical mountain is honeycombed with these ancient burial chambers, some containing beautiful paintings and inscriptions that have survived for millennia. The summit offers breathtaking views across the entire oasis.
Siwa offers a wealth of unique experiences beyond its famous landmarks. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture, healing springs, and natural beauty of this ancient oasis.
The magnificent Great Sand Sea surrounding Siwa offers unparalleled desert experiences. Journey across golden dunes in 4x4 vehicles, feel the rush of sandboarding down steep slopes, and camp under the crystal-clear desert sky where stars appear close enough to touch. Watch the sunset transform the landscape into a painter's palette of reds and golds, then enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality around the campfire with mint tea and storytelling.
Read MoreSiwa is blessed with hundreds of natural springs, each with unique mineral properties. Relax in Cleopatra's Bath, a stone pool fed by a natural spring, or visit the secluded hot spring of Bir Wahed in the midst of the desert. The salt lakes offer therapeutic mud baths known to heal skin conditions and joint pain through their high mineral content. These healing waters have drawn visitors since ancient times and remain one of Siwa's most rejuvenating experiences.
Read MoreImmerse yourself in the unique Amazigh (Berber) culture that has preserved its distinct identity for centuries. Experience traditional Siwan music and dance, learn about the elaborate wedding customs, and discover the meaning behind the intricate silverwork and embroidery. Share meals with local families to taste authentic dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations, and hear stories in the ancient Siwi language still spoken by the oasis inhabitants.
Read MoreWitness the remarkable craftsmanship of Siwa's artisans who continue ancient traditions. See how silver jewelry incorporating symbols of Siwan culture is meticulously crafted, learn the techniques behind the famous embroidery work, and watch as baskets are woven from palm fronds. Visit workshops where olive oil is pressed using traditional methods, yielding some of Egypt's finest organic oils. Many crafts utilize materials found naturally in the oasis, demonstrating the sustainable practices that have supported life here for millennia.
Read MoreAuthentic experiences shared by travelers who used DoInEgypt to create their perfect Egyptian adventure
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"After spending hours on TripAdvisor getting nowhere, I let DoInEgypt's system plan our family trip. My husband was NOT convinced about Dahab (he wanted fancy Sharm resorts), but it ended up being everyone's favorite part! The kids (12 & 16) absolutely LOVED the laid-back vibe. Our guide Mahmoud taught them Arabic phrases which they practiced everywhere. Not everything was perfect (our room AC struggled), but honestly it was the most relaxed I've felt on vacation in years."
"Traveling solo as a woman to Egypt made my mom super nervous, but DoInEgypt helped me feel secure from day one. My guide Fatima was like having a knowledgeable friend show me around - she even helped me dress appropriately for different sites. The night train from Cairo to Luxor was... an experience (bring earplugs!), but the compartment was clean and I felt safe. Had to change plans twice and they responded within minutes each time. My only regret? Not staying longer in Alexandria!"
"My wife's a serious diver and I'm... not. Was nervous about planning an Egypt trip we'd both enjoy. DoInEgypt suggested splitting our time between diving sites and historical tours. While she explored the Red Sea with their recommended dive master (she saw hammerheads!), I had a private tour of Luxor. When we mentioned our anniversary in a chat with customer service, we returned to our room to find a bottle of wine and local sweets waiting! Would've given 5 stars but the hotel Wi-Fi was spotty - not DoInEgypt's fault though."
"Instagram brought me to Egypt, but DoInEgypt took me beyond the pyramid selfies! As a photographer, I wanted unique shots, and their AI suggested Siwa Oasis. It was a LONG drive (bring snacks!), but absolutely worth it. My guide took me to this salt lake for sunset where the colors were unreal - got 500+ likes on that post! Had a minor issue with my hotel booking, but customer service sorted it within an hour. Pro tip: Get up for sunrise at the White Mountain - you'll thank me later!"
Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Siwa and planning your Egyptian desert journey
The ideal time to visit Siwa is between October and April when temperatures are pleasant (65-80°F/18-27°C during the day). December and January can get quite cool at night (40°F/5°C), so pack layers. Summer months (May to September) bring extreme heat (95-110°F/35-43°C) that can make exploration challenging, though the oasis springs offer refreshing relief. Winter is peak season for tourists, while summer offers fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. Spring and fall provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures and moderate visitor numbers.
Siwa Oasis is approximately 560 km (348 miles) from Cairo and 300 km (186 miles) from Marsa Matruh. The most common routes are: 1) Taking a flight from Cairo to Marsa Matruh, then a 4-hour bus or taxi ride to Siwa; 2) Direct buses from Cairo to Siwa (8-10 hours); 3) Hiring a private car with driver from Cairo, Alexandria, or Marsa Matruh. There is no train service to Siwa. For the most comfortable experience, consider booking a tour package that includes transportation. The journey itself offers spectacular desert landscapes, especially the final approach to the oasis.
A minimum of 3 full days is recommended to experience Siwa's essential attractions without rushing. This allows one day for exploring the town center including Shali Fortress and local museums, one day for historical sites like the Temple of the Oracle and Mountain of the Dead, and one day for a desert safari to the Great Sand Sea. To fully appreciate Siwa's relaxed pace and unique culture, 5-7 days is ideal, allowing time for therapeutic springs, bike rides through palm groves, cooking classes, and deeper cultural experiences with local Berber communities. If combining with Cairo, plan for at least a 7-day itinerary.
Siwa maintains a conservative culture with strong Berber traditions. Visitors should dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered for all genders, with women particularly advised to avoid tight-fitting clothes. Ask permission before photographing locals, especially women. Some historical sites like the Oracle Temple have spiritual significance - follow guide instructions respectfully. Public displays of affection should be avoided. When invited into homes, removing shoes is customary, and if offered food or tea, accepting is considered polite. While Arabic is widely understood, learning a few words of the local Siwi language is greatly appreciated by residents.
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