Siwa Oasis Overview

Nestled in Egypt's Western Desert, 741 kilometers from Cairo, Siwa Oasis is a place where time stands still and nature reveals its most extraordinary wonders.

This remote paradise, home to around 30,000 people, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled therapeutic resources. With its ancient ruins, crystal-clear springs, vast palm groves, and legendary salt lakes, Siwa has captivated travelers for millennia.

From Alexander the Great who sought the Oracle of Amun here, to modern wellness seekers discovering its healing properties, Siwa continues to enchant all who visit.

Must-Visit Attractions

Explore Siwa's most iconic landmarks

Shali Fortress

Shali Fortress

The Ancient Heart of Siwa

Built in the 13th century from kershef (mud and salt), this historic fortress once housed the entire Siwan community. Though largely in ruins after heavy rains in 1926, Shali remains a majestic testament to Siwa's past.

Highlights:

Stunning sunset views from the top
Labyrinth of narrow streets
Traditional architecture
Panoramic oasis views

Temple of the Oracle

Temple of the Oracle

Where Alexander Sought Divine Wisdom

Dating back to the 6th century BC, this legendary temple was visited by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, who sought confirmation of his divine parentage from the Oracle of Amun.

Highlights:

Ancient Egyptian ruins
Historical significance
Spectacular desert views
Coronation Hall of Alexander

Cleopatra Spring

Cleopatra's Spring

The Queen's Bath

A natural stone pool fed by a warm spring, legend says Cleopatra herself bathed in these crystal-clear waters. Today, it remains one of Siwa's most popular swimming spots.

Highlights:

Natural warm water pool
Perfect for swimming
Surrounded by palm trees
Therapeutic minerals

Great Sand Sea

Great Sand Sea

Endless Golden Dunes

Stretching across Egypt and Libya, this vast expanse of pristine sand dunes offers adventures from sandboarding to desert safaris, with landscapes that seem from another planet.

Highlights:

4x4 desert safaris
Sandboarding adventures
Stunning sunsets
Desert camping

Siwa Salt Lakes

Salt Lakes

Float Like the Dead Sea

Siwa's numerous salt lakes contain such high mineral concentrations that floating is effortless. These lakes offer therapeutic benefits while providing unique swimming experiences.

Highlights:

Effortless floating
Therapeutic properties
Beautiful reflections
Sunset swimming

Fatnas Island

Fatnas Island

Sunset Paradise

A small island surrounded by a natural spring-fed lake, Fatnas offers peaceful gardens, traditional cafés, and the most spectacular sunsets in Siwa.

Highlights:

Best sunset views
Natural hot spring
Palm grove walks
Traditional refreshments

Things to Do in Siwa

Adventures and experiences await

Desert Safaris

Explore the Great Sand Sea in 4x4 vehicles, visit hot springs deep in the desert, and camp under millions of stars.

Mountain Climbing

Climb Gebel Dakrur or the surrounding mountains for panoramic views and hot sand therapy sessions.

Cycling Tours

Rent a bicycle and explore palm groves, visit ancient ruins, and discover hidden springs at your own pace.

Wellness Treatments

Experience psammotherapy, balneotherapy, and halotherapy using Siwa's natural healing resources.

Shopping & Crafts

Browse local markets for handmade silver jewelry, traditional embroidery, olive products, and dates.

Traditional Dining

Savor authentic Siwan cuisine including dates, olives, lamb dishes, and fresh organic produce.

Facilities & Amenities in Siwa

Everything you need for a comfortable stay

Hotels & Resorts

Siwa Shali Hotels & Resorts - Our partner offering eco-friendly accommodation with traditional Siwan architecture, modern amenities, and organic dining.

Private rooms with AC
Swimming pools
Organic restaurants

Dining Options

Authentic Siwan cuisine featuring locally grown dates, olives, organic vegetables, and traditional dishes.

Traditional restaurants
Organic farm-to-table
Desert BBQ experiences
Bedouin tea houses

Wellness Centers

Blue Shali Wellness - Complete therapeutic services including psammotherapy, balneotherapy, and halotherapy.

Medical supervision
Natural therapies
Massage services

Local Markets

Vibrant souks offering handmade crafts, silver jewelry, traditional clothing, dates, olive oil, and natural products.

Traditional souks
Handicraft shops
Organic product stores
Silver jewelry workshops

Medical Services

Local hospital and medical clinics with trained staff, plus our specialized wellness medical team.

Siwa General Hospital
Private clinics
Pharmacy services
Emergency care

Modern Amenities

Essential modern conveniences while maintaining the oasis's peaceful, unplugged atmosphere.

WiFi in hotels
ATMs available
Mobile coverage
Tourist information center

More Places to Explore

Gebel Dakrur

Gebel Dakrur

Mountain famous for hot sand therapy. During summer, patients are buried in the sand for natural heat treatment.

Bir Wahed

Bir Wahed Hot Spring

Natural hot spring deep in the Great Sand Sea. Water emerges at 40°C, perfect for therapeutic bathing.

Palm Groves

Date Palm Groves

300,000 palm trees producing the famous Siwan dates. Walk through shaded paths and learn about cultivation.

Olive Groves

Olive Groves

70,000 olive trees producing award-winning organic olive oil. Visit during harvest season (November).

Aghurmi

Aghurmi Village

Ancient village built on a rocky outcrop, home to the Temple of Amun and traditional Siwan houses.

Mountain of the Dead

Mountain of the Dead

Ancient necropolis with rock-cut tombs dating back to Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Siwan Culture & Traditions

A unique heritage preserved through centuries

Siwi Language

Siwans speak Siwi, a Berber language unique to the oasis. While Arabic is also spoken, the local language reflects Siwa's distinct cultural identity.

Traditional Dress

Siwan women wear beautiful hand-embroidered dresses and distinctive silver jewelry, while men wear traditional galabeyas.

Festivals

The Siyaha Festival celebrates the date harvest each October, bringing the community together for three days of celebration.

Hospitality

Siwans are renowned for their warm hospitality, offering tea and dates to visitors as a gesture of welcome.