Siwa Tourism (2024) - Egypt > Top Places, Travel Guide

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10 Days / 9 Nights

Essential Egypt Tour Package with Siwa Oasis

Cairo(1N) → Siwa Oasis(3N) → Cairo(1N) → Nile Cruise(3N) → Cairo(1N)

$ 1,327

16% off

$1,113/person

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"Oasis Serenity and Desert Tranquility"

Siwa Tourism

Siwa Oasis, nestled in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, is situated in the western corner of Egypt. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, salt lakes, hot springs, and ancient sites. Located approximately 300 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, it's a serene haven far away from the hustle bustle of cities like Cairo and Luxor.

Siwa itself is small and quiet, with sandy streets and cozy homes made of mud bricks. It's main feature is its natural beauty, offering over 300 crystal-clear springs, hot springs, and salt mining pools. The town has plenty of palm tree groves and pretty gardens to explore. Plus, just outside town, there are massive sand dunes perfect for a desert adventure with star gazing and night camping.

One of the most popular attraction in Siwa is Cleopatra's Spring, a natural oasis with crystalline waters said to have been frequented by the legendary queen herself. Other highlights include the Siwa House Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts, and the Temple of the Oracle, a sacred site where Alexander the Great consulted the Oracle of Amun.

Adventure seekers can explore the Great Sand Sea or take a camel ride to the Gebel el-Mawta mountain. There are also plenty of places to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert, such as the oases of Aghurmi and Bir Wahed.

1. Mountain of the Dead

The Mountain of the Dead, also known as Gebel al-Mawta, this small mountain offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the town. A short journey northward, either by foot or by hired trans (Read More)portation, will lead to the site holding historical significance as a burial ground for important individuals in ancient Siwa. The mountain features four tombs that are open to visitors. The site has entry fee of 40 EGP.

2. Temple of the Oracle

Temple of the Oracle is a small, ancient ruin of a temple dedicated to Amun. Close to these temples is one more site called the Temple of Umm Ubayd which can be easily found on Google Maps.& (Read More)nbsp;Tourists are drawn to this site for its unique connection to ancient Egyptian spirituality and the mysteries of the oracle. The temple provides beautiful vista over lake and there are plenty of palm trees in the proximity. ENtry fees is 30 EGP.

3. Siwa Hot Springs

There are over 200 of these natural springs around Siwa and they're both hot and cold. Not all of these springs are open to the public, but the ones that are, are totally worth checking out. (Read More);The two main hot springs in Siwa are Almaza Hot Springs and Hayaat Siwa Hot Spring. Almaza has a big hot spring and a camp where you can spend the night. Plus, there's a café there where you can grab drinks and food. It's only about 25 minutes away from the town center, so not too far. Hayaat Siwa Hot Spring is a bit further out, but it's totally worth it. You can see amazing sunsets and gaze at the stars in the desert sky. They even have rooms and tents where you can spend the night, starting at just $25 including breakfast. There's a restaurant on site too, so you're all sorted.

Must Know Before You Travel to Siwa

Unpaved Roads: As the roads in Siwa town are not paved, taking tuk-tuk for sightseeing can be uncomfortable. However, they are the cheapest way to get around the town.
Renting Bikes: Bikes can be rented for in-town sightseeing at around 400 EGP per day.
Booking Bus from Siwa: Try to book the return journey by bus one day in advance as the area is busy and seats get filled fast.
Cold Nights and Mornings: Bring warm clothes as Siwa gets cold from evening to morning.
Full-Day Excursion: Hire a driver for a full day to visit attractions outside the town.
Checkpoints: Because of Siwa’s location near Libya, the roads to the town have more checkpoints or bag checks. Be prepared to be questioned as well.
Cash: Bring cash, as there is only one ATM in Siwa.

Places To Visit In Siwa

Siwa Salt Lakes

Shali Fortress

Cleopatra Spring

Fatnas Island

4×4 Desert tour

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Top Hotels In Siwa

Siwa Sunrise Hotel

Aghurmi Village

9.5 (33 reviews)

$ 54 onwards

Panta Lodge Siwa بنتا لودج سيوة

Aghurmi Village

8.8 (72 reviews)

$ 40 onwards

Siwa Spot

Aghurmi Village

9.8 (33 reviews)

$ 36 onwards

Qasr El salam

Aghurmi Village

9.6 (362 reviews)

$ 50 onwards

Sleep In Siwa

Aghurmi Village

9.6 (214 reviews)

$ 24 onwards

Seliyaa Siwa Inn Hotel

Aghurmi Village

8.6 (78 reviews)

$ 37 onwards

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More on Siwa Travel

Shopping in Siwa

Shopping in Siwa can be done from the shops spread across the whole town. There are shops for carpets, trinkets, baskets, Jewelry and many more souvenir options.

Nightlife in Siwa

Siwa basically has no nightlife. It is laid back small town where alcohol is not sold. You can, however, bring alcohol in. Do bring the receipts along, as you may be asked for it on checkpoints.

History of Siwa

Nestled amidst the vast Sahara Desert, Siwa is an oasis town with a history that spans millennia. Founded by the ancient Berbers, its roots can be traced back to at least the 10th century BC. Over the centuries, Siwa thrived as a vital trade hub on the caravan routes linking North Africa and the Mediterranean. The town gained prominence in ancient times due to its oracle of Amun, attracting pilgrims and travelers from far and wide. Siwa's unique culture and architecture reflect the influences of its diverse past, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Today, Siwa continues to enchant visitors with its picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich cultural heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into its storied history.

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How to Reach Siwa

How to Reach Overview

There is no direct international connectivity to Siwa. However, it can be reached by road from Cairo or Alexandria. The best and cheapest way is by Bus. Another way is to hire a taxi.

From Cairo: Take a Gobus to Marsa Matruh, which takes about 7-8 hours, and then take a bus to Siwa, which takes about 4 hours. The time taken depends on how much time was spent at the checkpoints.
From Alexandria: By Gobus, it takes about 9 hours or more. There are also West Delta buses that run on this route and can be booked on the spot.

Local transport in Siwa

Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are a great and inexpensive way to get around Siwa or even outside Siwa for close-by attractions. However, due to unpaved roads in the town, it can be a bit uncomfortable to travel on them.
Bikes: It is possible to rent bikes to explore in-town attractions. Before renting, check the bike properly for any malfunctions or faults. As the roads in Siwa aren't ideal, it can be difficult for an inexperienced rider to operate a bike there. Bikes can be rented for about 400 EGP per day.
Taxi: Taxi is ideal for out-of-the-town attractions. You can bargain with the driver to reach a price that works well for both.

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Siwa Photos

Siwa Salt lakes are actually industrial salt mines.

The ruins of the Shali Fortress are a popular tourist attraction in the Siwa town center.

Temple of the Oracle is a small, ancient ruin of a temple dedicated to Amun.

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