Egypt's most remote and enchanting desert oasis near the Libyan border
Siwa Oasis, located 560km west of Cairo near the Libyan border, is Egypt's most remote and magical destination. Isolated in the Western Desert for millennia, Siwa has preserved a unique culture, language (Siwi Berber), and way of life distinct from the rest of Egypt. The oasis is famous for its date palm groves, natural springs, salt lakes, ancient Oracle Temple that Alexander the Great visited, and stunning desert landscapes.
With only 30,000 inhabitants mostly of Berber descent, Siwa offers an authentic escape from modern Egypt. The town is dominated by the dramatic mud-brick ruins of Shali Fortress, surrounded by thousands of date palms and olive trees fed by natural springs. Siwa's isolation has created a time-capsule quality - donkey carts outnumber cars, traditional dress is common, and the pace of life is wonderfully slow.
Fame: Where Alexander the Great was declared son of Zeus-Amun (331 BCE)
Period: 26th Dynasty (664-525 BCE)
Location: Aghurmi village, 4km from Siwa town
Fee: EGP 80 ($3 USD)
Significance: Ancient oracle consulted by pharaohs and Greeks
Views: Spectacular palm grove panoramas from hilltop
Built: 13th century from kershef (salt & mud)
Status: Atmospheric ruins dominating Siwa town
History: Protected Siwans for 700 years
Destroyed: 1926 three-day rainstorm dissolved salt structure
Today: Climb ruins for sunset views over palm groves
Free: Open exploration (watch footing!)
Type: Natural spring pool (20m diameter)
Legend: Where Cleopatra bathed (probably not!)
Experience: Swimming in crystal-clear natural spring
Temperature: Perfect year-round (~28°C)
Fee: EGP 50 ($2 USD)
Best Time: Early morning before crowds
Experience: 4x4 safari into endless dune sea
Activities: Sandboarding, dune bashing, sunset watching
Overnight: Desert camping under incredible stars
Cost: Day trip $40-60, overnight $80-120
Landscape: Some of world's most spectacular dunes
Note: Permits required (arranged by tour operators)
Location: Small island in Birket Siwa salt lake
Experience: Palm-shaded cafes, stunning sunset spot
Activities: Swimming, relaxing, traditional tea
Access: Short walk/bike from town
Best Time: Sunset (iconic Siwa experience)
Cost: Minimal (cafe drinks/snacks)
Experience: Float effortlessly in super-salty water (like Dead Sea)
Main Lake: Birket Siwa
Saltiness: 95% salt concentration
Best: Sunset swimming
Free: Natural lakes accessible
Tip: Bring fresh water to rinse, avoid open cuts!
Period: Ptolemaic & Roman (300 BCE - 200 CE)
Site: Honeycomb hill with ancient tombs
Highlights: Tomb of Si-Amun (beautiful painted interior)
Fee: EGP 60 ($2 USD)
History: Used as bomb shelter in WWII
Views: Panoramic Siwa oasis from summit
Experience: Visit traditional kershef (salt-brick) homes
Style: Unique Berber architecture
Museum: Siwa House Museum (traditional furnishings)
Fee: EGP 30 ($1 USD)
Learn: Siwan culture, traditions, handicrafts
Shopping: Siwan silver jewelry, embroidered dresses, dates, olive oil
Location: 12km into Great Sand Sea
Experience: Natural hot spring pool surrounded by dunes
Temperature: Perfect warm water
Access: 4x4 required (combine with desert safari)
Best: Sunset soak with dune views
Popular: Day trip destination from Siwa
Discover Egypt's most magical and remote desert paradise!