There’s a less well-known wonder found in the heart of the Western Desert of Egypt if you desire to take the road less traveled. Amidst this ocean of sand dunes, lies the beautiful green lake with breathtaking sceneries. It is none other than the Siwa Oasis.
In today’s post, we are going to explore the mesmerizing location of the Siwa Oasis, the fantasy island of Egypt.
How To Get To Siwa?
Siwa Oasis, one of Egypt’s unique western desert oases, is located about 350 miles east of the Libyan border and is home to hundreds of palm trees and beautiful natural springs.
From Cairo to Siwa
There are direct buses from Cairo to Siwa Oasis that depart every four hours from the Cairo bus stop. The journey takes about 5 hours to reach Siwa Oasis with 4 stops along the way. The price for the trip will be between 60 to 150 Egyptian pounds based on the type of bus you select (Luxury or basic) and you can book your tickets online from go-bus.
Cairo in its famous charming colors
From Alexandria to Siwa
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt. Before traveling to the Siwa oasis, you could decide to tour Alexandria for one or two days. You can savor exquisite seafood in Alexandria, stroll along the seafront, and see the Roman amphitheater and old catacombs. This option is the most prefered one by solo travelers in Egypt.
Then, from Alexandria to Siwa is a mere 8 hours trip. Siwa can be visited via the new bus terminals in Alexandria. You can also take a minibus from Alexandria to Siwa. The fare is 30 LE which is $1.54, and they depart from Moharam Beck Station and then you change minibusses in Marsa Matruh that can be booked from the same website we mentioned in the Cairo section.
In case the website doesn’t work. Try this app called Tozcara. We have booked on it several times 🙂
How To Get Around Siwa?
There are many options available to get around Siwa.
Tuk-tuks and Donkey Carts
If you want go for the fun mode, the primary modes of transportation in the Siwa Oasis are tuk-tuks and donkey carts. For Siwans donkey carts are a common form of transportation and can be a more entertaining experience. They shouldn’t be more than 30 Egyptian pounds for short trips.
You can choose to rent a tuk-tuk along with its driver for the entire day if you decide to wade through the city because the sites in Siwa are spread out. This will cost between 200 and 400 pounds, depending on how many destinations you wish to visit.
Hire a Private Driver-Guide
This is the option that we chose as it worked for us best! We were 4 people and we shared the total price of 40$ a day. Our driver was knowledgeable. He showed us many hidden gems and we really had fun with him!
By the way, his wife runs a cute and traditional guest house. You should try it!
Bikes and Motorcycles
Another adventurous option to get around Siwa includes renting bikes that are mostly available at Siwa hotels like Palm Trees Hotel for around 10 Egyptian pounds. You can easily visit the nearby attractions the Oracle, the Mountain of the Dead, and Cleopatra’s Pool circuit on a bike.
Although less enjoyable than motorbikes are also available for rent. One is available at the bike shop close to the Al-Babinshal Hotel.
Jeep
If you wish to go for adventurous desert safaris, it is best to rent a jeep in advance from your hotel.
Where To Stay In Siwa?
The town of Siwa is booming in tourism, and fantastic lodges have opened up to meet the demand. There’s a wide variety of accommodations in Siwa, so check out the usual recommendations that tourists always enjoy.
Taziry Ecolodge
An engineer from Alexandria developed and built this tranquil hotel, which is located 12 kilometers west of Siwa Town.
Bedouin rugs and regional crafts are used to embellish sizable rooms made of natural materials. It is a perfect place to relax and experience Siwa’s enchantment because it is tranquil and laid-back and has a natural spring pool that looks over the lake.
The Taziry is a great place to spend the day because of its relaxing lounge atmosphere, lovely pool, and delectable Moroccan lunch. It arranges safaris and has horseback riding stables.
Shali Lodge
About 100 meters from Siwa’s central square, this charming little guesthouse is run by environmentalist Mounir Neamatallah. It is tucked away in a lovely palm grove. The spacious, pleasant rooms feature rock-walled baths, exposed palm beams, tons of curvy mud-brick charm, and cushioned sitting areas. The Shali Lodge is tasteful and peaceful.
Shali Lodge Hotel
Talist
Talist, which means “lake,” is a haven to escape from it all. This family-run eco-lodge offers simple, yet cozy rooms, as well as beauty and peace. There is a magnificent pool with a view of the lake. They offer a lovely candlelit dinner that can be booked in advance for the lovely couples that visit the hotel.
Talis Hotel Siwa
Siwa 3-Day Itinerary
Siwa has so much to offer tourists, including a variety of hot and cold springs, large sand dunes, and fascinating history. Siwa may not be the most convenient location in Egypt to reach, but once there, you might not want to leave. Here is a 3-day itinerary with our favorite things to do in Siwa.
Day 1: Jabal Al Mawta, Amun Temple, Cleopatra Pool, And Sunset On Fetnas Island
Rise & shine and start your day in Siwa with the most popular attractions in the town.
Jabal al mawta
At the northernmost part of Siwa Town is a tiny hill called Jabal Al Mawta, meaning “Mountain of the Dead”. The majority of the tombs in this area are from the 26th dynasty, the Ptolemaic era, and the Roman period. It is a 4-minute drive from Siwa Oasis and you can take a rental car to this place.
The Siwans used the tombs as bunkers during World War II when the Italians bombarded the oasis. This place will captivate your hearts with its historic remains. You can spend around 2-3 hours roaming around the ruins of this place, learning about the tombs and history of the place.
Then, move on to Amun Temple to learn about the architecture of Egypt.
Amun Temple
Amun temple is a single painted wall that is still intact amidst the ruins. It is just 3kms away from the Jabal al Mawta tombs and will take 5 minutes by road.
A local Ottoman ruler set the once-beautiful temple on fire with explosives in 1896, nearly destroying the entire architecture. He had hoped to use the temple’s stone as a building material. The original building is thought to have been built during the 30th dynasty.
Alexander the Great reportedly traveled to Siwa particularly to see the Amun Temple. He intended to confirm his divinity, especially because he was the son of Amun, by contacting the oracle of the temple. This resulted in an increase in the number of tourists to the oracle. You take an hour to explore the architecture of the place and experience the calm in the temple.
Next, head on to the natural springs of Cleopatra and relax in the hot waters.
Cleopatra Pool
The next stop on your first day is the Cleopatra pool which is just a 20-minute drive from Amun Temple. It is unknown why Siwa’s remark about Cleopatra is so significant to the locals given the abundance of natural springs in the area. But many residents first begin swimming at this warm-water spring that is located just inside the town.
Although the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra never went to the pool, she did utilize heated water for her private baths.
After a day of exploration, unwind in the natural spring water. There are cafes and tiny restaurants all around the Cleopatra pool. In the summer, it can get very crowded, but in the fall and winter, it’s still pretty simple to get to.
Cleopatra’s pool
Fatnas Island
End your day with the most beautiful sunset on Fatnas Island after a 20-minute drive from Cleopatra’s springs. Tourists and locals frequent this picturesque location because it offers more than beautiful sunsets.
On the island, there are two tiny cafes that provide tea, coffee, and cold beverages. Additionally, there are hammocks, seats, and even an outdoor fireplace for those who wish to relax while taking in the sunset views.
The Siwa sunset at Fatnas Island
The Siwa sunset at Fatnas Island
Day 2: Salt Lakes Of Siwa, Jabal Dakrour, And Desert Safari
It’s your second day in the beautiful city of Siwa and there’s still a lot to capture in your heart.
Salt lakes of Siwa
The salt lakes of Siwa are just a 25-minute drive from the Siwa Oasis. It is a lovely site with a pinkish hue and unusual salt formations. You will reach a region that is more industrial as you get to the mining pools. The pools’ stunning blue hues are still surreal. Although you are permitted to swim in them, the extreme salinity makes it more like floating.
The amazing fact about salt lakes is that they change form and color according to seasons even though it is an industrial area and not anatural lakes.
Jabal Dakrour
Head on to the suburb of Dakrour which is located at the base of the mountain Dakrour.
The mountain can be climbed for breathtaking views of the oasis and desert filled with date palms and olive trees. Keep an eye out for shell fossils. You can also enjoy sand baths at Dakrour, which the locals claim to have therapeutic benefits.
Desert Safari
The Great Sand Sea is one of the most amazing sights in the Siwa Oasis. The majority of trips to the place include stops at a few of the numerous hot and cold springs that are found throughout the area on your 1-hour drive. Of course, you’ll also probably end up driving an old Toyota car around the largest sandbox.
Desert Safari in Siwa
Day 3: Siwa House Museum, Siwa Salt Quarry, And Taghahgen Island
Sigh! It’s the last day of your amazing trip to Siwa. Don’t worry as this day won’t be any less fun and adventurous than the other days. End off strong with the Siwa house museum and the eye-catching sunset at Taghagen Island.
Siwa House Museum
This modest, locally owned Siwa museum features a display of antique clothing, pottery, and works of art. The exhibits showcase the local Berber tribes’ past. Additionally, it demonstrates how the landscape of Siwan has transformed as a result of the people’s use of contemporary technology.
The House of Siwa Museum is not accessible online but be sure to schedule time for this stunning museum.
Siwa Salt Quarry
A scene that completely contrasts with the Siwa Oasis’s backdrop of palm trees and desert is located just outside the city. You can take a rental car there because it is a short 30-minute drive from Siwa Oasis.
Few people can resist getting closer to the emerald-blue streams that are scattered among the mountains of salt that have been dug in this location. Tourists are welcome to see the quarry and have a dip in the Siwa water quarry.
Taghaghen Island
Another captivating site to end your final day in Siwa and watch the sunset is Taghahgen Island. There is a small entry fee of 5-10 Egyptian pounds, but it’s worth it for the decor, the elegance of the lodges, and the peaceful scenery!
Best Places to Enjoy Meals in Siwa
Abdu Restaurant
Abdu restaurant is one of the most-enjoyed restaurants in Siwa that offers Western food and snacks along with some of the best Egyptian dishes. You should try their Dates Pancakes and the famous Siwi molokhia.
Ola Restaurant
Ola is a beautiful and calming restaurant that is known for its Oum Ali. The hosts of the restaurant are very welcoming and the ambiance is to-die-for.
Nour El Waha Garden Restaurant
In a palm grove across from Shali Lodge is a well-liked hangout called Nour El Waha Restaurant & Hotel. The food is a fusion of Western and Egyptian cuisine. There is a romantic atmosphere where you may enjoy the food, music, and traditional Siwa tea.
Final thoughts about Siwa, the Oasis of Egypt
No matter how many attractions you visit in Egypt; your tour won’t end without visiting the historical Siwa Oasia. The history of this place will leave your awe-inspiring and wanting more. Siwa is a tranquil, incredibly beautiful place with a truly unique culture.
Now that you know all the must-see destinations in Siwa, get on to discover the purest natural beauty of Siwa Oasis.
