Siwa Oasis is probably the best-kept secret in the Western Desert of Egypt—a gem that combines superlative scenery with a fascinating past and vibrant culture. Everything you'll need to know before coming has been compiled into these one and five segments.
Siwa Oasis is roughly 348 miles (560 kilometers) away from Cairo. Nestled amidst the endless expanse of the Egyptian desert lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered—Siwa Oasis. Join us on a journey to this tranquil paradise, where ancient history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage converge to create an unforgettable experience.
With spectacular views of date palms, surrounded by treetops and clear springs, Siwa Oasis is located in the heart of the Western Desert of Egypt. This oasis, with its towering sand dunes and salt lakes, has provided travelers and nomads with an escape from the climatic toll of the desert for centuries.
The best time of year to visit Siwa Oasis is from October to April, when it's cooler. Temperature ranges during this time would be from around 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), while during summer—from May to September—the temperature can go as high as more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Siwa Oasis offers its visitors a list of important historical and cultural sites, just like many other oases in Egypt. Temple of the Oracle (Amun Temple) was a sixth-century BC temple, famous for its oracle, which Alexander the Great is known to have sought.
With its top level overlooking the vast expanse of the oasis, the Shali fortification, an ancient mud-brick fortification that is now broken and exposed, truly offers a glimpse of the past.
The twenty-sixth Dynasty and the Greco-Roman period are associated with the great number of ancient tombs located to the south of the Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al Mawta). It is said that Cleopatra used to bathe in these natural hot springs, a feature known as the Spring of Juba.
Tours and sightseeing in the natural environs of Siwa are again a tourist’s delight. Great Sand Sea paragliding, quad biking, as well as sand skiing, and camel riding, are all good activities in this large area of sand stretching. Salt Lakes are the beautiful blue salt lakes are like those of the Dead Sea and the water, when you float on the water, is unique.
Exploring such a brutal and harsh environment needs energy, and to relax the Bir Wahed, which is a hot spring found in the middle of nowhere is perfect for that. Tradition regional crafts, tools, and rituals are displayed in the Siwa House Museum and it also gives information regarding the historical way of living in Siwan.
Most people planning for Siwa Oasis will be better off looking for Egypt tour packages that entail Cairo tours and sightseeing options, but also Siwa and safari tours. Collective offers sometimes enable visitors to travel and fix various sites in Egypt in one package without much hassle; hence, that is how the oasis has been included. Tours are available in all categories to suit single travelers, families, and group travelers depending on one’s choice and pockets.
The Berber people inhabit Siwa and constitute the main cultural character of this place. The Siwi language Berber dialect is quite popularly spoken apart from Arabic. Traditional ceramics, basketry, and needlework are widely practiced in Siwa. Dishes typically include dates, olives, and bread. Try some `tagine`, an extremely slow-cooked meat-and-vegetable stew, and the `fuul`, which is made with fava beans. In October, there is the Siyaha Festival, where music, dance, and traditional does are showcased inexhaustibly. So get up and go on your adventure to Siwa Oasis: take Egypt tours or a travel package tour to let this desert paradise take you in.