Siwa Oasis Tours & Travel Guide
Western Desert · Egypt
Siwa Oasis Tours & Travel Guide
Siwa is Egypt’s most remote oasis, deep in the Western Desert near the Libyan border: salt lakes in impossible blues, palm groves, the mud-brick ruins of Shali Fortress and the temple where Alexander the Great consulted the oracle. Our Siwa trips run for 2, 3 or 4 days.
See the 3-day Siwa safariAsk us on WhatsApp
What to see in Siwa
- Shali Fortress: the old town of mud-brick and salt, at the heart of Siwa.
- Temple of the Oracle (Alexander’s Coronation): where Alexander the Great came to consult the Oracle of Amun.
- Mountain of the Dead: a hill of ancient rock-cut tombs.
- Siwa Salt Lakes: turquoise water so salty that you float.
- Cleopatra’s Spring: a natural spring pool among the palms.
- Fatnas Island: the classic place to watch the sunset over the lake.
- Siwan life: a traditional Siwan house, salt lamp workshops, and dates, olives and olive oil at the local market.
The Great Sand Sea safari
South of the oasis begin the dunes of the Great Sand Sea. On our 3-day trip the afternoon safari goes by 4×4 to Bir Wahed, a hot sulfur spring in the middle of the desert, for sunset in the dunes, dinner and a night at a desert camp. On the 4-day trip the safari, with sandboarding, is an option.
How many days do you need in Siwa?
| Siwa 2 Days / 1 Night | Siwa Safari 3 Days / 2 Nights | Siwa 4 Days / 3 Nights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | The highlights in a short trip | Siwa plus a night in the Great Sand Sea | A slower pace with time for Siwan life |
| Highlights | Mountain of the Dead, Oracle Temple, Salt Lakes, Cleopatra’s Spring, Fatnas sunset, Shali Fortress | The Siwa highlights plus a 4×4 safari to Bir Wahed hot spring and a desert camp night | All the highlights, Dakrur Mountain, the Temple of Amun, a salt cave session, local shopping and an optional desert safari |
Two days covers the main sights. If you want the dunes as well, choose three days; with four days you see Siwa without rushing.
When is the best time to visit Siwa?
Siwa is most comfortable from about October to April. Summer days are very hot, so visits focus on early mornings and evenings. The exact schedule always depends on the weather and local conditions. See our month-by-month guide to the Western Desert.
Siwa FAQ
Can you swim in the Siwa salt lakes?
Yes, the salt lakes are part of every Siwa itinerary. The water is so salty that you float easily.
Is the Great Sand Sea safari included?
It is included in the 3-day Siwa safari and is an option on the 4-day trip.
Which Siwa tour should I choose?
Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we will suggest the best fit.