Located 10 hours westwards from Cairo, Siwa is an oasis inhabited by 25,000 people who are distinguished for having their own culture and for speaking the Siwi language (a Berber language). To go to Siwa, I had to take a bus departing from a point next to Tahrir Square, in Cairo. Took a night bus, arriving in Siwa early morning.
The local architecture is featured by mud-brick houses. And over the horizon, olive trees and date palms extend around the oasis. Siwa is a perfect place if you are looking for a calm town and pass the day at a slow pace. It’s one of the most isolated places in Egypt.
The local population in Siwa is quite conservative. Dress covering the body, don’t show affection and don’t drink alcohol in public. For men, avoid contact with local women, it may be understood as offensive The best time to visit Siwa is during winter, from November to February, when temperatures cool down and can get cold instead of the desert heat.
What to see and what to do in Siwa
I have visited Siwa on a weekend and it’s enough to walk by the attractions around the oasis, which includes salted lakes and Greek-Roman ruins across a desertic landscape.
Ruins of Shali
Built in the 13th century, nowadays is inhabited by locals who took what is available from the former town of Shali. Take the chance to try dates and olives produced locally. Around Market Square, you can find stores to buy them.
Rent a bicycle to move around
Siwa is calm and safe to ride a bicycle along the streets around the oasis. Tricycles are also available for tours. You can also walk if you don’t mind taking long distances.
Oracle Temple
Ruins of what used to be a temple dedicated to Amun (also referred to as Zeus or Jupiter) during Ancient Egypt, were poorly restored. In addition to the historical value, there is a view of the oasis palm-tops. It is a good option to visit Oracle Temple on a private tour, so you may explore the unique nature of Siwa Oasis and its biggest sights.
Mountain of the Dead
Another place for a panoramic view of the oasis. The name Mountain of the Dead relates to the tombs along its route from Siwa center. The tombs were the attractions that boosted visits to Siwa in the XVIII century. On the second day of the Siwa Oasis Tour, you will visit the Mountain of the Dead, moving comfortably on an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide. Admission Ticket Included. Learn more about Siwa Oasis Tour here!
Lakes in Siwa
A few kilometers from the Siwa center, there are a couple of salt lakes. Some of them are easy to swim, it may demand to walk some long distance. The view of the lakes is beautiful, particularly during the sunset. You may enjoy the Siwa Oasis Tour by taking a 3-day package from Cairo, an opportunity to see all the beauty of the local landscape.
Siwa is worth including in your trip to Egypt if you want something else beyond the Giza Pyramids. Even if you consider visiting only Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan, multiday tours are a great opportunity for travelers to see more in a limited amount of time. You may visit the best attractions, and learn the historical and cultural facts. So don’t miss these options!
Where to Stay in Siwa?
Are you wondering about where to stay in Siwa? I confess that I arrived there without any reservation, checking a good enough small hotel by visiting personally. However, depending on the time you arrive, the rooms may be sold out. Here, you find some options to stay in Siwa:
Qasr El Salam is a new hotel with a great location, located 400 meters from Shali Old Fortress and less than 1km from the Mountain of the Dead.
Dream Lodge Siwa is a 4-star hotel which is located 1.5 kilometers from the Old Fortress of Shali. See the facilities and check the prices here!
I recommend visiting Siwa for at least 2 or 3 days, especially for travelers interested in exploring Greco-Roman ruins and walking around the oasis. It is an excellent place to discover Egypt in addition to the pyramids, the big cities, and the most visited beaches.
Originally posted 2018-08-05 20:54:55.
