The Siwa Oasis is literally a treasure in the western part of Egypt, barely some miles from the Libyan border. It is a confluence of history, culture, and nature. Considered one of the most tranquil and traditionally rich spots in the world, Siwa Oasis offers a distinctively Berber way of life, completely out of the reach of metropolitan chaos. This comprehensive guide shall act as a helpful companion to attain maximum experience and enjoyment from your visit to this enchanting oasis.
How to Get to Siwa Oasis
Location and Getting There
Siwa Oasis is approximately 750 kilometers from Cairo and about 300 km from Marsa Matrouh. It is an enclave situated by the Great Sand Sea, with palm groves and natural springs.
Transportation Options
By Car: To get to Siwa, the most straightforward way would be by car. You can hire a car in Cairo or Marsa Matrouh. The ride along the desolate landscape of the desert is simply stunning, though it takes about 10 to 12 hours from Cairo.
By Bus: Different bus companies travel to Siwa from both Cairo and Marsa Matrouh. Usually, buses are comfortable and moderately priced. It takes approximately 9-10 hours from Cairo.
Private Tours: A number of travel agencies offer a tour package to Siwa Oasis which includes transportation, accommodation, and guided trips.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Eco-Lodges
Siwa Oasis offers a wide range of accommodations, from low-budget guesthouses to luxurious eco-lodges:
Adrere Amellal – an eco-lodge hotel made from local materials, offering a unique experience, focusing on sustainability. The guests enjoy the most magnificent view of the surrounding desert and have traditional meals.
Siwa Paradise Hotel – is within walking distance from the center of Siwa and offers decent rooms with all ingredients for a comfortable stay: proximity to the local attractions and very friendly, hospitable staff.
For an even more interesting experience, stay in a traditional guesthouse:
– El Nakhil Hotel: From this simple guesthouse full of warmth, one will have ample opportunity to meet with other travelers.
– Cleopatra Hotel: This guesthouse is friendly and hosts locals’ hospitality with a taste of homemade treats.
Exploring Siwa’s Natural Wonders
Siwa Salt Lakes
The Siwa Salt Lakes are some of the oasis’ best attractions and offer great sights and activities:
– Bir Wahed: It is a natural hot spring famous for its curative powers. Many people like to swim in its warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying the picturesque environment.
– Lake Siwa: A beauteous spot to relax and take pictures, Lake Siwa attracts many people with its turquoise waters and palm groves around.
The Great Sand Sea
The vast expanse of the Great Sand Sea displays endless possibilities for adventure:
– Sandboarding: Experience the thrill of sliding down the towering sand dunes. Several tour operators offer sandboarding tours for both beginners and experienced adventurers.
– Camel Rides: It is a classic method of touring the deserts. Camel rides will let you enjoy the landscapes and be part of a local culture.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
The Oracle Temple of Amun
The most important historic site in Siwa is doubtless the Oracle Temple of Amun with its prophecies for Alexander the Great:
– The Ruins of the Temple: Remnants of the temple are filled with interesting inscriptions and historical artifacts that give insight into the beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
– Guided Tours: Guided tours with narrations of stories associated with the history are available with most local guides.
Below is the Shali Fortress, an impressive 13th-century structure made of kershef, a mixture of salt and clay:
– Exploration: One can get into the fortress and head upwards to the top for good panoramic views over Siwa and appreciate its architectural style, which indeed speaks of its history.
– Sunset views: There are fantastic sunset views from the fortress; hence, it is one of the perfect places for photography enthusiasts.
Local Markets and Crafts
Immerse yourself in Siwa’s culture with a visit to local markets:
Souk Siwa: The main market is a great place to find traditional crafts in the form of woven baskets, pottery, and jewelry. Haggling is widespread; therefore, it is highly recommended to make a price.
Of course, no visit to Siwa would be complete without a desert safari. You can do this in the following ways:
4×4 Tours: Take guided 4×4 tours across breathtaking landscapes of the Great Sand Sea, with stops at a variety of rock formations and natural springs.
Overnight Camping: For a really unforgettable experience, an overnight camping in the desert-including stargazing and a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars-is a must.
Diverse Siwa landscapes allow great hiking through:
– Jebel Dakrour: The many hiking routes on this mountain all end at a viewpoint overlooking the oasis; trekking there is moderately challenging but worth it.
– Siwa Oasis Trail: Take in the great sights of nature and team up the culture as you walk through guided palm groves and natural springs.
Dining in Siwa
Traditional Cuisine
Siwa’s culinary scene fuses the best of traditional Egyptian and local cuisine. Some of the local delicacies not to be missed include:
– Siwan Couscous: Prepared from the grains grown in the region, often served with vegetables and meat, which has a wholesome feel to it.
– Dates and Olives: Siwa is well-known for its dates and olives. Taste them fresh from the local farms.
Recommended Restaurants
Abdu Restaurant: It is as famous among the locals as it is among the visitors. It has a number of traditional dishes on its menu, a variety of fresh fish and meats that are grilled to perfection.
El Ghoury Restaurant: It features a warm atmosphere and friendly service. It serves a wide range of local specialties and international cuisine.
Siwa Excursions
Farafra Oasis
A short drive away from Siwa, Farafra Oasis is another enchanting destination worth visiting:
– The White Desert The White Desert is one of a kind because of its unique geological formation of chalk rock. Truly extraordinary landscapes and photo situations can be observed there.
– Farafra Museum It is a small museum related to the culture and history of the region. It is exhibiting traditional crafts and objects.
The Great Sand Sea
As long as you are in Siwa, take an extra tour in the Great Sand Sea:
-Al Dakhla Oasis: This is a well-renowned oasis because of the very interesting landscapes and historical sites; it is a window into the rich history and traditions of the region.
– Sand Dune Adventures: Take a Sand dune driving or quad biking experience for a heart-pounding activity across the expanse of desert.
Tips for Visiting Siwa
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Siwa Oasis is during the fall, between October and November, and during spring, from March to April. The temperatures are gentle, pleasing, and not so hot, which allows one to go about their day without hassle and enjoy the outdoors. Summer periods are extremely hot, and trying to do some outdoor activities may be unbearable.
Local Etiquette
Touring Siwa calls for respect of local cultures. Ensure dressing decently, more so when heading into the countryside areas, and always seek permission before taking a picture of someone.
Currency and Payments
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Though some hotels and restaurants may take credit cards, it would be wise to have cash for smaller purchases, especially in the local markets. There are ATMs available in the main town.
Conclusion
Siwa Oasis is a place that intriguingly balances natural beauty, ancient history, and richness in cultural heritage. Be it the exploration of ancient temples, the hike to the labyrinthine landscapes, or simply savoring the warmth of local hospitality, this oasis promises an unforgettable journey into the unexplored. A tour to Siwa greets you with all charm and adventure in this enchanting destination.
