[2025 Siwa Oasis Attraction] Travel Guide for Siwa Oasis (Updated May)

I made the 10 hour drive (with a private driver) from Cairo to Siwa Oasis and discovered a land of pure bliss! Siwa is in the western desert of Egypt and it feels like a completely different place. It has its own people (Berber-speaking Sudanic people) and they live in these really interesting mud houses. There are a few sights to see in Siwa like the Cleopatra Spring, Fatnas Island (best sunset), Salt lakes (such a cool experience), Oracle Temple, Shali Fortress and many more. I spent some time with a local guide who told me all about the history and local culture and I enjoyed my relaxed evenings at the boho campsite where you can choose air conditioned cottages or the simple fanned hotels. My camp provided breakfast and dinner which were always delicious and even though I was on my own, I never felt lonely. There are different types of hotels and camp sites all around Siwa and they offer a calm and peaceful environment. There are also plenty of souvenir stores ones you enter the town side near the fortress and a few local restaurants. #freehotelstay

🚙 Marsa Matruh → Siwa Oasis: The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Crossing the Sahara This 300-kilometer mystical route connecting the Mediterranean with desert oases offers North Africa's most hardcore self-driving experience—where WWII military roads intertwine with shifting dunes, Bedouin camel caravans glide past your windows, and during 8 hours of complete signal loss, you'll touch the true soul of the Sahara. 🗺️ Core Route Breakdown Total distance: 320km (only 1/3 paved) Duration: 7-9 hours (including stops) Elevation change: Sea level → Dune zone (+180m) → Siwa (-15m) Segment Guide: 1️⃣ Marsa Matruh - Qara Oasis (160km) - Head south along "Military Route 60", passing the southern flank of El Alamein battlefield - Landmarks: ▫️ 45km: Abandoned British radar station (climbable) ▫️ 92km: Black volcanic rock area (filming location of "The English Patient") ▫️ 130km: Qara Oasis refueling point (only gas station) 2️⃣ Qara Oasis - Great Sand Sea (80km) - Transition to pure desert terrain, engage 4WD mode - Key coordinates: ▫️ N29°12'45", E25°33'10": WWII aircraft wreck (P-40 Warhawk) ▫️ N29°04'11", E25°47'33": Moving dune observation point (best light 1 hour before sunset) 3️⃣ Great Sand Sea - Siwa (80km) - Traverse crescent dune fields, date palm groves appear near Siwa - Hidden landmark: ▫️ 5km before salt lake: Underground river emergence point (natural spring water collection) 🔧 Preparation Checklist | Vehicle | Toyota Land Cruiser/Nissan Patrol (lifted version) Minimum 2 vehicles, 2 full-size spare tires | Navigation | Garmin GPSMAP 66i (with Sahara offline maps) Paper maps + compass backup | Survival | 20L water/vehicle, military rations, first aid kit (with antivenom) | Protection | Sand masks, satellite phone, high-frequency radio - visibility <1m during sandstorms Vehicle modifications: - Install desert tires (reduce pressure to 1.0-1.2Bar) - Add front winch (capacity ≥4.5 tons) - Carry aluminum sand tracks (more heat-resistant than plastic) 🛣️ Three Challenge Sections 1. "Devil's Eye" sand traps (37km south of Qara) - Consecutive sand pits, maintain >40km/h to avoid getting stuck - Technique: Follow previous tire tracks, steering adjustments <15 degrees 2. "Knife Edge" slope (N28°59'16" E25°41'22") - 35° inclined dune, 200m drive with one side suspended - Survival rule: Move all passengers to uphill side, no braking 3. Quicksand riverbed (15km from Siwa) - Deceptively firm surface, probe with branches - If stuck: Dig to hard layer, insert sand tracks at 30° angle Communication signals: - Wave red scarf = request assistance - Triple headlight flashes = danger spotted ⚠️ Taboos - Never stray >50m from tire tracks (potential unexploded ordnance) - No entry to Great Sand Sea after 3pm (night temps drop to 5℃) - Must yield to dromedary caravans (Bedouin right of way) 🌌 Hidden Gems War archaeology: Metal detect near radar station for medals (7th Armored Division relics common) Stargazing: Granite platform at N29°08'09" E25°44'27" (IDA-certified dark sky site) Fossil hunting: Marine fossils abundant west of Qara Oasis (may take specimens <5cm) When your tires roll over Rommel's former supply route and you wash off Saharan dust in Siwa's salt lake, you'll suddenly understand—this desert was never conquered, it merely graciously allows passage.

#ThailandFlightEvent I was surprised that there was a place like this in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. A salt lake at the edge of the desert, the water was so clear and transparent that it was hard to believe. I floated right away when I dipped my body, and it felt like I was floating in zero gravity. My skin felt soft because of the high salt concentration, and the lake sparkling in the sunlight was a beauty that was hard to express in words. There was only a slight breeze around the quiet lake, and there weren't many people, so it felt like a secret place that only I wanted to know. The photos came out really pretty, so it was the perfect place to take the best shots of my life. It was the most unique moment during my trip to Egypt, and an unexpected healing time in the middle of the desert. 📍 Location Salt Lakes, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt Relaxing under the hot sun and in the cold salt lake. Time and reality were forgotten here.

#ThailandAirlineEvent I took a tour around Siwa Oasis in Egypt by tuk-tuk. It was so new because it had a completely different atmosphere from other parts of Egypt, and I really liked the quiet and secluded feeling. The tuk-tuk was driven by a local guide, and even though I didn't speak English well, I was able to communicate well with hand gestures. It was comfortable because it went around every nook and cranny from the Shali Fortress to the salt lake, the Amun Temple, and the center of the oasis, and I was able to feel the local atmosphere of Siwa more deeply. The view from the top of the Shali Fortress is so pretty, and the yellow-colored buildings look like a painting when the sun sets. The salt lake was still clear and mysterious, and since I was traveling by tuk-tuk, I could enjoy the scenery while feeling the wind while moving, which was a different kind of fun. The entire city is quiet and relaxed, so if you like a leisurely trip to see and feel things rather than a fast trip, Siwa is the best choice. I recommend taking the tuk-tuk tour in the morning when it's not too hot or at sunset. 📍 Location Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

During a tour of the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, I tried sandboarding in the Sahara Desert. At first, I thought, "Sandboarding in the desert? Really?" But yes, you actually do it. Carrying a board up the endless sand dunes and sliding down was both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking, but the excitement outweighed the fear. While sandboarding, I could feel the serenity and grandeur of the desert with my whole body. Sliding down the dunes, the sound of the wind and the scattering sand created a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Even if you fall, it's okay—you can just sink into the soft sand. It was a fun and safe activity. The Sahara Desert is truly a special place. Just walking or gazing at it is enough to leave you in awe. Experiencing an activity like this in such a place made for unforgettable memories. If you ever visit Egypt, make sure to try sandboarding at least once.

I spent an entire day touring the city of Siwa Oasis in Egypt on a tuk-tuk. This tranquil and peaceful oasis village, located in the middle of the desert, offered a refreshing experience. Riding the tuk-tuk with the breeze on my face made the hot weather much more bearable. The tuk-tuk driver, a local from Siwa, was well-versed in the area's major historical sites, allowing us to navigate efficiently. He also made sure to stop at great photo spots, which added to the overall satisfaction of the tour. Our first stop was the Shali Fortress, where the crumbling mud walls stood as a testament to history. The view of Siwa from the top was absolutely stunning. We then visited the Temple of Amun, Cleopatra's Bath, and the Salt Lakes, each offering a unique atmosphere that kept the tour engaging. Passing through the local market was also memorable, as I got to observe the daily lives of the merchants and browse for souvenirs. The tuk-tuk tour turned out to be much more rewarding than expected and far more efficient than walking. In a vast and serene area like Siwa, utilizing local transportation truly enhances the travel experience. 📍 Location Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

As soon as I arrived at Siwa Oasis, I took a tuk-tuk tour. The weather was too hot for walking, and the distances between tourist spots were quite far, so riding a tuk-tuk turned out to be a great choice. With a local driver, I visited Shali Fortress, Amun Temple, the Salt Lake, and the city market. The feeling of the breeze while riding was refreshing, and seeing the oasis scenery up close was a unique experience. Shali Fortress still has its crumbling mud walls intact, allowing you to feel the ancient history of Siwa. The view from the top was breathtaking. I also stopped by modest Islamic mosques and local markets, where the people of Siwa were incredibly friendly, and the tuk-tuk driver was cheerful. Thanks to the tuk-tuk, I could comfortably explore the vast and hot Siwa, capturing every little scene of its charm. Tuk-tuks can navigate narrow paths that big buses or cars cannot, which made the experience even more satisfying. 📍 Location Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

#ThailandFlightEvent Siwa Oasis was one of the most mysterious places during my trip to Egypt. Among them, the Temple of Amun was a must-see. It was a ruin that remained in the middle of the desert, but standing inside it made me feel like I had traveled back in time thousands of years. In particular, there is a legend that Alexander the Great came to receive an oracle, so when I stood there in person, I felt a strange tension and excitement at the same time. Each wall and pillar that looked like ruins seemed to contain a story from that time, and the dry air and quiet scenery made the atmosphere even more dramatic. The temple was not large, but it was full of spiritual energy that contrasted with the quiet desert. There were few tourists, so I was able to appreciate it quietly, and the sight of the sunlight seeping into the ruins at sunset was truly impressive. 📍Location Temple of the Oracle of Amun, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt An ancient temple I encountered in the desert. If you want something deeper than the glamour of Egypt, the Siwa Oasis is a must-see.

One of the most tranquil and mystical places in Egypt, I visited Siwa Oasis. The salt lake in the middle of the desert sparkled with emerald hues, and its beauty was truly hard to believe. The high salinity of the water allows you to float effortlessly, and it even made my skin feel smoother, offering a more rejuvenating experience than a spa. The lake's scenery, reflecting the sky like a mirror, was so overwhelming that it couldn't be fully captured by a camera. As for the Temple of Amun, though it stands in ruins, it still exudes a powerful presence. Knowing that Alexander the Great himself visited this site to receive an oracle made standing there feel like stepping into the heart of ancient mythology. Exploring the ruins amidst Siwa's unique serene and peaceful atmosphere felt like time had come to a standstill. 📍 Location Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt (Search "Temple of the Oracle of Amun" or "Siwa Salt Lakes" on GPS) Siwa was the most extraordinary and mystical experience of my Egypt trip. The desert, salt lake, and historical sites all left a lasting impression.

The Siwa Oasis in Egypt is famous for its salt lake, but the city of Siwa itself is beautiful and makes you feel like you've traveled back in time 🌴 Tuk-tuks are the norm instead of passenger cars. Also, since it's a city in the desert, it's a bit earthy, so if you're concerned about that, it's useful to have a scarf that covers your mouth. The city is compact, so it's recommended to walk slowly. It's a warm city where local children will greet you enthusiastically. There are plenty of facilities necessary for sightseeing, such as museums and ruins, restaurants serving local cuisine, souvenir shops related to the salt lake and desert 🏜️, and shops. The city center is a bit noisy with car directional sounds and horns, so if you want to enjoy a quiet time, we recommend going to a location a little away from the center. #0yentravel

#AprilTravelSupport My experience at Siwa Salt Lake was truly unforgettable. I was completely absorbed in the beauty of nature as I floated on the endless salt-covered lake. I was able to fully enjoy my own time in the tranquil scenery, and the sparkling salt surface reflecting the sunlight was truly beautiful. It was a truly special experience, and I definitely want to go back. #SiwaSaltLake #SaltLakeTravel #RelaxationInNature #PeacefulLandscape

#AprilTravelSupport Floating on the Siwa Salt Lake was truly an unforgettable moment. Floating on the vast and endless salt lake gave me a mystical feeling as if I was floating in space. The salt covered the surface of the lake, so it felt like I was walking on a sparkling salt floor rather than water. The sky and surrounding scenery I saw while floating above it were truly spectacular, and the light of the salt reflecting in the sunlight added to its beauty as it shone like a jewel. In the silence of the surroundings, I felt like I had become one with nature, and the time I spent here was so peaceful and healing that it felt like time had stopped. The quiet and mysterious atmosphere of the Siwa Salt Lake gave me a special experience that cannot be compared to anything else. #SiwaSaltLake #SaltLakeTravel #BecomingOneWithNature #QuietScenery #SaltLakeExperience #MysteryOfNature

#AprilTravelSupportThe experience of floating on the Siwa Salt Lake was truly amazing. The entire lake was covered in salt, so the feeling of floating on the water was special, like walking on a starry night sky. The salt crystals sparkled in the sunlight, and it was a spectacular sight in itself, and I could feel nature completely in the quiet atmosphere around me. I was able to enjoy the tranquility of being in my own world while floating on the vast and endless lake, and everything came together perfectly, making it a truly healing moment. #SiwaSaltLake #SaltLakeExperience #PeacefulTravel #BeautyOfNature #HealingTravel

#AprilTravelSupportThe moment I was floating on the salt lake was truly mystical. Floating on the salt-covered lake, I felt like I was walking on the bottom, not the water. The calm and endless scenery made me feel like I was in another world. The salt sparkled as the sunlight shone, and the reflected light was so beautiful, and I experienced a moment where it felt like only me and nature existed in the calm atmosphere around me. The peacefulness of that moment was so deeply moving that I can't express it in words. #SaltLake #MysteriousLandscape #CharmOfNature #SaltLakeExperience #PeacefulTravel

#AprilTravelSupportThe experience of floating on the salt lake in Siwa was truly unique and wonderful. The surface of the lake was covered with salt, so it felt like floating on the clear and calm waves, as if I was in a dream. The surrounding scenery was so peaceful that I couldn't say anything and just immersed myself in the beauty of nature. As I floated on the salt lake, I felt like the sky and the earth were connected, and while enjoying that quiet time, my mind also felt organized. The wind was also blowing coolly, so every moment felt like a special gift to me. #SiwaSaltLake #SaltLakeTravel #QuietTime #RelaxationInNature #TheGreatnessOfNature

#AprilTravelSupportThe experience of floating on the Siwa Salt Lake was truly a dreamlike time. The feeling of floating on the vast salt lake was like being in another world, and the surroundings were so quiet and peaceful that I felt like I was one with nature. The surface of the lake was covered with sparkling salt crystals, so it felt like walking on ice, and it created a mysterious atmosphere. The light reflecting under the sunlight was really beautiful, and while floating while looking at the scenery, I felt like all my worries disappeared. I felt the greatness of nature in the silence that seemed to be cut off from the world and healed. It's a place I really want to go back to. #SiwaSaltLake #RelaxationInNature #QuietScenery #SaltLakeExperience #HealingTravel

#HawaiiFlightEvent Small and large pools each have their own charm. Small pools are cozy in themselves and feel like a personal space. They are in harmony with the surrounding nature and are perfect for dipping your feet in the water or taking a light swim. They have a small and simple charm, allowing you to spend more comfortable and leisurely time. Also, these small pools are often less visited by people and often retain their natural appearance. On the other hand, large pools have a wide and open charm that matches their size. You can enjoy leisurely swimming or freely moving your body in the water, allowing you to do various activities. Large pools themselves provide more space for people and sometimes allow you to better appreciate the magnificent natural scenery. In addition to swimming in the water, large pools have the advantage of allowing you to feel the surrounding environment more spaciously and experience more nature. Small pools provide personal healing, while large pools offer more active and diverse experiences. The two pools have different charms depending on their size and purpose, and the peace and vitality that can be obtained from each environment is special in itself.

#HawaiiFlightEvent I had a really special time swimming in the Oasis. I could forget the heat of the desert when I got into the blue and clear water. The quiet atmosphere of the Oasis and the surrounding nature made me feel like I was in another world. I could avoid the hot desert sun and feel the cool breeze while swimming in the water. Swimming in this peaceful environment was truly healing itself, and it was the most memorable moment of my trip.

#HawaiiFlightEvent I once again felt the beauty of the desert while swimming in the oasis of Siwa. The moment of soaking in the clear water and feeling the quiet nature around me was so peaceful. I was able to completely heal myself while soaking in the cool water of the oasis and forgetting the hot weather. The scene where the vast landscape of the desert and the water come together was truly special and a unique experience that could only be felt here. The time spent leisurely swimming and appreciating the beauty of nature remained as an unforgettable memory.

#HawaiiAirlineEvent I enjoyed swimming in the oasis of Siwa. I could forget the heat of the desert and feel cool while soaking in the clear and clean water. The nature around the oasis was really beautiful, and I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere there while swimming. The wind, sunlight, and quiet scenery I felt while swimming in the water were really fantastic. It was special to be able to have such a peaceful experience in the middle of the desert. In particular, it was even better because the water was deep and wide, so I could swim freely. Swimming in the oasis of Siwa was a special memory of my trip.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The salt lake had a truly unique charm. The color of the water changed depending on the depth of the lake, so in one place it was dark and deep, and in another place it was clear and bright. It was truly amazing to see all these colors constantly changing as they reflected the sunlight. Some areas were so deep that you couldn't see the bottom of the water, while other areas felt calm and peaceful. Floating in this salt lake with its various appearances allowed me to fully experience the wonders of nature, and the experience remained as a very special memory.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The salt lake had a truly unique charm. The color of the water changed depending on the depth of the lake, so in one place it was dark and deep, and in another place it was clear and bright. It was truly amazing to see all these colors constantly changing as they reflected the sunlight. Some areas were so deep that you couldn't see the bottom of the water, while other areas felt calm and peaceful. Floating in this salt lake with its various appearances allowed me to fully experience the wonders of nature, and the experience remained as a very special memory.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The Sea and Salt Lakes were a natural wonder in their own right. It was amazing how different areas of different depths and sizes coexisted in one lake. Some areas were small and deep, so they had darker colors, while others were wide and shallow, so they had bright colors. These various appearances harmoniously blended together, allowing me to fully experience the beauty of nature. The scenery, which changed like a painting as the water color changed according to the sunlight, was truly captivating. The Sea and Salt Lakes gave me a special experience just by floating in the water.

The salt lakes in Siwa are fascinating because they come in various forms. Some are small and deep, while others are vast and seemingly endless. The water colors also vary, ranging from deep blue to light turquoise, and they change depending on the sunlight, creating a stunning visual effect. Among them, the lakes with deep, dark hues that seem bottomless are particularly mysterious. Despite being salt lakes, each one offers a completely different allure, making it enjoyable to explore and admire. I remember spending a long time marveling at their beauty. Make sure to find the prettiest spots!

#HawaiiFlightEvent The moment I immersed myself in the salt lake of Siwa, the feeling of the water gently pushing me up and floating on its own was so amazing. I didn't know the salinity would be this high, and I laughed because I didn't sink even though I pushed hard in the water. It was so comfortable that I felt like I was floating in the air, and the time I spent floating looking at the sky was an indescribable healing. As I let my body go to the water and floated without thinking, all the fatigue from the trip disappeared. It was a magical moment of nature that can only be felt in Siwa.

#HawaiiAirlineEvent The salt lake of Siwa Oasis made me feel like I was in another world. The salinity was so high that my body floated naturally as soon as I put my feet in, and that moment was really amazing and fun. The feeling of floating on the water as if lying in the air without exerting any strength made me forget about gravity. The warm sunlight and the quiet scenery combined to make my mind calm, and the time spent floating on the water felt like meditation. The salt lake experienced in an exotic atmosphere was the highlight of my trip to Siwa.

#HawaiiAirlineEvent The experience at the salt lake was an unforgettable moment. As soon as I immersed myself in the clear, transparent water, I was amazed that I floated without any strength, and it felt as if gravity had disappeared. The bottom of the water was sparkling with white salt crystals, and the way they reflected the sunlight was so beautiful. The water tasted very salty, and my skin was left with a slippery salty feeling, but even that was a special experience. It was a truly healing time to feel the mystery of nature with my whole body in the quiet scenery.

#HawaiiAirlineEvent The experience at the salt lake was an unforgettable moment. As soon as I immersed myself in the clear, transparent water, I was amazed that I floated without any strength, and it felt as if gravity had disappeared. The bottom of the water was sparkling with white salt crystals, and the way they reflected the sunlight was so beautiful. The water tasted very salty, and my skin was left with a slippery salty feeling, but even that was a special experience. It was a truly healing time to feel the mystery of nature with my whole body in the quiet scenery.

#HawaiiFlightEvent “That moment was so blissful. While floating on the water, all my worries disappeared and I could just enjoy the moment. The freedom and peace I felt as my body floated naturally was truly an unforgettable memory. The feeling I had at that time was a deep satisfaction that is hard to express in words.”