Have you ever heard of Siwa Oasis in Egypt? Well, if you haven't then you'll definitely want to, and if you have - well, this guide is going to be your best friend.
During our week in Egypt we had plenty of locals telling us we were crazy for trying to squeeze Siwa into our itinerary. "It's super far, and in the middle of nowhere." or "there are so many other places you should visit in Egypt".
Well, we're happy we didn't listen to them, because the Siwa Oasis in Egypt was hands-down one of our favorite places in the country! It's so much more than some salt pools - it's a pure paradise for those who love raw nature and authentic experiences.
In this guide we're going to share everything you need to to know for visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt, so that you can plan an epic trip there like we did.
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Where is Siwa Oasis in Egypt?
Siwa Oasis is located all the way in the north west of Egypt, just 30 miles from the border of Libya. It's 350 miles west of Cairo, in the middle of Western desert.
How Do I Get to Siwa Oasis?
Now you know where Siwa Oasis is in Egypt, but how do you get there? Well, we're here to break down the different options.
Can You Fly From Cairo to Siwa?
The airport in Siwa is not currently in operation, so you cannot fly to Siwa, and can only travel there by land.
Can You Drive to Siwa Oasis?
You can definitely drive to Siwa Oasis! You can rent a car in Cairo, and the drive is about 8-10 hours. We originally were thinking to do this option, but due to lack of time and long distances, we opted to look for other options.
The drive to Siwa is almost all desert, so if you do decide to drive, we suggest taking the coastal route and stopping at one of the beach towns along the way.
How Do I Go From Cairo to Siwa Oasis?
There are two other options that you can take for getting to Siwa Oasis from Cairo, which are to take an organized tour to Siwa, or take a bus from Cairo to Siwa.
The bus is the most affordable option, which is an overnight bus. It leaves from Turgoman Station every night at 9:30 pm, and tickets are 340 Egyptian Pounds per person.
Buses from Siwa Oasis to Cairo
Buses back from Siwa are also overnight, and you can get either a minibus or a larger bus.
Tickets for the minibus can be purchased from the Siwa Minibus Station (6G4C+G4V, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011353, Egypt), or from the "Siwa Bus Station & Tickets" (Shali Square, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011325, Egypt).
Tickets for the larger buses (which we took) can be purchased at the main station (6G49+2HQ, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011346, Egypt).
Tours from Cairo to Siwa Oasis in Egypt
The easiest option for visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt is to take an organized tour. This is the pricer option, but a bit more comfortable.
Here are a couuple of multi-day tours that you can sign up for from Cairo to Siwa:
Entry Requirements for Siwa Oasis in Egypt
In order to visit Siwa Oasis you'll have to travel there internally from another place in Egypt.
There are no specific requirements to travel to Siwa, but we do suggest having your passport with you while traveling there.
If you'd like to know more about the entry requirements for traveling to Egypt, you can check them out in our complete Egypt travel guide.
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Local Adjustments for Visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt
Now that you know how to get to Siwa Oasis in Egypt, let's go over some of the "know before you go" details.
What Language is Spoken in Siwa Oasis?
While Egypt as a country speaks Arabic, there is also a native language in Siwa! It's completely different, and is only spoken, not written.
Luckily the locals work hard to learn English, and you can mostly get by by speaking in English.
What Currency is Used in Siwa Oasis?
While Siwa does have its own language, they do use the same currency as the rest of Egypt, which is the Egyptian pound.
Currently (May 2024) 1 USD is equivalent to 48 Egyptian Pounds.
There are hardly any places that accept credit cards, so we definitely suggest taking cash out before arriving. If you run out of cash though, there are a couple of ATMs in the center of the town of Siwa Oasis.
What Kind of Adapter Do I Need for Egypt?
Egypt uses plug types C & F which have two round pins, just like the ones in Europe. The country runs on a 220V Supply Voltage and 50Hz.
If you are from the US, you will need a travel adapter to plug in your electronics in.
Is There Fresh Water in Siwa Oasis to Drink?
The water in Siwa Oasis is not suitable to drink, so you'll have to stick to bottled water. We suggest buying a large jug of water to keep in your hotel room, and then you can refill a reusable water bottle to keep your water cool.
Tipping in Siwa, Egypt
The general tipping standard in Egypt is 10%, and up to 15% if you recieved really good service. Service in Siwa is typically not included, so make sure to leave some cash for your server.
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Things to Do in Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt, here are the best things to do in Siwa.
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Experience the Salt Pools
The salt pools are the number one highlight of Siwa Oasis in Egypt, and the main reason that people travel such long distances to visit here.
Siwa is known for its salt mining, and when they mine for salt they dig deep holes, forming small salt pools. They are the clearest turquoise color, and you can float effortlessly in them!
The entire area is full of pools of different sizes, and they are constantly changing. You could easily spend hours visiting this area!
The salt pools are the number one attraction in Siwa.
Important notes about the salt pools of Siwa:
- Do not let the water get near your eyes, or touch your eyes after being in the water.
- Be careful not to drop anything in the pools! It's not possible to dive into the water and your belongings will be gone.
- Take extra care of any electronics! The water is so salty that even a couple of drops can destroy your phone or camera (RIP to our Sony A7Riii).
- Have plenty of fresh water to rinse off after.
- Wear shoes to avoid the sharp areas around the pool.
Relax in the Hot Springs
After visiting the cold, salty pools, there is no better feeling than getting into one of the many hot springs in the area! Here are a few we recommend:
Aman Ykdencamp Hot Spring
This beautiful place has a pool of super hot water, is surrounded by greenery, and has a cool lounge to hang out at. Open until 1 am, this is a popular place to come in the evenings to hang out and have a drink.
Bir Wahed Sulphuric Hot Spring
This spring is located right in the desert, and is perfect to be paired with the nearby cold spring.
Almaza Hot Spring
This natural hot spring has a small charge for entering, and you can bring your own drinks, as well as spend a night at the camp.
Hayaat Siwa Hot Spring
This is not just a hot spring, but a resort with sand dunes, pools, a garden, a shared kitchen, and luxury tents.
Cool Off at Clepoatra Spring
With hot and sunny days in Siwa, you'll not only want to relax in hot springs, but take a moment to cool off in the cold springs! The most popular one is Cleopatra spring, which has turquoise waters, and is surrounded by a few restaurants and shops.
Roam the Shali Fortress
The Shali fortress dates back to the 13th century, and was abandoned by locals after a large storm.
Now it looks like a giant sand castle, and is open to roam freely. We particularly loved visiting for sunset, and definitely recommend spending at least an hour to wander the maze-like structure.
Watch the Sunset at Fatnas Island
Another stunning place to catch the sunset is Fatnas island, where you can find a cute little bar overlooking Siwa Lake. They have plenty of tables, chairs, and even a couple of seating areas sitting right on the water.
Drive the Long Road Next to Siwa Lake
Right across from Fatnas island you'll find a long road stretching several kilometers over Siwa Lake. Goma took us here and we had a beautiful reflection of the lake during golden hour before heading to Fatnas Island.
Visit Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis as a whole has quite a few bodies of water worth visiting, and there are a couple of oasis's that are named "Siwa Oasis".
The one to the east of Siwa town is the one you'll see that is right next to the salt ponds. But Goma also recommended us to visit the one on the west of Siwa Lake.
We ended up running out of time and didn't make it there, but it certainly is on the list for our next visit!
Explore Gabel Al-Mawta Mountain
Known as the Mountain of the Dead, this hill right outside the town of Siwa Oasis is home to dozens of tombs. You can even walk inside some of them and see ancient carvings with the colors of the paint remaining.
Not only is this an interesting place to walk around, but it has fantastic views around it.
The Mountain of the dead is full of tombs and great views.
Enjoy the Views From Dakrur Mountain
Another incredible place to enjoy great views of Siwa Oasis in Egypt is Dakrur Mountain. The three-peaked mountain is also full of scattered caves, and offers views of Siwa and the natural landscapes around it.
Explore the Sand Dunes
As Siwa Oasis in Egypt is surrounded by desert, there are plenty of great sand dunes to explore! Simply ask your guide to take you, and you can roam the endless mounds of sand, or perhaps watch the sunrise or sunset from one of them.
Check Out Temple of the Oracle (Amon Temple)
After Shali Fortress, this is definitely one of the coolest historical attractions in Siwa to visit.
Amon temple is open from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday to Thursday, and is closed on Fridays. Tickets are 240 Egyptian Pounds, and it takes 10-20 minutes to walk around the entire temple.
Stop by the Temple of Umm Abayd
Located right down the road from Amon Temple is another small temple. Umm Abayd is mostly in ruins, but still has one wall remaining which you can still see ancient carvings in. It is right off the side of the road, and is free to enter.
Shop at the Issa Salt Factory
As Siwa Oasis in Egypt is known for its salt, it has become one of the main sources for products and souvenirs in the city.
Issa Salt Factory is where you can find a ton of handmade products from Siwa, not just of salt products, but a few other products too! Some of our favorite souvenirs we took home with us were the beautiful salt lamps, the spices, and the olive-wood kitchen products.
Shop at the Bazaar
Located right next to Shali fortress is a small bazaar where you can find plenty of great souvenirs just like the Issa Salt Factory. This area is perfect to explore after dinner, and to take home some great gifts with you.
There is a bazaar right outside of Shali Fortress.
Siwa Pottery School
Looking for a fun activity that's a bit different while in Siwa? There is a school run by two locals that do free pottery classes for local children, as well as classes for tourists.
This is the perfect way to support the locals, as well as take a fun and unique souvenir home with you from Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
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Siwa Oasis Local Food & Drink
Not many people talk about the cuisine of Egypt, but we quickly fell in love with the food and drinks they had! Full of spices and tender meats, Siwan meals are often heavy and full of flavor, with very generous portions.
Alcohol is not served, but you can find a lot of fresh juices, smoothies, and mocktails.
As we visited during Ramadan, most restaurants weren't open until after sunset, so we had to opt for buying groceries during the day, and eating out at night. That being said, we did have quite a few meals that we absolutely loved and recommend.
Foods to Try in Siwa
Here were a few of our favorite foods & drinks that we recommend trying while visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt:
- Koshary: our favorite Egyptian dish which consists of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and crsipy onions in a tomato-based sauce
- Mbekba Pasta: a tomato based stew with pasta and a choice of meat
- Shakshuka: eggs cooked in a tomato-based sauce with spices
- Date Juice: more like a smoothie, local dates are used with coffee, bananas, and sometimes other sweet ingredients
- Egyptian Breakfast: eggs, pita bread, falafel, salad, and yogurt
- Olive Chicken: grilled chicken on olive wood cooked under the fire with rice
- Mulukhiyah: a stew made from a blend of a local plant (jute), garlic, and coriander
Fun Fact: In Siwa there is a term "kemela" which you can say if you've enjoyed your meal and have finished, but want more. They will typically bring you more food for no charge!
Amazing Restaurants in Siwa
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants that we ate at in Siwa:
Koshary Karim
If you have time for just one restaurant in Siwa, let it be Koshary Karim!
This small restaurant has the best Koshary ever. It has a small outdoor patio that's romantically lit with cushions and serves generous portions for great prices.
Abu Ayman
This humble-looking restaurant may not look like anything special, but boy is the food good! With local homecooking and friendly staff, this is the perfect place to really enjoy Siwan hospitality.
Jubana Cafe
Located right next to Cleopatra Spring, this cute cafe serves local Siwan food and the best date juice you'll ever have! (It's not just date juice- it's a mix of dates, coffee, and bananas).
How Do You Get Around in Siwa?
Getting to Siwa Oasis in Egypt can be done by public transportation, but getting around Siwa itself is a bit tricker.
Siwa is a small town, and while you can explore the center by foot, you'll need transportation to get around to all of the surrounding sites.
These can only be reached via tuk tuk or car, so you have two options: to drive yourself, or to hire a guide.
Renting a Car in Siwa
There are no rental cars in Siwa, so unless you rent a car in Cairo and drive, you won't have the means to rent something to get around.
Hiring a Guide in Siwa
When we arrived in Siwa with no way to get around, we realized we'd absolutely need a guide to be able to explore.
While we originally thought this would be a great way to get around, it was even better than we imagined! Our guide Goma brought us to a ton of places we didn't even know existed, like a few hidden pools away from the rest.
He also taught us so much about the history and culture of Siwa itself, making our experience even more incredible.
If you'd like to hire Goma as a guide, please email us. (We don't want to put his phone number on the internet for anyone to find).
Having a guide is the best way to explore Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
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Where to Stay in Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Despite its small size, there are plenty of options for places to stay in Siwa! We suggest one of two options - staying in a desert resort, or staying in a budget-friendly hostel.
The best area for staying in a hostel is near Shali Fortress. We stayed here and found it perfect as the views around the area are stunning, and it's walking distance to all of the best restaurants and shops, as well as the bus station.
Hotel Recommendations for Siwa Oasis in Egypt
Here are some of our top hotel recommendations for Siwa:
Adrere Amellal
This is the most bucket-list worthy hotel in Siwa, and one of the coolest places to stay in all of Egypt.
Adrere Amellal is a true paradise resort tucked away into the desert, and is frequented by celebrities as a luxury getaway.
Siwa Relax Retreat
This is another excellent resort option in Siwa. The adults-only resort is an eco-lodge located on the shores of the lake, and also has a pool with beautiful views right on the water.
Nalnshal Siwa
This is the place that we stayed, and we loved it! It is a great budget-friendly option, it has a great rooftop restaurant (with breakfast included), and is right next to Shali Fortress.
Want to check out other options? Here are some more Hotels in Siwa.
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Is it Safe to Visit Siwa Oasis?
Siwa Oasis is a super safe place to visit, and we always felt welcome by the locals while we were there.
The people of Siwa are extremely friendly, and Egypt as a whole was much safer than we had anticipated.
The military has taken control of a lot in the country, and you'll find many police on the streets armed. This isn't something to be afraid of though! Crime rates are at an all time low, and it's very safe to travel in Egypt right now, as long as you stay away from the borders.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt
Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt! But here are a few other things to keep in mind when you go.
Weather in Siwa, Egypt
As Siwa is located in the desert, it experiences very dry and hot weather most of the year. The summer months are particularly hot, while the winters are a bit milder and pleasant.
What Month is Best for Siwa?
The best months for visiting Siwa are September through December. This is when the weather isn't overbearingly hot, and there are a lot of celebrations going on.
October is definitely the best month to visit Siwa Oasis in Egypt, as they also have a big festival!
What Do You Wear to Siwa?
While visiting the nature around Siwa Oasis, you are free to wear whatever you'd like! We suggest light and comfortable clothing, and having a bathing suit with you for the pools and hot springs.
When you are in town you should cover up. While it's not a law or anything, as tourists it's important to be respectful of the locals. Simply bring a light shawl to go over your shoulders or a long skirt to cover your legs.
Make sure to bring some conservative clothing to walk around the city.
Packing For a Trip to Siwa Oasis in Egypt
Here are some of the things we recommend bringing to Siwa:
- Sunscreen (the sun is extremely strong)
- Aloe (we mean really strong)
- Bug Spray
- Insulated Water Bottle (to hold the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Sneakers
- Small Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market and last super long)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap)
- 2 Towels (one for the beach, one for showering)
- Travel adapter (we recommend Insignia travel adapters)
- USB phone charger (to use on the bus)
- Bathing Suits
- Shorts
- Conservative clothing (for the city)
- Shawls (to put over your shoulders or around your legs)
- Camera - (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Wide Lens for astrophotography, caves, and other wide angle-shots (we use the Sony GM 14mm F1.8)
- Action Camera (we use the GoPro for underwater shots, and the Insta 360 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Case Mate Phone Pouch)
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Is Siwa Oasis Worth Visiting?
Despite the long journey to get there, we have to say it is absolutely worth visiting Siwa Oasis in Egypt!
It is one of the most incedibly unique places we have visited, and really is a hidden gem of the world (although probably not for long!).
Don't sleep on Siwa Oasis! Take that overnight bus journey and make the effort because you will not regret it.
Siwa Oasis in Egypt is definitely worth visiting!
How Many Days is Enough for Siwa Oasis in Egypt?
2 full days and 1 night is enough to see the highlights of Siwa Oasis in Egypt. However, we recommend staying at least 2 nights and 3 days, so that you can really see a bit more of what the area has to offer.
4-5 days is perfect if you want to truly immerse in the culture of Siwa, as well as experience some of the hidden gems surrounding Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
We suggest spending 2-3 days in Siwa.
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So are you ready for your trip to the beautiful Siwa Oasis in Egypt? We're sure you're going to fall in love with this slice of paradise just as much as we did!
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