2025 Qesm Siwah Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Located in the western part of Egypt, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Siwa Oasis is one of the most serene places to visit in Egypt. Flanked by towering date palms and encompassed by several picturesque water springs, this charming little oasis makes for one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the Western Desert. This place is surrounded by the remnants of a magnificent mud-brick fortification. Siwa Oasis can be the perfect base from where you can plan your adventure tours to the vast surrounding desert. The oasis is inhabited by Berber-speaking Sudanic peoples who live in mud-brick houses at the foot of their former strongholds. Ten miles (16 km) northeast is the small oasis of Al-Zaytūn (Zeitun), and westward a chain of little oases and small salty pools extends for about 50 miles (80 km). Siwa Oasis is extremely fertile and supports thousands of date palms and olive trees. The export of dates and olive oil provide the chief source of income, supplemented by basketry.

#mytraveldiary ✨ Highlights • 🌊 Crystal-clear turquoise salt lakes with surreal reflections • 🛶 Float effortlessly – saltier than the Dead Sea • 🌅 Stunning desert-meets-water scenery for photography • 🧖♀️ Known for natural healing & relaxation benefits 🕒 Best Time to Visit • October–April (cooler desert weather) 🌤️ 💡 Tips • Wear swimwear 👙 – floating is a must-try • Bring water 💧 to rinse off the salt after swimming #mytraveldiary #holidayitinerary #myitinerary #travel #staycation #familytravel #coupletrip #eygpt

#holidayitinerary *Heat shimmers over 300,000 date palms rising from salt-crusted earth. You bike past olive groves and crumbling karsheef (salt-rock) walls, donkeys braying in dusty alleys. At Shali Fortress, honeycombed ruins glow gold at dusk. Nights are black velvet pierced by a million stars; days float in Cleopatra’s Spring—warm mineral pools under palm shade. Time bends. Salt lakes mirror the sky so perfectly, you walk on clouds. No crowds, no noise—just wind, water, and 10,000 years of solitude.* Mini-Guide Essentials: 📍 Core Sights: Shali Fortress: Crumbling 13th-c. citadel (climb for sunset panoramas). Fatnas Island: Palm-fringed tea huts on a salt lake (go for golden hour). Cleopatra’s Spring: Swim where she bathed (lush, warm pool). Salt Lakes: Float effortlessly in electric-blue water (Lake Siwa/Maraki). Oracle Temple: Ruins where Alexander sought destiny. 🚙 Getting There: From Cairo: 8–10hr drive (private 4x4) or bus to Marsa Matruh + taxi (4hr). Within Siwa: Rent bikes/tuk-tuks—no cars in old town alleys. ⏰ Best Time: Oct–Apr (days 25°C, nights crisp). Avoid Jul–Aug (45°C+). ⚠️ Key Tips: Cash only: Few ATMs (Egyptian pounds). Respect culture: Cover shoulders/knees; ask before photographing locals. Hydrate: Tap water is saline—drink bottled. Sunscreen + sandals: Essential for salt lakes (crystals cut bare feet). 🍴 Taste Siwa: Tagilla: Clay-pot stew with lamb, dates, and Siwan olives. Feteer: Flaky pastry drenched in local honey. Olive oil: Golden, peppery, pressed in stone mills. ✨ Secret Magic: Dakrour Mountain: Bury yourself in warm sand for natural therapy (Bedouin tradition). Hayat Hot Spring: Soak under stars in a palm-girded thermal pool. Why It Stays With You: Siwa defies the desert. It’s an oasis of contradictions: harsh sun yet gentle waters, ancient ruins yet living traditions, silence yet vibrant Berber spirit. You leave with salt in your hair, dates in your pocket, and the Sahara’s heartbeat echoing in your bones. For the Soul-Seeker: Sleep in an eco-lodge under palm-thatch roofs. Join a full-moon desert safari → campfire tales with Bedouins. Find the "Mountain of the Dead" → tombs carved with Greek and Siwan stars. "In Siwa, you don’t escape the world—you rediscover it." 🌴🏜️

#holidayitinerary After dark, you slip through palm shadows to a natural stone pool. Steam rises into cold desert air as you sink into velvet-warm water. Above, the Milky Way bleeds across black sky; below, silica mud squishes between toes. No lights, no voices—just the sigh of wind over dunes and your own breath echoing off ancient rock. For centuries, Siwans believed these springs healed body and soul. Tonight, you believe it too. Mini-Guide Essentials: 📍 Location: 2km south of Shali Fortress → follow dirt path past Birket Siwa Lake (ask locals: "أين عين الحياة؟"). Hidden among palms – GPS: 29.1925°N, 25.5563°E. 🚶 Access: Walk or bike from town (20 mins – bring flashlight). Tuk-tuk at night (negotiate round-trip; ₵30 EGP). ⏰ Best Time: Winter nights (chilly air + hot water contrast). Post-sunset (stargazing while soaking). Avoid midday – no shade, water feels scalding. 💧 The Water: Temperature: 38-40°C (natural geothermal spring). Mineral-rich: Silica & sulfur → skin-softening, but rinse after! Depth: Waist-high → sit on smooth rock ledges. ⚠️ Key Tips: No facilities: Bring towel, water, sandals. Modesty: Wear swimwear under clothes; locals respect privacy but dress conservedly en route. Footwear: Rocky path → sturdy sandals essential. Solo caution: Tell your lodge when going at night. 🌌 Magic Moment: Float on your back – hot water cradling you, stars reflecting on the steamy surface like "sky-dunked diamonds." Why It’s Sacred: "Hayat ("Life") Spring isn’t just water—it’s desert alchemy. The Sahara’s cold nights make the heat profound; the silence makes your heartbeat loud. Siwans say night-soaking here mends wanderers’ souls." Pair With: **Dinner at Abdu Restaurant → try tagilla (clay-pot stew). Dakrour Mountain sand baths → thermals by night, warm sand therapy by day.

#summervacay Hayaat Siwa Hot Spring: Oasis of Life ("Hayaat" = "Life" in Arabic) Imagine sinking into a natural stone pool of turquoise water, steaming gently under a canopy of date palms, while the Great Sand Sea’s dunes ripple gold in the distance. This is Hayaat Spring: Siwa’s hidden geothermal gem, named for the life-giving power of its waters. Unlike touristy spots, Hayaat feels undiscovered—a sacred retreat where Bedouins still bathe at dawn. Key Features & Atmosphere The Waters: Temperature: Perfectly warm (≈ 35-40°C / 95-104°F), like a soothing bath. Color: Milky turquoise from dissolved minerals (sulfur, magnesium, calcium). Texture: Silky-smooth, leaving skin softened. Locals swear by its healing properties for joints and skin. The Setting: Natural Stone Pools: Carved by time into smooth rock, shaded by palms and acacias. Desert Silence: Only wind, bird calls, and bubbling springs. No crowds, no vendors. Night Magic: Soak under a blanket of stars—the Milky Way glitters unimpeded. Sacred Vibe: Ancient Siwans believed these waters channeled the baraka (blessing) of the earth. Today, it remains a place of quiet reflection. How to Experience It Morning Ritual: Arrive at sunrise. Mist rises off the water as desert hawks circle overhead. Floating Meditation: Lean back, ears submerged—hear only your heartbeat and distant dunes. Natural Spa: Rub mineral-rich mud (from spring edges) on skin; rinse in the pool for a glow. Tea with Locals: Bedouins often boil mint tea on nearby stones. Share a cup (always accept!). Practical Essentials Location: ≈ 12km southwest of Siwa Town, deep in palm groves. Requires a 4x4 or guided tour. Coordinates: Near Birket al-Maraqi Lake (ask locals for "Ain Hayaat"). Best Time: October–April (cooler months; summer days are scorching). Evenings for stargazing; dawn for solitude. What to Bring: Towel, swimwear (though locals bathe clothed; respect conservative norms if others are present). Water, snacks (no facilities). Sandals (rocky approach). Caution: Pools can be slippery. Test depth before diving. Avoid swallowing water (high mineral content). Don’t go alone—remote desert terrain. Why It’s Special "Hayaat isn’t a ‘hot spring experience’—it’s a communion with the desert’s pulse. As you soak in water that fell as rain centuries ago, filtered through volcanic rock, you feel the Sahara’s ancient heartbeat: fierce, nurturing, and profoundly alive." Local Secret Nearby, a smaller cold spring mixes with Hayaat’s flow—adjust temperature by moving between them! Final Tip: Leave no trace. This fragile Eden survives because travelers respect its silence. Carry out everything you carry in. Hayaat Spring is Siwa’s secret love letter to the weary soul. Come quiet, leave renewed. 🌅✨

#summervacay Imagine stepping onto a cracked, crystalline plain that glitters like snow under the Saharan sun. As you walk, the ground crunches beneath your feet, and ahead lies a pool of liquid turquoise so vivid it seems dyed by the sky. This is Siwa’s salt lake ecosystem: a hypnotic blend of harsh beauty and tranquil stillness, formed over millennia by underground springs meeting relentless evaporation. Key Features & Science The "Sabakha" (Salt Flats): Vast stretches of snow-white salt crusts, sometimes inches thick, formed as mineral-rich groundwater rises and evaporates in the desert heat. Texture ranges from brittle, honeycombed sheets to fluffy, cotton-like mounds. The Lakes’ Color Palette: Turquoise to Emerald: Caused by algae, salt concentration, and reflections of the sky. Sunset Alchemy: At dusk, waters turn rose-gold as dunes ignite behind them. Hypersaline Waters: Salt content exceeds 30% (denser than the Dead Sea!), making floating effortless. Healing Claims: Locals believe the mineral-rich mud and water soothe arthritis and skin ailments. Top Lakes to Experience Lake Siwa (Birket Siwa): The largest lake, wrapping around Fatnas Island. Shallow edges form perfect salt-crystal fields. Don’t miss: Floating at sunset when the water mirrors the dunes. Bir Wahed: A surreal contrast: A desert-hot spring (45°C/113°F) beside a deep-blue salt lake in the dunes. Swim in cold saltwater, then soak in the thermal pool—all surrounded by sand. Al-Maraqi Lake: A silent, lesser-visited lake east of Shali. Its glassy surface creates perfect sky reflections. The Magic of Floating Weightless Silence: Lie back in warm water, ears submerged, hearing only your heartbeat. The salt lifts you like hands. Crystalline Aftermath: As you emerge, salt dries into a glittering second skin—rinse off at freshwater springs. Ecological Notes Salt-Resilient Life: Microalgae and brine shrimp thrive here, attracting migratory birds (flamingos occasionally!). Fragile Balance: Lakes shrink in summer; winter rains revive them. Human water use threatens their future. Practical Tips Best Time: November–March (days: 25°C/77°F; nights cool). Avoid scorching summer (45°C+/113°F+). Protect Yourself: Wear waterproof sandals—salt crusts can be sharp! Rinse off post-swim to avoid skin irritation. Apply sunscreen—salt reflects UV rays intensely. Respect the Landscape: Don’t break salt formations; they take years to grow. Why It Feels Otherworldly “The salt lakes defy logic: water in the desert’s heart, solitude in vastness, stillness in a burning land. Floating here, cradled by mineral warmth, you grasp why ancient Egyptians believed Siwa was the gateway to Amun’s paradise.”

The salt lakes I visited in Siwa Oasis, Egypt, as part of the #ThaiAirTicketEvent were among the most mysterious places I've ever been to. From a distance, they look like ordinary ponds, but as you get closer, you'll be captivated by the crystal-clear and transparent water. The lakebed is covered with a white salt layer, giving the water an emerald-like glow, and the sky and clouds reflected on the surface create a picturesque scene. When you dip your feet into the salt lake, you can immediately feel the salty water, and it gives your skin a smooth sensation. Some lakes are suitable for swimming, and the water is so salty that your body floats effortlessly, which is quite fascinating. It's almost unbelievable to find such a cool and beautiful spot in the middle of the scorching desert. You can feel the crunch of salt crystals under your feet, and the open surroundings make it a perfect spot for photography. Visiting during sunset is especially magical, as the golden hues of the setting sun blend with the reflections on the water to create a truly enchanting view. If you're visiting Siwa Oasis, the salt lakes are an absolute must-see. 📍 Location Salt Lakes, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

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

Amid the endless expanse of the desert, an unbelievable emerald-colored water appears. The Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes were the most astonishing moments of my trip to Egypt. The water was so clear and salty that my body naturally floated, and the sunlight reflecting off the surface created a mirror-like image of the sky. It was quiet with few people around, and the open landscape made me feel truly embraced by nature. My skin felt softer, and my body lighter, offering a complete sense of healing. The photos turned out amazing, making it a highly recommended spot for capturing unforgettable shots. You could even see the salt crystals piled up on the lakebed, adding to the visual delight. 📍 Location Salt Lakes, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt A transparent miracle encountered in Egypt, it’s still incredible to think that such a lake exists in the middle of a desert.

#HawaiiAirTicketEvent The photo I took at the Siwa Fortress with the Egyptian flag was a truly meaningful moment. Looking at the vast desert landscape from the top of the fortress, the flag fluttering in the wind felt like it contained the history and pride of Egypt. The scene of the flag blending with the ancient architecture was truly symbolic, and at that moment, I felt completely immersed in the ancient civilization and great history of Egypt. The view from the Siwa Fortress was a special experience that I will always remember.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The photo I took at the Siwa Fortress with the Egyptian flag in my hand was a really special memory. When I climbed to the top of the fortress and unfurled the flag while looking at the vast desert landscape, that moment felt like I was deeply immersed in Egyptian history and culture. The scene with the flag fluttering in the wind and the ancient walls of the fortress as the background was so symbolic and impressive. The harmony of ancient civilization and modernity that I felt there was one of the most moving moments during my trip to Egypt.

#HawaiiFlightEvent There is no official large bus terminal in Siwa, but there is a small bus stop that is mainly used by locals and tourists. You can find the location by searching “Siwa Bus Station” or “West Delta Bus” on Google Maps. Buses operated by West Delta depart for Cairo or Marsa Matrouh.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The last cafe I visited in Siwa, Zadra Cafe, was still quiet and peaceful. I walked slowly through the familiar alleys and shops I had passed by many times and ordered my last mango juice. The mango juice here was so rich and smooth that it seemed to have real mango pulp in it, and I was amazed every time I drank it. I also liked that it didn’t taste diluted because it didn’t have a lot of ice in it. I sat in a quiet corner of the cafe and leisurely felt the wind and sounds of Siwa, and thought back on this short oasis trip. This lingering feeling that couldn’t be captured in a photo, along with the sweet taste of the mango juice, will probably remain in my memory for a long time. I was so happy that I could leave my last memory in Siwa like this.

#HawaiiFlightEvent Before leaving Siwa, I stopped by Zadra Cafe for the last time. This is one of the cafes with the best atmosphere in Siwa, and I had been there many times during my trip, so I had grown attached to it. On the last day, I packed my bags and went back to drink mango juice. The mango juice was sweet and strong, but also very refreshing, and it felt refreshing on my body after walking around under the hot sun all day. I sat in the cafe and leisurely looked out at the oasis, recalling my memories of Siwa. Riding a camel through the desert, seeing pink waves at the salt farm, and even the night sky filled with stars. All of those moments remained as sweet and vivid as a glass of mango juice. This last moment at Zadra Cafe was the perfect ending to my trip to Siwa.

#HawaiiFlightEvent Before leaving Siwa, I stopped by Zadra Cafe and drank mango juice. The cafe had the unique atmosphere of an oasis, and the view of Siwa from the outdoor table was very peaceful. I had already packed my bags and stopped by for a bit, so I felt strangely regretful. The mango juice was the strongest and most delicious thing I had in Siwa, and it was perfect for the hot weather, with ice cubes added to make it refreshing. There were locals quietly chatting around, and the only sounds I could hear were the sounds of camels and the wind, so it was very relaxing. My last time in Siwa ended with the mango juice from this cafe, which made it feel even more special. I drank the warmth of Siwa in my last sip, along with the regret of leaving.

#HawaiiFlightEvent Gabel e Mota was the place that gave me the most touching moment during my trip to Siwa. The sunset I saw from this place on the sand dunes was so beautiful that I couldn't even speak. The moment the sun slowly set behind the desert, the sky turned red and the surroundings became quiet, so it seemed as if time had stopped. I was a little out of breath on the way up, but as soon as I reached the top, all that fatigue was forgotten. I was able to really feel the local atmosphere while drinking tea made by the locals, and it was much more impressive to see with my eyes than in photos. If you only have one day in Siwa, you absolutely must go here. Recommended!⭐️

#HawaiiFlightEvent The tour in Siwa was the most unique and memorable experience during my trip to Egypt. The entire city seemed to have stopped in time, and the salt lake was so mysterious that I was speechless when I saw it in person. The experience of floating in the clear, blue salt water was truly special, and the leisure of having a cup of tea in the oasis in the desert was an unforgettable moment. The time driving a 4WD through the desert was thrilling, and when I saw the sunset, I just stared blankly. The tour guide was kind, so I was able to hear a lot of local stories, and the tour was overall informative and satisfying. Siwa is a hidden gem of Egypt that you must visit.

Siwa in Egypt is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Siwa boasts numerous natural attractions, and today we introduce a famous local natural site: Siwa Salt Lake. It's free to visit and take photos 📸, no ticket required. This vast salt lake sparkles like a sapphire under the sun, making it incredibly beautiful and photogenic 📸. You can also swim in the salt lake. Address: 6J39+P67, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702, Egypt

#2月好地方2025 Matruh in Egypt is a world-famous tourist resort city. Tourists from all over the world come to Matruh in Egypt for sightseeing and vacation. Today I recommend a famous oasis attraction: Siwa Salt Lake. Siwa Salt Lake is located in the center of the desert in western Egypt, about 750 kilometers from the capital Cairo. The area is sparsely populated, with less than 30,000 people living there. It is geographically remote, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. You can choose to charter a car, drive yourself or take a bus. The traditional culture and language of the Berbers, Siwi, have been completely preserved here for thousands of years, forming a cultural style that is completely different from the mainstream culture of Egypt. The oasis town is surrounded by olive and palm trees, and the salt lake is crystal clear. It was formed naturally during the salt mining process by the Egyptians. Wear plastic slippers to prevent scratches from sharp particles. Due to the extremely high salt content, do not let it get into your eyes and rinse them out immediately. Some chartered car drivers will prepare these for you. It depends on your luck what kind of driver you will meet. Try to dry yourself or take a shower immediately after getting out of the water to avoid damaging your skin. It is very suitable for taking photos, checking in, and learning about history and sightseeing. Address: Salt lakes Opening hours: All day

📍Location: Siwa Oasis, Egypt🇪🇬 Salt Lakes (6J8G+W2X, Unnamed Road, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702 Egypt) 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Price per person: Free Siwa Oasis, the city of salt A lake that suddenly appears after driving through the desert The salt concentration here is so high that your body floats. This is exactly what an oasis in the desert is like. I recommend going to Siwa Oasis even if it's a hassle. #0yentripFebruary2025 #Egypttrip

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I visited the salt lake in Siwa Oasis The salinity is 95%, so my body floats in the water It's a place with such high salinity that once you go in and come out, salt crystals form all over your body I feel like I felt the wonders of nature with my whole body

Secret spots in Egypt that are okay even if you can't swim at all😗 A salt lake in Egypt that's so salty that it's harder to sink! Even without splashing, you feel like you're floating on a giant slime!😏 📍Salt Lake, Egypt 👍🏼As soon as you get off the bus, a lot of tuk-tuk drivers come up to you, but you can show off the location and price 👍🏼Recommended one-day course! Salt Lake - Cleopatra Spring - Patnas Island (Sunset Cafe) 👍🏼600 pounds for 2 people (about 17,000 won) 👍🏼What to bring: swimsuit, poncho (or towel), water, sunglasses 👎🏼It's really hot if it touches your face, eyes, or wounds! #WorldTrip #Egypt #JanuaryTravelSupportEvent

#New York Flight Ticket Event #Siwa Oasis #Egypt A village on a hill, and a circular watchtower This is the trace of an old village in Siwa Oasis. As it is the oldest oasis in Egypt, people must have lived there for thousands of years. The village would have been in the best location to prepare for enemies who were after the oasis' resources (water, dates, etc. for food), so my curiosity about why they built a village on such a hill was resolved the moment I climbed up the watchtower. The desert is almost a plain, so it looks really far away.

#NewYorkFlightEvent #SiwaOasis #Egypt Of course, there is no cafe. But as I was walking slowly, I saw a few Egyptians beckoning from afar. Why? I'm a coffee shop owner. I'm going to make coffee. Do you want some? Free? No! 50 egp! It was expensive, but I didn't haggle and bought it. They brought water in the car from Miul, lighted a fire, made a cup of coffee, and solicited customers. It was so sincere 😅 The taste and aroma were both good. Strangely, it seemed a little salty...

#NewYorkFlightEvent #Egypt If you want emerald photos that are posted on Instagram, it is better to come during the day. At that time, photos are the main characters. It is difficult to properly capture the salt lake with your eyes due to the sunlight and reflected light that is dizzying. If you want to capture more with your eyes than photos, I recommend sunrise. How beautiful the sun slowly rises over the quiet Lake of Death with only the sound of the wind is only something that you will know if you have not seen it in person.

#New York Flight Event #Egypt #Siwa Oasis Siwa, seen in aerial photos, was a land of life, surrounded by a huge blue lake. However, the lake of the oasis that we actually encountered was a place where life could not survive, even saltier than the Dead Sea. AKA Salt Lake Next to the heavy equipment that was diligently digging salt, the mountain of salt piled up tells us that this was a sea tens of millions of years ago. Siwa Salt Lake is a space that shows the paradox of the ecosystem, as life cannot survive in this salty water, but life cannot survive without salt.

#New YorkFlightEvent #Siwa #Egypt The Sahara Desert was once a sea. You must have seen it in textbooks. If you travel to Siwa Oasis, You can see the evidence in real life 😄 First, it's a salt lake that's saltier than the sea. And second, it's a fossil. If you look closely around the strata, you'll see a lot of shell fossils. Don't take it because it's strange. Close your eyes and imagine the sound of the sea a long time ago ✌️

#New York Flight Ticket Event #Egypt #Siwa ##Sahara Desert Siwa, the oasis town of Egypt! In this ancient oasis with a fantastic salt lake and the legend of Queen Cleopatra and Alexander the Great, you can meet the Sahara Desert that you only saw in documentaries in 10 minutes by car. However, communication is poor and there are no roads in the desert, so never go alone and be accompanied by a local guide (Bedouin)😊