Things to do in Siwa Oasis

No. 10 of Night Attractions in Egypt

Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is located deep in the Western Desert of Egypt, nestled between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea, not far from the border with Libya. It is a nearly isolated oasis town in the heart of the Sahara. The local population is primarily Berber, and they still speak the Siwi language, which is distinct from the mainstream language of Egypt. Their marriage customs and traditional handmade silver jewelry have been preserved to this day, giving the entire oasis the atmosphere of a North African village. The historical significance of the oasis far outweighs its size: the ruins of the Oracle of Amun in the village of Aghurmi were once renowned throughout the ancient Mediterranean world. Legend has it that when Alexander the Great was on his eastern expedition, he specifically crossed the desert to seek an oracle here, and was subsequently confirmed as the Pharaoh of Egypt. The Shali Fortress in the town center was built layer by layer with a mixture of salt rock and mud bricks. Although it has become ruins over time, it still stands much higher than the new town. Climbing onto the mud-brick rooftops at dusk to overlook the vast expanse of date palm groves is considered by many travelers to be the quintessential Siwa experience. Water is another highlight of this oasis; Siwa is surrounded by date palms and olive trees, and is home to numerous natural springs.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Matrouh Governorate

Shali Fortress

Shali Fortress is located in Siwa Oasis in Egypt. It is a historic mud brick fortress built in the 13th century. It is located in the center of the oasis and was once the main residence of local residents. It has important historical and cultural value. Shali Fortress attracts many tourists with its unique architectural style and magnificent scenery. The fortress is built of mud bricks and salt. Although some structures have been damaged after hundreds of years of erosion, it still retains its ancient charm. Visitors can stroll through the fortress, explore the narrow streets and remaining buildings, and feel the atmosphere of life in the past. From the height of the fortress, you can overlook the panoramic view of Siwa Oasis, especially at sunset, the view is particularly charming. Shali Fortress is not only a window to understand the history of Siwa, but also an ideal place to experience local culture and natural beauty.

Cleopatra Spring

Cleopatra Spring is located in Siwa, Egypt. When spring comes in North Africa, the pomegranate trees around the spring bloom with flame-like flowers, and crystal water drops seep out from the ancient stone cracks, making people hear the echo of history in a trance. The spring gushes out from three layers of limestone terraces, forming a series of emerald natural pools. The blue glazed bricks on the pool walls contain both traditional Egyptian Nile clay and cobalt ore pigments unique to the Aegean Sea, which is an example of material cultural exchange. There were once magnificent colonnades around the spring, and those mottled Corinthian column bases still lie quietly under the sand, waiting to see the light of day again. The ecological landscape here presents a wonderful duality: Egyptian papyrus and Greek olive trees coexist, and Nile lotus sways in the Mediterranean breeze. This water area blessed by mythology and history is reborn every spring, and every drop of spring water carries the eternal possibility of civilizational dialogue. It reminds us that some beauties never really disappear, they just flow through time in another form, waiting to be rediscovered and cherished again.

No. 6 of Cool Water Escapes in Matrouh Governorate

siwa salt lake

The siwa salt lake, located in Qesm Siwah, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt, is a vast and unique natural view, famous for its sparkling salt crystals and tranquil lake surface. It is situated in the low-lying areas of the Western Desert, where the high salinity of the water creates a unique contrast of white and light blue, reflecting the sky and surrounding sand dunes to form a picturesque natural view. This place is not only a natural wonder but also an important resource for local residents, who have been extracting salt using traditional methods for hundreds of years. The lake area has a unique ecosystem, with a small number of salt-tolerant plants and wildlife living here, demonstrating the resilience of life in the desert environment. Visitors can stroll along the lake, feel the texture of the salt crystals sparkling in the sunlight, or try floating on the water to experience the unique buoyancy of the salt water. In the early morning and at dusk, the lake surface is often dyed golden or pinkish-blue by soft light, creating a dreamy and tranquil view that is an ideal destination for photography and nature enthusiasts. This place not only carries the magic of nature but also reflects the long history and wisdom of life in the Western Desert culture, adding a unique charm to the journey of visiting western Egypt.

Amon Temple

Located in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert, the temple is an ancient site full of mystery and historical significance. The temple dates back to the 6th century BC and was once one of the most important sites in ancient Egypt. The site is an ancient building built on high ground. Although only some walls and ruins remain today, its historical and cultural value still attracts many archaeologists and tourists. The design of the temple reflects the characteristics of ancient Egyptian architecture, and despite the erosion of the years, its magnificent structure and carvings are still visible. Visitors from all over the world are attracted by the mysterious history and unique geographical environment of the temple. They can stroll among the ruins, feel the legacy of ancient civilization, and appreciate the natural beauty of Siwa Oasis. The desert landscape surrounding the temples contrasts sharply with the vitality of the oasis, providing visitors with a unique experience of exploring history and nature.

al-Mawta mountain

Fatnas Island

Gebel al-Mawta

Mountain of the Deadis located in Siwa Oasis. The site features many ancient tombs with exquisite paintings, and from the summit, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery in the distance.

Breezy island

Bir Wahed Sulphuric Hot Spring