12 Best Things to Do in Siwa Oasis (A Local Itinerary)
Local insight by Eyad Elzaghandi
4 min read
The best things to do in Siwa are climbing Shali fortress at sunset, visiting the Oracle of Amun and the Mountain of the Dead, floating in the turquoise salt lakes, swimming in Cleopatra’s Spring, a 4×4 safari with sandboarding in the Great Sand Sea, a hot spring at Bir Wahed and sunset tea on Fatnas Island. Three days covers the highlights; four is more relaxed.
- Must doSalt lakes and Shali sunset
- HistoryOracle of Amun
- AdventureGreat Sand Sea 4×4
- RelaxCleopatra’s Spring
- SunsetFatnas Island
- Days needed3 to 4
In this guide
The 12 best things to do in Siwa
1. Watch sunset from Shali fortress
The old town of Shali was built in the 13th century from kershef, a mix of salt and mud. Climb to the top as the sun goes down and the call to prayer rolls over the palms.
2. Visit the Temple of the Oracle of Amun
In 331 BC Alexander the Great crossed the desert to ask this oracle about his destiny. The ruins on the rock of Aghurmi have a wonderful view.
3. Explore the Mountain of the Dead
A small hill honeycombed with rock tombs from the Greco-Roman era. A few still show painted scenes.
4. Float in the salt lakes
The water is so salty that you float like a cork. Bring fresh water to rinse afterwards and keep it out of your eyes.
5. Swim in Cleopatra’s Spring
A round stone pool fed by a natural spring, with cafés around it. Locals swim here all year.
6. 4×4 safari in the Great Sand Sea
Huge dunes start right outside town. Driving them is a thrill, and sandboarding down is even better. Read our Great Sand Sea guide.
7. Soak in Bir Wahed hot spring
A warm spring in the middle of the dunes, best at sunset after the safari.
8. Sunset tea on Fatnas Island
Palm trees, a lake and a sky turning orange. Bring a camera.
9. Ride a bike through the palm groves
Siwa is flat and quiet, perfect for cycling between gardens and springs.
10. Shop for crafts in the market
Embroidery, baskets, olive oil and dates make the best souvenirs.
11. Taste Siwan food
Dates, olives, Siwan bread and fresh juices from the gardens.
12. Stay in a kershef eco-lodge
Sleeping in a salt and mud building, lit by candles, is part of the experience.
A 3-day Siwa itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive from Cairo along the Mediterranean, arrive in Siwa in the evening |
| Day 2 | Mountain of the Dead, Shali, the Oracle of Amun, the salt lakes, Great Sand Sea safari and hot spring at sunset |
| Day 3 | Fatnas Island or the market in the morning, return to Cairo |
This is the plan of our 3-day Siwa Oasis tour. The 4-day tour adds a full extra day for Cleopatra’s Spring and a slower pace.
Tips for enjoying Siwa
- Siwa is conservative: dress modestly in town and ask before photographing people.
- Bring cash; card payment is limited.
- Swimwear is fine at the salt lakes and springs, but cover up when you walk back to town.
- Evenings are cool from November to February.
Need the basics first? Read our Siwa Oasis travel guide and how to get to Siwa.
Things to do in Siwa: the short version
The best things to do in Siwa are simple pleasures: floating in salt lakes, sunsets over Shali, dunes and springs. Give yourself three or four days and you will tick off every one of these things to do in Siwa without rushing.
Things to do in Siwa FAQ
What is Siwa Oasis famous for?
Shali fortress, the Oracle of Amun, the salt lakes, its springs, dates and olives, and the Great Sand Sea.
How many days do you need in Siwa?
Three days from Cairo covers the highlights. Four days is more relaxed.
Can you swim in Siwa?
Yes, in the salt lakes, Cleopatra’s Spring and several other springs.
Is there sandboarding in Siwa?
Yes, in the Great Sand Sea dunes just outside town, usually on a 4×4 safari.
What should I wear in Siwa?
Modest clothes in town. Swimwear is fine at the lakes and springs.
Eyad was born in Bahariya Oasis and works as a licensed tour guide in the Western Desert. With the Egypt Desert Trips team of local guides and drivers, he hosts travelers in the Black Desert, the White Desert, Siwa and Fayoum. Meet the team.
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