Siwa Oasis Egypt: The Perfect Eco-Friendly Destination in Egypt

Siwa Oasis Egypt

Siwa Oasis Egypt: The Ultimate Wellness Retreat Destination

If you’ve made up your mind to go on a trip to Siwa Oasis Egypt or are still undecided, this guide will help you discover the truth about this city and the new adventures and experiences it has to offer.

In the heart of Egypt’s Western Desert, the Siwa Oasis shines with its tourist attractions and natural therapeutic destinations waiting to be discovered and enjoyed with its features and experiences that you won’t find in any other tourist area in Egypt!

Siwa is truly the perfect place for those looking for adventure and tranquility at the same time, and if you are looking for solitude in nature, it will meet your needs as well. So follow along with this guide to put together a list of Siwa outings that you won’t want to miss.

  1. Siwa Natural Reserve
  2. The fortress of Shali in Siwa (Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis)
  3. Mountain of the Dead in Siwa
  4. Great Sand Sea Safari in Siwa
  5. Fatnas Island
  6. Oracle of Amun Temple (Oracle Temple)
  7. Salt Cave in Siwa Oasis
  8. Cleopatra Spring
  9. Dakrour Mountain

Siwa Natural Reserve

Siwa Oasis: A Sanctuary in the Egyptian Desert

It is said to be God’s paradise on earth and the vast land of Siwa. You can start your adventures in Siwa from the nature reserve that characterizes it, a wild area that includes areas of palm trees, towering sand dunes, and shimmering salt lakes.

Things to do:
The reserve consists of several areas, namely Al Bir, Al Araj Oasis, Bahrain Oasis, and Sitra Oasis; some of the most important activities you can do there:

  • Take a tour around the palm groves
  • Swimming in the clear salt lakes
  • Discover species of wild animals and birds such as the Egyptian eagle and the hoopoe.

Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis

A visit to the Siwa Oasis is not complete without exploring the historic Shali Fortress; this fortress was built from a unique material that the region is famous for, namely kharsh (a mixture of clay and salt), and its fame is due to the fact that it represents the old town of Siwa, as well as representing the form of life in the Siwa Oasis since the establishment of the city.
Things to do:
Wandering the narrow streets inside and outside the castle, seeing the old market, and imagining what life was like here centuries ago. Among the most prominent things you can enjoy in the old fortress of Shali:

  • Visit the old Shali Mosque, which dates back to 1203 AD.
  • Learn about the traditional way of life in the Shali Museum.
  • Enjoy the view of the city from the top of Shali Castle, as it is located on a high hill.
  • Buy souvenirs from Siwa handicrafts and Siwi dates.

Mountain of the Dead in Siwa

Complete your archaeological tour by going to Jebel Muta, also known as the Mountain of the Dead, to see ancient Pharaonic tombs with hieroglyphic inscriptions, dating back to the 26th Dynasty of the Pharaohs.

This is in addition to the artwork and wall paintings that have survived for thousands of years, which tell the stories of the people who once called Siwa home.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Tomb of Neberbatot, a well-preserved tomb from the 26th Dynasty.
  • Explore the tomb of Si Amun, famous for its magnificent paintings and images of Egyptian gods.
  • Climb to the top of El-Geel and see the clear sulphuric oases from above.

Great Sand Sea Safari

Siwa is one of Egypt’s top destinations for sand dunes and sandboarding, one of the most popular activities in Siwa that you can do all the time.

To ensure an exhilarating experience, go on a safari through the Great Sand Sea, take a 4×4 vehicle and hold on tight as you navigate the towering sand dunes, and don’t forget to capture the stunning desert landscapes and colors of the sunset.

Things to do:

  • Sandboarding down the soft desert dunes.
  • Take photographs of the dunes and the desert.
  • Take a ride in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
  • Experience the tranquility of the desert at night and gaze at the stars under the clear desert sky.

Fatnas Island

Fatnas Island is always nominated as the best location in the Siwa Oasis to enjoy watching the sunset through breathtaking views that the visitor cannot forget!

Fatnas is one of the elements of tourism in Siwa Egypt, and despite its small area compared to other islands in Siwa, it has gained loyal visitors who later became ambassadors to attract many tourists to this charming area in Siwa.

Sit in a comfortable chair, sip a refreshing drink, let the vibrant colors of the sky take your breath away until the sunset, and make it a luxurious, therapeutic and relaxing spa trip.

Things to do:

  • Walk around the island at a leisurely pace
  • Bike around the island
  • Explore the island’s lush gardens with banana, date, and olive trees
  • Capture the perfect sunset photo to cherish forever.

Temple of the Oracle of Amun (Temple of Predictions)

It is one of Siwa’s most famous Pharaonic landmarks and is also known as the temple of Alexander, who was crowned king inside it! This temple dates back to the 26th Dynasty, and has a place of great importance in the history of the royal families.

Things to do:

  • Climb the well-marked path to reach the temple ruins and enjoy the panoramic views.
  • The temple’s mountaintop location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Take pictures of the inscriptions and sculptures that reveal the greatness of the Egyptian civilization.
  • View the remains of the temple of the god Amun.

Salt caves in Siwa

Siwa is famous for its abundance of crystal-clear salt lakes, in addition to the therapeutic salt caves that are famous for the psychological comfort that visitors get once they enter them. These caves are also prepared to receive you in the most comfortable way through sessions and air fans to alleviate any humidity you may find.

Things to do:
If you read about the benefits of being buried in salt caves, you’ll be impressed by the therapeutic effect of salt caves; for example:

  • Salt treats sinus symptoms as well as chest allergies
  • Coarse salt contributes to psychological well-being and calmness
  • Revitalizing blood circulation is on the list of the therapeutic effects of salt caves
  • Kidney patients and pregnant women should not visit the caves to avoid any side effects

Cleopatra Spring

Known as Cleopatra’s Hammam or the Eye of the Sun, there are legends about it related to Queen Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great visited it on his way to the Temple of Amun. Yes, Cleopatra’s Eyes is one of the most beautiful and sweetest tourist attractions in Siwa that you can visit, as it is a witness to many ancient times and an eye with unique therapeutic properties, calming the soul and relaxing the body.

Things to do:

  • You can visit Cleopatra’s Eyes in Siwa Oasis seven days a week around the clock.
  • Enjoy a swim in Cleopatra’s Eye with the scenery surrounding you from every direction.
  • The water of Cleopatra’s Eyes is cool in summer and warm in winter (these are natural characteristics that are not interfered with by any human element).
  • Don’t miss the refreshing drinks served next to Cleopatra’s Eyes
  • Explore the surrounding area and learn about the historical significance of the well.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll beside the well and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take souvenir photos of this legendary site
  • Don’t forget to pack the right clothes to ensure you enjoy this recreational trip

Natural therapy with sand baths at Dakrour Mountain

Conclude your Siwa adventure with a visit to Dakrour Mountain, a majestic mountain that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the oasis, which in itself gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape.

Things to do:
Dakrour Mountain is especially famous for its healing properties, as it contains hot sand that is believed to help treat many diseases such as rheumatism, skin diseases, joint and spine pain, gout, and fat accumulated inside and outside the body; the treatment of these diseases involves a specific method known as burial in the sand for 10 minutes to a quarter of an hour.
Yep, people actually pay to get buried in hot sand – what may sound like torture to some people is actually treatment of choice for others. During summer, with soaring temperatures, people in search of all sorts of pain relief do 3 to 5 days of hot sand baths and therapy led by experienced health workers in the healing sands next to Dakrour Mountain.

These sand baths are reported to treat arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, and some even claim infertility. Patients are buried neck-deep in hot sand for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by warm drinks and rest in a tent. No cold showers, cold drinks or AC are allowed throughout the 3-5 days.

Every year in October, Siwa residents celebrate the Feast of Peace or Lunar Nights on Dakrour Mountain, where they gather to share celebrations and prepare traditional Siwi food.

Conclusion

From ancient temples and forts to tranquil natural springs and stunning desert landscapes, Siwa Oasis awaits with its buried treasures and enchanting landscapes; now you can only experience these authentic adventures for yourself!

The warmth of its people, the beauty of its landscapes, and the grandeur of its monuments make holidays in Egypt one of the favorite options for tourists.
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