Siwa Oasis 3 days trip from Cairo

Siwa Oasis is a fascinating place located in the Western Desert of Egypt, near the border with Libya. It’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty, ancient history, and unique culture. Here are some key points about Siwa Oasis:

Geography: Siwa Oasis is situated in the Libyan Desert, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of the Libyan border. It’s one of Egypt’s most isolated settlements.

History: The oasis has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was inhabited as early as the 10th millennium BCE, and it has been home to various civilizations, including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It’s also famous as the site of the Temple of the Oracle, where Alexander the Great is said to have consulted the oracle of Amun.

Culture: The people of Siwa Oasis have a distinct culture and language. They are known as Berbers or Amazigh, and they have their own traditions, dress, and customs. The Siwans are renowned for their hospitality and their expertise in crafts such as weaving and embroidery.

Natural Beauty: The oasis is characterized by its lush date palm groves, freshwater springs, and salt lakes. The surrounding desert landscape is stunning, with towering sand dunes and rocky outcrops

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Morning Departure: Depart from Cairo early in the morning to make the most of your time in Siwa. You can choose to travel by bus, private car, or even fly to Marsa Matrouh and then drive to Siwa.

Drive to Siwa: The journey from Cairo to Siwa can take around 8 to 10 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and any stops along the way. Make sure to plan for breaks and rest stops during the journey.

Arrive in Siwa: Reach Siwa Oasis by late afternoon or early evening, depending on your departure time. Check into your accommodation, whether it’s a hotel, guesthouse, or eco-lodge.

Sunset at Fatnas Island: Head to Fatnas Island, a beautiful spot in the oasis known for its stunning sunset views over the surrounding salt lakes and palm groves. Take some time to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Dinner in Siwa Town: Enjoy a traditional Siwan dinner at one of the local restaurants in Siwa Town. Sample delicious dishes such as couscous, grilled meats, and fresh dates.

Day 2

Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café, fueling up for a day of exploration.

Visit Shali Fortress: Explore the ruins of Shali Fortress, the ancient mud-brick citadel that overlooks Siwa Town. Learn about its history and significance as a cultural landmark in the oasis.

Explore Amun Temple: Visit the Temple of the Oracle, also known as the Temple of Amun, and learn about its history and mythology. This ancient site is believed to have been visited by Alexander the Great.

Jebel al-Mawta (Mountain of the Dead):  It’s not a single mountain but rather a series of rocky outcrops and tombs dating back to ancient times. The Mountain of the Dead is an archaeological site where you can explore ancient burial chambers and learn about the funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians

In Siwa Oasis, there are several salt lakes that contribute to the unique landscape and ecology of the region. One of the most notable salt lakes in Siwa is Bir Wahed. Bir Wahed is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Visitors can swim in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The lake is also surrounded by palm trees and offers a picturesque setting for picnics and leisurely strolls

Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool: Take a refreshing dip in Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural spring surrounded by lush palm trees. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself used to bathe in these waters.

Lunch in Siwa: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Siwan cuisine and perhaps trying some local specialties.

Sunset Safari: In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset safari into the desert surrounding Siwa. Experience the beauty of the desert landscape as the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues across the sand dunes

Dinner Under the Stars and Campping : Enjoy a memorable dinner under the stars in a Bedouin-style setting. Feast on grilled meats, salads, and traditional dishes while being serenaded by local musicians.

Day 3

Morning Relaxation: Start your day with a delicious breakfast and some time to relax in the desert while enjoying the sunrise

Departure from Siwa: begin your journey back to Cairo, taking with you memories of your unforgettable adventure in Siwa Oasis. 

Mountain of the Dead

It was discovered by chance in 1944 during World War II, when the people of Siwa sought refuge in the mountain and discovered the tombs there. It is a conical mountain with a height of 50 meters, consisting of limestone soil, and
is considered an archaeological cemetery. This mountain is distinguished by its strange appearance, from the bottom to the top, which are graves for the dead. Carved in the form of a beehive of stone in regular, successive rows in ageometric shape resembling the shape of an ancient oasis. The history of this ancient cemetery dates back to the 26th Dynasty and extends to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Some of these tombs are located at great depths, and one of the most beautiful tombs in existence is the Tomb of Amun ,This cemetery has agroup of prominent inscriptions

Shali Castle

Shali is an ancient city and castle in the heart of the Siwa Oasis in the Libyan Desert, Egypt The citadel is an old mud-brick fortress. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries with the aim of repelling the attack of the Arabs and the mobile tribes in the desert. Chaos prevailed in the Western Desert after the era of the Roman Empire, so the tribes attacked each other with the aim of obtaining food from the well areas. It was inhabited, which prompted the people of Siwa to build a high castle to protect it from invaders, most of whom were Arabs close to the Siwa Oasis.

Amun Temple

Visit the Temple of the Oracle, also known as the Temple of Amun, and learn about its history and mythology. This ancient site is believed to have been visited by Alexander the Great.

The salt lake 

There are many salt lakes in Siwa Oasis, the most famous of which is the Great Salt Lake, located 8 kilometers southwest of Siwa city. He became famous somewhere, suddenly became a natural, and was able to gain healing powers. This is why the lakes are part of the beauty of Egypt’s Western Desert

Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool

lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Siwan cuisine and perhaps trying some local specialties

safari trip 

Go on a sunset safari in the desert surrounding Siwa. Enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape as the sun sinks below the horizon, casting golden colors on the dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.

Dinner Under the Stars and Campping

Enjoy a memorable dinner under the stars in a Bedouin-style setting. Feast on grilled meats, salads, and traditional dishes while being serenaded by local musicians.

What will you love about this trip?

A trip to Siwa Oasis offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences that would captivate anyone. Here’s what I’d love about it:

Stunning Landscape: Siwa Oasis is nestled amidst the Western Desert of Egypt, offering breathtaking views of palm groves, freshwater springs, and salt lakes. The contrast between the lush greenery of the oasis and the surrounding desert landscape is simply mesmerizing.

Historical Significance: Siwa has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was once a prominent oracle center in ancient Egypt, dedicated to the god Amun. Exploring the ruins of the Temple of the Oracle and other archaeological sites would be a fascinating journey through time.

Tranquility and Serenity: The oasis exudes a sense of peace and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Wandering through the date palm groves or lounging by the crystal-clear pools offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature.