Siwa Oasis

 The Siwa Oasis is located on the edge of the Western Desert, near the Libyan border, the Qattara Depression, and the Great Sand Sea. Although its size is 82 km by 28 km (51 by 17 miles), Siwa features about 2,000 acres of cultivated land, and its total population is around 33,000. The long journey (about 10 hours from Cairo or Alexandria) is well worth it, as Siwa offers a unique environment, culture, and several important archaeological sites.

Siwa is an agricultural oasis known for its date palm and olive tree gardens. Its main products include dates, olives, olive oil, spring water, and salt. The oasis has hundreds of natural spring water pools, some cool and others hot, where visitors can swim (some pools are privately owned and used for irrigation). There are also large salt lakes where you can enjoy sunsets or take a boat ride, and smaller salt pools formed by salt mining, where you can float. However, it’s advised not to shave before visiting or enter pools with cuts due to the sting from the high salt concentration.

A desert safari in the dunes and open expanses offers beautiful views of rock formations, sunsets, and a star-filled sky at night. Key ancient sites include the Temple of the Oracle at Aghurmi, the Temple at Um Ubeyda, Ain Guba (Cleopatra’s Bath or Spring), and the tombs at Gebel al-Mawta (Mountain of the Dead). The inhabitants of Siwa are primarily Amazigh (Berber), and their distinct culture and Siwi language make them stand out from other Egyptians, largely due to Siwa’s historical isolation.

Siwa has been settled since at least the 10th millennium BC and was historically part of ancient Libya. It first connected with ancient Egypt during the 26th Dynasty, when a necropolis was established. The Ptolemaic period saw the temple of Siwa become known by its ancient Egyptian name, sḫ.t-ỉm3w, meaning “Field of Trees.” Alexander the Great visited the oasis during his campaign to conquer the Persian Empire, where the Oracle at the Temple proclaimed him both a divine figure and the legitimate Pharaoh of Egypt. Siwa became officially part of Egypt in 1819, under Muhammad Ali.

Shali, the ancient fortress of Siwa, is a fascinating structure dating back at least 600 years, built on natural rock with a mix of salt and earth (kerchief) and palm logs. Although much of it was destroyed by a rainstorm in 1926, parts of it, including homes, the Old Mosque, and the chimney-shaped minaret, remain in use. In the past 20 years, there has been substantial reconstruction, making the fortress and the surrounding town a popular site for visitors.

The most important event in Siwa is the harvest season, during which a festival is held around the full moon in October. This festival, rooted in the community’s past conflicts, involves communal meals and prayers at Gebel Dakrur (Dakrur Mountain). From here, visitors enjoy stunning views of the oasis, salt lakes, and surrounding desert.

Other notable sites include:

  • Gebel al-Mawta: A hill covered with rock tombs from the 26th Dynasty and the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The Tomb of Si Amun contains well-preserved paintings and reliefs, while the Tomb of the Crocodile is famous for its inscriptions and artwork.

  • Aghurmi: A site with a fortified settlement and views of the salt lakes and palm gardens, where the famous Oracle Temple of Jupiter Ammon is located. This temple was built between 663 and 525 BC and became famous due to Alexander the Great’s visit in 332 BC.

  • Siwa House Museum: This museum displays traditional Siwan clothing, jewelry, and crafts, including the intricate, multi-layered bridal garments made by Siwa women, which have gained international recognition.

  • Fatnas Spring: A favorite spot for sunset viewing near the lake’s edge.

  • Ain Guba (Cleopatra’s Bath): A large stone pool filled with spring water, popular for swimming due to its clean water and beautiful setting. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly (in shorts and t-shirts) to respect local customs.

  • Bir Wahed: A hot water pool next to a freshwater lake. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a sunset over the dunes. Swimwear is appropriate here, as the pool is more remote from local communities.

Siwa offers a combination of rich history, cultural uniqueness, natural beauty, and a tranquil environment, making it an unforgettable destination.