Siwa is a vast oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert, or what most people know as the northeastern edge of the enormous Sahara Desert of northern Africa. It is around 10 kilometers long and 6 to 8 kilometers wide.
Siwa is Egypt’s most well-known oasis, located about 560 kilometers west of Cairo. With a population of only 33,000 people, this desert oasis features 200 springs and is one of Egypt’s most remote historic settlements.
• How to get the most out of Siwa?
The best way to enjoy Siwa is to take it slowly. So don’t go on a weekend trip. For such a short period, the trip is too long and the destination is too enticing. Take a week or at least five days to fully appreciate Siwa.
• What to see and do during your Siwa travel ?
1 Attractions
Shali Fortress – It’s the crumbling majesty of a once five-story fortified fortress that hovers over Siwa town in a very beautiful way. You can stroll through the labyrinthine remains, which eventually reach to the top and pass through a functioning mosque. The fortress provides panoramic views over the oasis and is a fantastic place to observe sunrises or sunsets.
2 Activates
Glide on the salt lakes of Siwa – the little salt lakes of Siwa are beautifully blue and salty. They’re a lot of fun to float around on, and they’re wonderful for watching sunsets.
3 The food and shopping
Enjoy the delicious Siwa dates and olives – dates and olives are Siwa’s main crops. At the local market, you may buy a variety of products such as dates, dates jam, olives, olive oil, olive oil soap, and olive jam.
Bedouin Food – Bedouins serve traditional food such as rice, meat and veggies for your meals. It’s accompanied by a cup of tea.
Given its isolation, ancient and modern tourists alike agree that Siwa is a special place. Its remoteness and quiet are unrivalled, and the fact that it’s difficult to reach – though not impossible – means it attracts considerably fewer people than the rest of Egypt’s Nile Valley attractions. Siwa is definitely a lovely and memorable addition to any visit to Egypt for anyone who has 3-4 extra days in Egypt to spend to a trip out here.
