EG · Matrouh Governorate · 29.21°N 25.52°E

siwa oasis

Date palms, salt lakes and the crumbling earthen lanes of an old desert fortress.

Best time
October–November and February–April have warm days and cool nights. December–January is cold after dark; June–August is too hot for much in the daytime.
How long
3 days, plus a travel day each way
Getting there
Fly with one stop to Cairo, usually via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul, about 13–16 hours all in. Siwa is then about 10 hours' drive west of Cairo, or a long overnight bus.
Save postcard
EG · Matrouh Governoratesiwa oasis29.21°N 25.52°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Date palms, salt lakes and the crumbling earthen lanes of an old desert fortress.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSiwa OasisEG, Matrouh Governorate
KLsiwa oasis
≈ 8,496 km from KL, as the crow flies
This is a photo of a monument in Egypt identified by the ID

Photo: Mohammed Moussa · CC BY-SA 3.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Siwa sits far out in Egypt's Western Desert, close to Libya, an oasis of date palms, olive groves and salt lakes. Its Amazigh culture, mud-brick ruins and slow pace feel a world away from the Nile cities.

Makan

  1. Siwan datesSoft dates from the oasis groves, the snack and the souvenir.Map ↗
  2. OlivesLocal olives and olive oil, served with bread at most meals.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. ShaliThe old fortress town of salt-and-mud brick in the middle of Siwa, partly restored, with views over the palms from the top.Map ↗
  2. Temple of the OracleA ruined temple on a rock at Aghurmi, where Alexander the Great came to consult the oracle.Map ↗
  3. Salt poolsBright blue pools so salty you float without trying.Map ↗
  4. Fatnas IslandA palm-fringed spit in a salt lake, the classic sunset spot.Map ↗
  5. Cleopatra's SpringA round, spring-fed stone pool among the palms, popular for a swim.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Siwa is conservative: alcohol isn't sold, and modest dress is the norm. Food is halal as standard.
  • Trips into the Great Sand Sea need permits, which local operators arrange.
  • Bring fresh water to rinse off after the salt pools, and keep the water out of your eyes.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.