Siwa Oasis - All you Need to Know Before You Go
Where is Siwa Oasis Located?
Siwa Oasis, tucked away in the West Egyptian Desert, is arguably one of the most stunning destinations of Egypt and definitely the country’s ultimate secret paradise! With sparkling salty water, desert sand dunes and rich Berber heritage and culture, Siwa is the perfect alternative to the big noisy Egyptian cities! Set some 560 km (348 mi) west of Cairo and enclosed by a surreal desert panorama, Siwa is truly one of the most tranquil and authentic spots in Egypt! From desert adventures and sand boarding to relaxing in natural hot springs and ancient temples, Siwa will blow you away!
The best time to visit Siwa Oasis
With spectacular views of date palms, surrounded by treetops and clear springs, Siwa Oasis is located in the heart of the Western Desert of Egypt. This oasis, with its towering sand dunes and salt lakes, has provided travelers and nomads with an escape from the climatic toll of the desert for centuries.
The best time of year to visit Siwa Oasis is from October to April, when it's cooler. Temperature ranges during this time would be from around 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), while during summer—from May to September—the temperature can go as high as more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
All you need to know before you go to Siwa Oasis
Did you know when you're planning a visit to Siwa Oasis? One of the many attractions in the place you will visit the Temple of the Oracle of Amun. Dating back to the 6th Century BCE, this temple gained world fame after it was visited by Alexander the Great, where he visited the legendary oracle that named him the son of Amun.
You must visit also the Shali fortress.
The Shali Fortress is an ancient fortress of mud and bricks build in the 13th century. Part of it collapsed over time but it gives great views of the whole oasis and reflects the traditional Architecture of the area. In The Mountain of the Dead (Gebel Al Mawta) where beautiful painted tombs still exist that dates back to the 26th Dynasty and the Greco-Roman Period. Finally, not far away from the other sites in the place you will get to visit Cleopatra's Spring which is a water natural spring where the legendary Queen Cleopatra used to bathe.
Top Attractions in Siwa Oasis
Tours and sightseeing in the natural environs of Siwa are again a tourist’s delight. Great Sand Sea paragliding, quad biking, as well as sand skiing, and camel riding, are all good activities in this large area of sand stretching. Salt Lakes are the beautiful blue salt lakes are like those of the Dead Sea and the water, when you float on the water, is unique.
Exploring such a brutal and harsh environment needs energy, and to relax the Bir Wahed, which is a hot spring found in the middle of nowhere is perfect for that. Tradition regional crafts, tools, and rituals are displayed in the Siwa House Museum and it also gives information regarding the historical way of living in Siwan.
Most people planning for Siwa Oasis will be better off looking for Egypt tour packages that entail Cairo tours and sightseeing options, but also Siwa and safari tours. Collective offers sometimes enable visitors to travel and fix various sites in Egypt in one package without much hassle; hence, that is how the oasis has been included. Tours are available in all categories to suit single travelers, families, and group travelers depending on one’s choice and pockets.
Best Things to Do in Siwa Oasis
The Berbers are the residents of Siwa, and are responsible for the primary ethnic profile of this oasis town. The local Siwi dialect, an offshoot of Berber, is also popular along with the language spoken here. In terms of art, the town thrives with traditional crafts like ceramics, needlework, and basket making.
Local food is heavily based on olives, dates and bread. You cannot miss out on tagine, a meat and vegetable stew, simmered very slow, or fuul, a fava bean specialty.
For an overdose of dance, music and traditions visit Siwa during Siyaha Festival in October, the music and dancing goes on for days and you cannot help but succumb to the local fervor. So just book your adventure to Siwa Oasis, grab a couple of Egypt tours or a tour package for that tour you are searching for and surrender yourself to this dessert mirage.