Siwa Oasis

The Egypt Siwa Oasis is an enchanted region of beauty teeming with natural living beings as ancient and refined as time. This article’s objective is to provide every tourist with all the information and details they need on the Siwa Oasis. This article will shed some light on Siwa Oasis and was prepared by a highly competent and professional team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel advisors. It is said that the Siwa Oasis is a sliver of paradise, a greener speck in the middle of an ocean of Sahara sand, and this is one of the reasons why it is considered one of the most beautiful secret spots in Egypt.

If you’re looking to spend a fantastic vacation in Egypt check out our Egypt Excursions with our qualified Egyptologist with the best Egypt travel guide in Egypt and check Egypt Oases.

Where is Siwa oasis?

It is located around 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of the Libyan border and 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Cairo. It is an urban oasis in Egypt situated between the western desert’s enormous sand sea and the Qattara Depression. Siwa is one of the most remote regions in Egypt, and its population of 33,000 people is primarily Berber. The inhabitants of Siwa speak their language, known as Siwi. It is a significant depression that goes down to a depth of about 19 meters (60 feet) below sea level. It takes roughly 8 hours to get there by automobile and much longer on an overnight bus.

Siwa Oasis History:

Around 525 B.C., during the 26th dynasty, archaeologists discovered the first traces of human life at the Siwa Oasis. The Siwa Oasis dates back to 10,000 B.C., making it one of the oldest places where evidence of civilization has been discovered. In the seventh century B.C., the ancient Greeks established contact with the Siwa oasis. At that time, the area functioned as the location of the oracle temple of Amun, which Alexander the Great visited when hunting broad birds across the desert. The name “Oasis of Amun-RA” was often used to refer to the oasis.

The ancient Egyptians referred to the Siwa oasis as the Fields of Trees during the Ptolemaic monarchy. This name was also used by the legendary historian Herodotus, who described it as the foundation of the sun. In the 12th century, it became the official home of the Berber people. It was previously the home for the whole community in a mud-brick castle named Shali that dates back to the 13th century, but a downpour destroyed it in 1926.

Top places to visit in Egypt Siwa Oasis:

1- The Shali

Shali is now a tourist attraction, where people climb up the melting mound of mud and salt that is the typical Siwan building material, so they can get a glimpse of the vista of dates and olive orchards that reaches out for kilometers in each direction of the Siwa Oasis.

2- Cleopatra’s Spring

Cleopatra’s Spring is a natural spring water stone pool located on the route to the Oracle temple in the town of Siwa. This pool is also known as Cleopatra’s Bath or Cleopatra’s Pool. Locals and tourists visit this pool to take advantage of the therapeutic advantages of a spring bath. Even if no studies support the association between this pool and Queen Cleopatra VIII herself, the beauty of the place at the Cleopatra Springs undoubtedly gives justice to its enigmatic and highly recognized moniker.

Many locals bathe and visit the pool regularly since this is one of the best natural pools in the area. Because of this, it is essential to remember and respect the local customs, and it is recommended that female tourists wear appropriate swimming attire to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

3- The Salt Lakes

The Salt Lakes are widely considered to be one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Siwa due to the pristine condition of the surrounding plant life. Floating and swimming in the Salt Lakes of Siwa is an experience that is both incredibly amazing and magnificent. The Salt Lakes are highly enchanted, and they draw visitors throughout the whole year owing to the health benefits that are associated with the high concentration of salt.

4- The Temple of the Oracle

The Temple of the Oracle at Siwa, constructed in the sixth century B.C. and had widespread renown throughout the Mediterranean area, was a significant draw for visitors to the city. Alexander the Great traveled to Siwa to inquire with the oracle about his future and find out whether he was the son of Zeus. Others claim that Alexander told his generals he wanted to be buried at Siwa. Visitors are welcome to continue exploring the remains of the thereat temple of the Oracle to this day.

5- Mountain of the Dead

The Mountain of the Dead is a rocky hill covered with about 1,500 tombs that date back to the late pharaonic era and can be found not far from the city center of Siwa. A few tombs that date back to the Greco-Roman period have stunning and intricate funeral drawings adorning their interiors. The graves are secured with locks, but the local guards will unlock them for you in exchange for a bribe.

6- Fatnas Island

Another excellent spot is Fatnas Island, situated on the edge of the oasis on the coast of Lake Siwa, approximately 6 kilometers from the town center. The hot spring is a recognized feature of this lovely site, where you can swim and enjoy the advantages of the medicinal waters and cafés and restaurants. Views across the lake at sunset are breathtaking.

7- The Great Sand Sea

In front of the Siwa Oasis is where you’ll find the Great Sand Sea, home to some of the most breathtaking views in the desert. The dunes here are shaped like mountains. An excellent safari excursion is a fantastic opportunity to investigate the spectacular rock formations and springs inside these huge and heavenly areas.

8- The Siwa House Museum

The Siwa House Museum is a beautiful location crammed to the brim with wondrous works of art and history. The Siwa House Museum is home to several authentic artifacts that once belonged to the ancient Siwa people. These artifacts provided visitors with an in-depth look at ancient Siwan traditions and local customs, such as the Siwa wedding ceremony, which was said to last for seven days and during which the bride wore a unique outfit that is now on display in the Siwa House Museum.

Best time to go to Siwa Oasis:

The climate at Siwa is very comfortable and soothing, with warm sunlight permeating the whole oasis almost all the time. It is recommended that travelers come to Siwa during the winter, spring, and fall months of the year, between October and April, since the temperature in the summer may become relatively high, particularly in the heart of the Sahara.

 Don’t miss to check this article “Best Time to Visit Egypt”

Top Siwa Oasis Hotels:

• Siwa Paradise Hotel
• Taziry Ecovillages Siwa
• Siwa Shali Resort
• Siwa Paradise Hotel
• Siwa Inn Hotel

Summary

 Siwa Oasis is worth seeing, loaded with a blend of hot and cold springs, giant dunes, intriguing history, and magnificent culture. All the native inhabitants of Siwa speak a language akin to the Zenata language, which is more like the language spoken by the Berber than the Egyptian Arabic spoken in the rest of Egypt. Siwa’s geographical position, environment, and inaccessibility have developed a distinct and unusual community independent from mainstream Egyptian culture.

The Siwa Oasis of Egypt is very ancient and incredibly captivating in its history and culture; a human footprint was discovered to date back three million years, making it one of the oldest human prints in history. The word Oasis is an ancient Egyptian meaning “palm land,” and it was to the Berber tribe and to the Asian (Falcon), a form of prey bird that was one of Amun-Ra Symbols which explains how the city earned the name Oasis of Amun Ra. It also achieved a modest reputation in 331 BC during ancient times as the residence of the Oracle of Ammon, who alexander the Great approached for her advice.

Don’t miss to check out our Egypt Vacation Packages