Siwa Travel Guide: How to get there, where to stay, what to see?

Siwa Travel Guide: How to get there, where to stay, what to see?

A unique place where it feels like its own place, where it is away from other major cities like Cairo, Aswan, or Luxor. From its ancient ruins to breathtaking lakes. Located in the Western Desert. Its rich history and unique place will make it a unique experience for any traveller. That is why in this blog post, we will provide guidance and important information for anyone thinking about visiting Siwa Oasis.

Where is Siwa Oasis?

You might wonder where on earth this place is; even some Egyptians do not know its location. The Oasis is located in the far Western desert of Egypt, beside the border with Libya, between the Qattara Depression, the second-lowest place in Africa, and the Great Sand Sea in the Western Desert.

Getting to Siwa Oasis

Reaching Siwa Oasis takes time due to it being so far from main Cities and near the Libyan border. There are different ways to:

1. Bus + Microbus (Budget-Friendly & Daytime Travel)

• Step 1: Take a Go Bus from Cairo to Marsa Matruh (5 hours). Book tickets online via Bookaway or at the Go Bus Tahrir station.

• Step 2: Transfer to a shared microbus to Siwa

Pros:

• Cheapest option

• Daytime travel

Cons:

• Requires a transfer

• Microbuses can be cramped

2. Direct Overnight Bus (Time-Saver)

• West Delta Bus: Departs Cairo (~10 PM), takes ~12 hours.

• Siwa Bus Minivan: Faster (9 hours), must book online.

Pros:

• No transfers

• Saves on a night's accommodation

Cons:

• Less comfortable for light sleepers

3. Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)

• Book a private air-conditioned SUV with hotel pickup.

Pros:

• Flexible timing

• No bus stations or transfers

Cons:

• More expensive than buses

4. Organized Tour (Hassle-Free)

• Multi-day tours include transport, guides, and activities like desert safaris.

Pros:

• Everything is arranged for you

Cons:

• Higher cost

• Less flexibility

Important Tips:

• Checkpoints: Carry your passport—military checks are common.
• Luggage: Microbuses may charge extra for bags.
• Return Trip: Buses back to Cairo leave Siwa in the morning or overnight.

Top Attractions in Siwa:

1-Siwa Lake:

Siwa Oasis lake is a breathtaking place with a great salt lake that travellers seek for different reasons, the amazing view of the lake, the saltiness in the lake due to the low annual rainfall, but very high evaporation rates, making its lakes exceptional with hyper-salinity which give people a lot of benefits for skin, respiratory issues, and joint pain so its importance to people is not just a place they come to chill or take photos it has another importance which is the health benefits that comes with it.

2-The Fortress at Shali:

 Located in the heart of the Siwa Oasis, the fortress was home to most of its inhabitants. Now, it is a maze of crumbling ruins, narrow alleyways, and an old mosque, offering visitors a glimpse into Siwa’s fascinating past.

3- Mountain of the Dead:

From the name of it you can guess what this mountain contains. It contains several tombs covering the mountain, showing a glimpse of the history of how people were buried back then. As a large number of mummified mummies, dating back to the third century BC, these tombs belong to the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, which is one of the ancient Pharaonic families that ruled Egypt.  

Lastly, the best time to travel is from October to April, as the temperature is cooler and less hot.
 Siwa Oasis is a mixture of everything from history to majestic nature, it offers a great place to relax and chill. Whether it is the lakes, ancient ruins, or adventures in general.  Siwa Oasis offers all this and more.