3-day Siwa Oasis tour: Salt lakes, hot springs, desert safari

Sand skiing and ancient tombs in the same afternoon

A 3-day tour of Siwa Oasis that combines natural wonders with archaeological sites, moving through salt lakes and hot springs on day two, the Mountain of the Dead and Cleopatra's Eye on day three, and a desert safari across the Great Sand Sea and Siwa Reserve. A live English-speaking guide leads the group. Children are welcome from age 6. Air-conditioned transport, bicycle use, and coffee or tea are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Sunset Magic at Fatnas Island

• Arrive at Siwa Oasis
• Watch sunset at Fatnas Island
• Enjoy dinner at campsite

Day 2: Oasis Wonders and Shali Castle

• Visit Salt Lakes
• Relax in hot springs
• Tour Shali Castle
• Watch sunset at Shali Castle
• Have traditional dinner at Beit Siwi

Day 3: Ancient Mysteries and Desert Safari

• Explore Mountain of the Dead
• Visit Siwi House and Cleopatra's Eye
• Go on safari to Great Sand Sea and Siwa Reserve
• Sand ski in desert
• Watch sunset over Siwa Oasis

The Experience

The itinerary splits the oasis into three distinct days. Day one centers on Fatnas Island, where you watch the sunset and eat dinner at the campsite. Day two takes you through the salt lakes and hot springs (natural pools where you can soak), then to Shali Castle for another sunset, finishing with a traditional Siwan dinner at Beit Siwi. Day three is the most active: you visit the Mountain of the Dead (an ancient burial site), Cleopatra's Eye (a natural spring), then head into the Great Sand Sea for a safari that includes Bir One, with its mix of hot and cold springs, and sand skiing across the dunes.

Transport throughout is air-conditioned, which matters in the desert heat. You'll have access to a bicycle for exploring the oasis itself, and the guide provides coffee and tea during the days. The group stays small enough that a single English-speaking guide leads everyone. Children from age 6 can join. The pace mixes sitting (sunsets, meals, soaking in springs) with active exploration, so the three days don't demand high fitness, though the sand safari on day three involves more movement than the earlier stops.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the three days.
• bicycle use for exploring the oasis.
• coffee and tea provided daily.
• all entrance fees to the sites visited (Fatnas Island, salt lakes, hot springs, Shali Castle, Mountain of the Dead, Cleopatra's Eye, Great Sand Sea, and Siwa Reserve).
• dinner on nights one and two (camp dinner and traditional Siwan dinner at Beit Siwi).
• a live English-speaking guide for the full tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Mohamed Kelany

Is this one for you?Book this 3-day version if you want to move beyond the main oasis sites and reach the Great Sand Sea and Bir One. The longer itinerary is what fits the desert safari and sand skiing into a single trip. A 2-day tour would skip the safari. A 5-day option would add more time at each location or cover additional sites.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Mountain of the Dead, and what will I see there?

The Mountain of the Dead is an ancient burial site where tombs are carved into the rock. You'll explore the historic graves and the archaeological remains scattered across the site, stepping into Siwa's layers of ancient history.

Can I actually swim or soak in the salt lakes and hot springs?

Yes. The salt lakes and hot springs on day two are natural pools you can enter. Bir One on day three also has both hot and cold springs for soaking, so bring swimwear if you want to use them.

What is sand skiing, and is it difficult?

Sand skiing means sliding down sand dunes on a board or similar surface. It's part of the day three safari in the Great Sand Sea and is suitable for all fitness levels. The guide will show you how.

Does the tour include meals, and what kind of food will I eat?

Dinner is included on days one and two. Day one is a camp dinner at the Fatnas Island site. Day two is a traditional Siwan dinner at Beit Siwi, a local restaurant. Coffee and tea are provided throughout the tour. Lunch is not included.

How much time do we spend driving versus exploring each day?

Day one is mostly the sunset and dinner at one location. Day two involves driving between the salt lakes, hot springs, and Shali Castle, with time to soak and explore each stop. Day three is the most travel-intensive, with the safari covering the Great Sand Sea, Bir One, and the valleys, though you'll stop frequently to explore and ski.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is marked as wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Some sites (the salt lakes, hot springs, and sand dunes) may present terrain challenges depending on your mobility needs. Contact the operator before booking to confirm which stops work for your situation.