Private Siwa Oasis Full Day Tour: Salt Lakes & Oracle Temple

The salt lakes here are so mineral-dense you float without effort.

A private full-day tour of Siwa Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert with a local guide, visiting the Old Town fortress, Oracle Temple, ancient tombs, and swimming in salt lakes. The tour includes entry to archaeological sites, lunch, bottled water and snacks. Pickup is arranged, and the guide speaks English and Arabic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Siwa Oasis and Surroundings

• Visit Old town Shali fortress
• Visit Temple of Amun (Oracle temple)
• Visit Pharaonic and Greek Roman tombs
• Swim in the salt lakes
• Visit Cleopatra spring and palm gardens
• Relax at Fatnas island sunset
• Visit mountain of Dakrour

The Experience

Ten hours with a local guide means you move through Siwa at a pace that lets you absorb each stop instead of racing between them. You start at Shali, the Old Town fortress and UNESCO heritage site, then move to the Oracle Temple (also called the Temple of Alexander the Great), where the guide's local knowledge fills in what the stones alone won't tell you. The pharaonic and Greek-Roman tombs come next, and because your guide is from Siwa, they know which ones are worth the climb and which overlook the best views.

The salt lakes are the physical heart of the day. You swim in one of the basins (the mineral content is so high you float without trying), and the guide knows which one offers the clearest water and the fewest crowds. After that comes Cleopatra Spring, set among palm groves, where you rest with fresh juice before heading to Fatnas Island for sunset. The day ends at Dakrour Mountain, where the light shifts across the desert floor as the sun drops.

Lunch and bottled water are included, along with entry tickets to every archaeological site. You travel in a private car, which means no schedule tied to other groups and no waiting for a shared vehicle to fill up. The guide speaks English and Arabic, so explanations happen in whichever language works for you.

What’s included

• Private car for the full day.
• English and Arabic-speaking local guide.
• entry tickets to Shali fortress, Oracle Temple, and the pharaonic and Greek-Roman tombs.
• swimming in the salt lakes.
• visit to Cleopatra Spring.
• sunset at Fatnas Island.
• lunch.
• bottled water and snacks.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Windows of Siwa

Is this one for you?Pickup is included and arranged from your accommodation, so you don't need a car or local transport knowledge to reach Siwa's sites. The guide handles the route and timing for the full day.

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Top questions

What is the Oracle Temple and why is it called the Temple of Alexander the Great?

The Oracle Temple in Siwa was an ancient site of divination where people came seeking prophecies. It is also known as the Temple of Alexander the Great because Alexander visited Siwa and the temple was significant to his journey through Egypt.

Can I really float in the salt lakes without swimming?

Yes. The salt lakes in Siwa are so mineral-dense that floating happens naturally. The high salt content keeps you buoyant without effort, similar to the Dead Sea or the Great Salt Lake.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour runs for ten to eleven hours total. Your guide will arrange pickup from your accommodation and confirm the start time when you book.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will I eat?

Lunch is included and features real local food from Siwa. The guide, being from the area, knows the best places and can explain the dishes and ingredients as you eat.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go in the salt lakes?

No. The high salt content makes floating effortless, so swimming ability is not required. The guide will take you to a safe basin suitable for all fitness levels.