Siwa Oasis: 3-Day Desert Safari & Salt Lake Tour from Cairo

Summary

Siwa’s salt lakes, hot springs and desert nights on a wild 3-day adventure from Cairo

You’ll leave Cairo behind for three days exploring Siwa Oasis—swimming in salt lakes, riding across dunes at sunset, sharing tea with locals around a campfire, and wandering ancient temples with your guide. Expect laughter during dune bashing, quiet moments under desert stars, and flavors you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our second cup of coffee when the city started to fade behind us. The road out of Cairo is long—eight hours with stops—but honestly, I liked watching the landscape change. Our driver cracked jokes about “Cairo traffic being its own kind of desert,” and by the time we reached Marsa Matrouh for breakfast, I was already feeling lighter. The sea breeze there is different—sharper, salty. We ate eggs and bread while staring at that blue Mediterranean stretch (someone’s radio played old pop songs). After more driving (and a nap I won’t lie about), we finally hit Siwa just as the sun started dipping low.

I didn’t expect the sand to feel so soft under my shoes—or for the silence to be so thick when we rolled into the Great Sand Sea in that battered 4x4. Our guide, Mahmoud, handed out tiny glasses of sweet Siwan tea while we watched the sky go pink over endless dunes. Dune bashing made me laugh like a kid again (my friend screamed on every drop). At some point we stopped at a lake right in the middle of nowhere—icy cold water that made my skin tingle. Later, dinner at camp was simple but perfect: grilled chicken, rice, something with cumin I still crave. Lying back after dark, all I could hear was the crackle of fire and someone quietly humming; stars everywhere.

The next morning smelled like dust and mint tea. We saw Mountain of the Dead—those tombs carved right into stone—and then wandered through the Oracle Temple ruins where Alexander supposedly asked his big questions (Mahmoud told stories that made history sound less like homework). Floating in one of Siwa’s salt lakes was weirdly peaceful; you can’t sink even if you try. There were kids splashing nearby and an old man selling orange juice from a cart—so sweet it almost hurt my teeth.

By sunset on Fitnas Island I felt sunburnt but happy. Paddle-boats drifted by and someone handed me fresh juice again (I lost count how many times). The light over those palm trees is something I still think about sometimes when Cairo feels too loud. Leaving Siwa felt strange—like waking up from a dream you weren’t ready to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Siwa and desert safari

• Drive 2 hours from Cairo
• Stop for breakfast in Marsa Matrouh
• Drive 4 hours to Fontas Island
• Have tea at sunset on Fontas Island
• Arrive at Siwa hotel and rest
• 4x4 desert safari to Great Sand Sea
• Enjoy dune bashing and sand boarding
• Watch sunset with Siwan tea and snacks
• Swim at cold natural desert lake
• Visit hot spring water source
• Dinner at hot spring camp
• Star gazing and meditation
• Overnight at hot spring desert camp

Day 2 — Explore Siwa Oasis highlights

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Mountain of the Dead
• Tour Temple of the Oracle of Amun
• Float and swim in Siwa salt lakes
• Shower with provided mineral water
• Enjoy natural juice after swimming
• Visit Darker Mountain with guide
• Watch sunset at Fitnas Island
• Enjoy fresh juice and paddle-boat ride
• Learn about Siwan culture at Siwan house
• Visit Old Shali fortress
• Dinner at hotel
• Overnight at Panta Lodge or similar

Day 3 — Siwa city tour and return to Cairo

• Breakfast at hotel or local restaurant
• Walking city tour of Siwa
• Drive back to Cairo with 2 rest stops

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Cairo to Siwa Oasis?

The drive takes about eight hours each way from Cairo to Siwa Oasis, including two rest stops along the route.

Is swimming in Siwa's salt lakes included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim in Siwa’s natural salt lakes during the tour—and mineral water is provided for rinsing off afterward.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Siwa?

The first night is spent at a desert camp near hot springs; the second night is at Panta Lodge or similar accommodation in town.

Are meals included during the 3-day tour?

Yes, meals are included throughout: breakfast in Marsa Matrouh on day one and local dishes served at camp and lodges during your stay.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo?

Yes, hotel pickup from Cairo or Giza is included as part of your booking.

What activities are offered during the desert safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing by 4x4 vehicle, sand boarding on dunes, swimming in lakes and hot springs, plus stargazing at camp.

Will there be a local guide during visits to historical sites?

Yes—a local guide accompanies you throughout Siwa Oasis and provides explanations at sites like Mountain of the Dead and Oracle Temple.

What’s included

Your journey includes air-conditioned transport from Cairo with hotel pickup and drop-off; all meals including breakfast by the Mediterranean; guided visits to Mountain of the Dead and Oracle Temple; dune bashing by 4x4 Land Cruiser; sand boarding; swims in both cold salt lakes and hot springs; overnight stays at both a desert camp (with stargazing) and lodge; plus plenty of tea breaks with locals along the way.