Siwa Oasis: 3-Day Desert Safari, Salt Lakes & Ancient Ruins

Summary

Siwa’s salt lakes, desert sunsets and ancient oracle temples

You’ll travel from Cairo to Siwa Oasis with pickup included, stopping for lunch by the Mediterranean before diving into desert adventures: dune bashing in the Great Sand Sea, floating in salt lakes and hot springs under stars, exploring ancient ruins like the Oracle Temple with a local guide—and ending each day with real Siwan food and laughter around a campfire.

What’s the experience like?

Hands full of dates from the market, I watched our driver gesture at the endless road out of Cairo — five hours and a couple of pit stops later, we rolled into Marsa Matrouh for lunch. The sea breeze there is different, kind of soft and salty. We drove along the Corniche before heading back into the desert. I kept dozing off between stretches but woke up every time someone pointed at something — a camel, a mirage (or was it?), or just to laugh at my sand-filled shoes.

The first real “wow” hit me in the Great Sand Sea. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned as he floored the 4x4 up a dune — I swear my stomach was left behind. There’s this hush when you stop in the middle of all that sand; even your own voice sounds smaller. We drank Siwan tea while the sun dropped behind dunes that looked almost pink. Later, floating in a hot spring under stars, I tried not to think about anything except how weirdly perfect it felt — warm water, cool air, someone singing softly near the fire.

Next morning started with bread that tasted smoky and sweet somehow. We climbed up Mountain of the Dead (the steps are crumbly — watch your footing), and Ahmed told us stories about old tombs as if he’d lived them himself. The Oracle Temple was smaller than I pictured but heavy with that old-stone smell. Swimming in one of Siwa’s salt lakes made my skin tingle — you can’t really sink, which is funny until you try to stand up again and end up flailing like a fish. Fitnas Island at sunset was quieter than anywhere else so far; just juice in hand and paddle boats drifting by.

On our last day we wandered through Siwa’s market. The shopkeepers handed us olives to try (so salty they made me squint), and I picked up some oil for home. The drive back to Cairo felt longer somehow — maybe because I kept replaying little flashes: stargazing by the campfire, Ahmed explaining how Siwan houses are built from mudbrick, that moment floating weightless in salt water. Still thinking about it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Siwa and Desert Safari

• Drive from Cairo to Marsa Matrouh
• Lunch in Marsa Matrouh
• Drive to Siwa with rest stops
• 4x4 Desert Safari in Great Sand Sea
• Dune bashing and sand boarding
• Watch sunset with Siwan tea and snacks
• Visit natural desert oasis
• Relax at hot spring
• Dinner at Siwan camp
• Star gazing and meditation

Day 2 — Explore Siwa Oasis Highlights

• Breakfast at hotel
• Hike Mountain of the Dead
• Visit Temple of the Oracle of Amun
• Swim in salt lakes and shower
• Swim in Cleopatra's Pool with juice
• Visit Darker Mountain with guide
• Watch sunset at Fitnas Island
• Enjoy paddle-boat ride
• Visit traditional Siwan house
• Tour Old Shali fortress

Day 3 — Siwa Market and Return to Cairo

• Breakfast at hotel
• Shop at Siwa city market
• Drive back to Cairo with rest stops

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cairo to Siwa Oasis?

The drive takes about nine hours total from Cairo to Siwa Oasis, including stops for rest along the way.

Is hotel pickup included on this Siwa Oasis tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for travelers staying in Cairo or Giza.

What activities are part of this 3-day Siwa tour?

You’ll experience dune bashing in the Great Sand Sea, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool and salt lakes, visit ancient sites like Mountain of the Dead and Oracle Temple, explore local markets and enjoy traditional meals.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Yes, lunches and dinners are included—expect local dishes served both in town and at desert campsites.

Can children or people using wheelchairs join this tour?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels; it’s wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available on request.

What should I bring for swimming in salt lakes or hot springs?

A swimsuit is recommended; mineral water is provided for rinsing off after swimming.

Do we visit any historical sites on this tour?

Yes—the itinerary includes Mountain of the Dead cemetery, Oracle Temple of Amun, Darker Mountain and Old Shali fortress.

Where do we sleep during this trip?

You’ll spend one night at a hot spring desert camp and another night at a lodge such as Pant or Dream Lodge in Siwa town.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairo or Giza, all transportation across desert roads by private vehicle or 4x4 safari car, two nights’ accommodation (one at a hot spring camp under stars), daily breakfasts plus local lunches and dinners—including one by campfire—guided visits to ancient sites like Oracle Temple and Mountain of the Dead, swimming stops at Cleopatra’s Pool and salt lakes with mineral water provided for rinsing off after swims.