What to do in Siwa Oasis – Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

If you think adventure has to be somewhere amazing and far from the crowds, then you must pay attention to What to do in Siwa Oasis. 

Siwa is a magical oasis in the heart of the desert, with endless beauty from breathtaking salt lakes, ancient temples, and vast desert landscapes that blow your mind.

When is the best time to visit Siwa for perfect weather?

If you’re planning a trip to Siwa and asking yourself Best Time to Visit Siwa Oasis for US Travelers, know that there are certain seasons that let you live the experience at its best. 

The two best times to visit are:

• spring (from March to May).
• fall (from October to November). 

During these months, the weather is very mild; daytime temperatures are around 75 to 85°F (about 24 to 29°C), and at night it cools down more, reaching about 60°F (around 16°C).

The great thing about this timing is that you can enjoy all the adventures comfortably, from swimming in the salt lakes to going on desert safaris, without the exhausting heat of summer or the harsh winter chill. 

Plus, the natural scenery looks its best at this time; the sun is warm, the sky is clear, and it’s the perfect moment to live Siwa’s magical experience. 

Looking for more than just Siwa? Our Egypt tour packages blend history, nature, and culture for a journey you’ll never forget.

How to Get to Siwa Oasis from Cairo or Alexandria

If you’re getting ready for a trip to Siwa and wondering How to Get to Siwa Oasis from Cairo or Alexandria, the whole thing just needs a bit of simple planning. 

The first step is landing in Egypt, either at Cairo International Airport or Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria, and from there you have several ways to get to Siwa:

• Domestic flights to Marsa Matrouh 

There’s still no direct flight to Siwa, but you can take a domestic flight to Marsa Matrouh (the closest city to Siwa). It takes roughly four to five hours to get to the oasis.

Our 9 Days Siwa Oasis, Marsa Matrouh from Cairo is perfect for travelers who want a true desert adventure.

• Buses or public transportation

If you’re looking for the cheapest way, there are buses from Cairo or Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh, and from there you switch to another car heading to Siwa. The journey from Cairo usually takes about 8 to 10 hours.

• Renting a private car or tourist driver

This is a comfortable option if you’re a family or a small group, you rent a car with a driver who knows the route well and head straight to Siwa without many stops. 

It’s a long drive (roughly 560 km from Cairo), but the desert views along the way make it worth it.

• Organized tours with travel companies

If you don’t want to think about any details, the best solution is booking a package with a company like Egypt Online Tour. 

They take care of everything — rides, stays, and tours — so all you do is enjoy the trip.

Before you hit the road, pack enough water, comfy clothes, and a camera because the views along the way are stunning. 

Planning your desert adventure in Siwa? Pair it with an unforgettable 8 Days Pyramids & The Nile by Air tour to explore Egypt from every angle.

Top Activities: What to do in Siwa Oasis – The Coolest Things You Can Do in Siwa

Siwa isn’t just an oasis in the middle of the desert; it’s a full adventure packed with unforgettable moments. 

If you’re planning to visit, here are the top activities that will make you truly feel like you’ve experienced Siwa from its heart:

1. Float in Siwa’s Natural Salt Lakes

Imagine lying on your back on the water without even moving! The salt lakes in Siwa are so salty that your body floats naturally. 

The scenery around you is magical: water with a bluish‑white color and a clear sky above, a calm vibe that clears your mind from all noise.

After floating in Siwa’s magical salt lakes, why not extend your trip with a 10 Days Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Hurghada Overland Tour and see Egypt’s other wonders?

2. Explore the Ancient Temple of the Oracle

If you love history and legends, the Temple of the Oracle has to be on your plan. 

This place dates back to the Pharaohs, and kings used to travel specifically to hear the priests’ prophecies there. 

3. Climb Shali Fortress for Panoramic Views

The old Shali Fortress is built from mud and salt and used to be the heart of the oasis. 

Climbing to the top gives you a panoramic view of everything: palm trees, mud houses, and distant mountains. Photos from up there will be stunning.

4. Sandboarding in the Great Sand Sea

The ultimate adrenaline rush in the Great Sand Sea is trying sandboarding on the dunes. 

You slide down huge dunes at high speed, like snowboarding, but with warm sun and the sound of the wind. 

It’s an activity for both adults and kids and will give you a rush of adrenaline.

5. Take a Dip in Cleopatra’s Pool

Cleopatra’s Pool is a natural spring filled with cool, refreshing water. Locals say Queen Cleopatra herself used to come here to relax. You’ll find simple cafes and comfy seating around it, perfect to chill after a swim.

6. Watch the Sunset at Fantasy Island

Watching the sunset at Fatnas Island feels like stepping into another world. 

The sun sets over the lake, giving shades of orange and gold that reflect on the water, it feels like you’re standing inside a painting.

7. Stay in Authentic Eco‑Lodges in Siwa

Staying in eco‑lodges in Siwa is a completely different experience; no electricity, candlelight at night, and walls made of mud and salt. You’ll feel like part of nature, not just a visitor.

8. Stargazing Under the Desert Sky

In Siwa, you’ll see stars like never before. The night sky is so clear you might even spot the Milky Way with your own eyes. If you’ve got a camera, you’ll capture photos you’ll treasure forever.

9. Taste Traditional Siwan Cuisine

Siwan food has its own special character. Taste the local Siwan bread paired with dates and enjoy simple Bedouin‑style meals cooked over fire. The flavors give you a sense of warmth and authentic hospitality.

Siwa is just the start; discover faith and history together on our Holy Land Tours Packages that connect Egypt’s sacred sites to neighboring lands.

10. Shop for Unique Siwan Handicrafts

Before heading back, you have to grab a souvenir made by Siwa’s locals. You’ll find Siwan rugs, beadwork, and handmade crafts filled with love and the spirit of the oasis.

11. Visit Gebel Al‑Mawta (Mountain of the Dead)

The Mountain of the Dead is an archaeological site with ancient tombs still carrying visible carvings.

 Visiting here gives you a sense of the grandeur of history surrounded by the calm of the place.

If Siwa’s calm stole your heart, our 7 Day Egypt Tour Cairo Nile Cruise and Luxor Temples will complete the magic with timeless temples and river views.

What to do in Siwa Oasis at night – The Magic of Siwa at Night

When the sun sets over Siwa, the oasis turns into a calm and magical scene. If you’re thinking about What to do in Siwa Oasis at night, these activities will let you enjoy the night vibes there:

• Bedouin dinner in an Eco‑Lodge: Try traditional Siwan food in a simple setting lit with lanterns and candles, you’ll feel part of the place.
• Stargazing: Siwa’s clear sky makes the stars look close enough to touch. Sitting on the sand with hot Bedouin tea completes the moment.
• Bedouin gatherings and campfire nights: Some tours host campfires at night with local music and stories about Siwa’s people and history.
• Night stroll on Fatnas Island: Sunset is just the start, at night, the water reflects the moonlight, and the silence makes you feel cut off from the world.

Note: Nights are colder than daytime, so bring a light jacket or small blanket if you plan to stay out for a while.

Combine the peaceful nights under Siwa’s stars with pure luxury on a Luxury Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise — perfect for travelers who want both adventure and comfort.

Plan your Siwa Oasis journey with Egypt Online Tour for an unforgettable adventure.

If you want to explore every corner of Siwa without stressing over the details, Egypt Online Tour has simple programs that fit your schedule.

One of the most loved options is a 3‑day itinerary covering Siwa’s highlights : 

• From salt lakes to the Mountain of the Dead: with comfortable desert‑ready transport from Cairo or Alexandria
• Experienced local guide: Shares Siwa’s stories and takes you to hidden places most visitors miss.
• Authentic eco‑style stays: In lodges that make you feel like part of the oasis.
• Full activity organization: From sandboarding to Fantasy Island sunsets.

The best part is their plans are flexible; you can swap or add activities based on what you like, and all you need to do is enjoy the trip from start to finish.

Sample 3‑Day Itinerary – A 3‑Day Plan to Experience Siwa at Your Own Pace

If you want to see every side of Siwa without feeling rushed, this schedule helps you organize your trip over three balanced days, mixing sightseeing, adventure, and calm moments in nature.

Practical Tips for American Visitors – Important Tips Before Visiting Siwa

If this is your first time planning a trip to Siwa, these simple tips will make your visit smoother and help you be ready for everything:

1-What to Wear?

Siwa is a conservative community, so it’s better to choose practical and comfortable clothing that also covers the body a bit. 

In summer, go for light, loose fabrics, and at night, bring a light jacket because the desert can get chilly.

2-Photography and Respect

Natural and historical landmarks are open for photography, but if you want to take photos of local people, especially women, always ask for permission first. This small gesture shows respect for their traditions.

3-Currency and Payment

Transactions are mainly in Egyptian pounds, and most places don’t have ATMs, so it’s best to bring enough cash from Cairo or Alexandria before heading out.

4-Food and Water

Siwan food is known for its authentic taste and is generally safe, but if you have a sensitive stomach, start with cooked dishes. 

For water, stick to bottled water and keep a bottle with you throughout the day.

After Siwa, take your Egypt journey further with a 15 Days Marvelous Tour Package in Egypt — from pyramids to Red Sea escapes.

Conclusion 

Siwa isn’t just an oasis in the middle of the desert; it’s a story you’ll live from the moment you step foot there. 

Everything from floating in the salt lakes, to sandboarding adventures, to campfire nights under the stars opens the door to a whole new world of peace and magic.

And if you want this trip to be easy and well‑organized without wasting time on the details, Egypt Online Tour offers flexible plans that cover everything from transportation to the best activities.

Now’s your chance to turn the Siwa adventure into a real step on your bucket list and start a whole new chapter of your travels!