Travel to Siwa

the most dramatic location in the Western Desert

Set in the desert around 500 km west of Alexandria and 250 km inland from the Mediterranean, Siwa Oasis is the most dramatic location in the whole of Egypt.

This scenically dramatic location was also hugely important in ancient times, being the home of a highly influential oracle. Pharaohs and emperors from around the known world would travel here for consultations.

The area is centred on two large lakes, surrounded by palm groves, agriculture and several Berber settlements.

The oasis is centred on the crumbling city of Siwa, most of which is long-since abandoned. The western lake is surrounded by palm groves, with a scattering of small hotels. The eastern lake is heavily mined for salt and other minerals, providing some crystal clear swimming pools. Parts of the surrounding desert are also relatively scenic.

Siwa is not an easy place to get to. There are no scheduled flights and, for security reasons, the only overland access is on the highway that leads into the desert from the Mediterranean Coast.

Given that the drive from Giza takes a full day each way, most guests stay out here for at least 3-4 nights, usually staying at the rather cool Adrere Amellal.

something of a mission to get to