Temple of the Oracle (left) amongst ruined mud buildings.

Mark Read

Siwa Oasis

Siwa is the stuff of desert daydreams. Just 50km from the Libyan border this fertile basin, sitting about 25m below sea level and brimming with olive trees and palms, epitomises slow-paced oasis life. Set between the shady groves, squat, slouching mud-brick hamlets are connected by winding dirt lanes where trundling donkey carts are still as much a part of the street action as puttering motorbikes and 4WDs. Scattered throughout the oasis are crystal-clear springs, which are a heavenly respite from the harsh heat. At the edge of the oasis, the swells of the Great Sand Sea roll to the horizon, providing irresistible fodder for desert exploration.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis, Egypt.

    Fortress of Shali

    Siwa Oasis

    Central Siwa is dominated by the spectacular organic shapes of the remains of this 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Built from kershef (chunks of salt…

  • Gebel Al Mawta

    Gebel Al Mawta

    Siwa Oasis

    This small hill, at the northern end of Siwa Town, is honeycombed with rock tombs peppered with wall paintings. Its name, Gebel Al Mawta, means 'Mountain…

  • Temple of the Oracle

    Temple of the Oracle

    Siwa Oasis

    The 26th-dynasty Temple of the Oracle sits in the northwest corner of the ruins of Aghurmi village. Built in the 6th century BC, probably on top of an…

  • Bir Wahed

    Bir Wahed

    Siwa Oasis

    A favourite Siwa excursion is the freshwater lake at Bir Wahed, 15km away on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Once over the top of a dune, you come to a…

  • Fatnas Spring

    Fatnas Spring

    Siwa Oasis

    This fairly secluded pool is on a small island in the salty Birket Siwa, accessible across a narrow causeway. Nicknamed ‘Fantasy Island’ for its idyllic…

  • Bilad Ar Rum

    Bilad Ar Rum

    Siwa Oasis

    Just north of Kharmisah, around 17km northwest of Siwa Town, the City of the Romans has about 100 tombs cut into the rock of the nearby hills and the…

  • Temple of Umm Ubayd

    Temple of Umm Ubayd

    Siwa Oasis

    This almost totally ruined temple was dedicated to Amun. It was originally connected to the Temple of the Oracle by a causeway and was used during oracle…

  • Cleopatra’s Spring

    Cleopatra’s Spring

    Siwa Oasis

    Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd will lead you to Siwa’s most famous spring. The…

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A starry night over a small camp in the Sahara Desert.
Desert of dreams: how and where to experience the Sahara

Apr 1, 2013 • 4 min read

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