First Timer’s Complete Guide to Planning a Siwa Oasis Trip (w/ sample itinerary)

Last updated on May 7th, 2025 at 05:52 pm

Have you ever seen a photo of someone floating in the crystal-clear turquois waters of the Siwa Salt Lakes and thought, “Okay, I have to go there”? Or maybe you’ve heard rumors of a dreamy oasis tucked away in Egypt’s Western Desert filled with palm trees, ancient ruins, natural springs, and more dates than you can physically eat. If any of that sounds like your kind of adventure, then you’re in the right place. This first timer’s complete guide to planning a Siwa oasis trip (w/ sample itinerary) has everything you need to make it happen —including all of the top things to do in Siwa 🏝

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a successful Siwa Oasis trip. Plus a sample itinerary that my friend and I personally tested and approved during our recent 3 day 2 night trip to Siwa Oasis.

So keep reading to learn more about what makes Siwa so special, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do once you arrive. Let’s get into it 👇

Read more on Egypt 🇪🇬

• The Ultimate 5-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, and Siwa Oasis

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Planning a Siwa Oasis Trip at a Glance

Short on time? Here’s a quick TLDR of our recent Cairo ➡️ Siwa Oasis trip:

• 🗓️ Trip length: 3-day, 2-night tour booked via GetYourGuide
• 🛏️ Where we stayed: Carols Ghaliet Ecolodge + Siwa Palace Ecolodge
• 🌴 What it’s known for: Siwa salt lakes, Sahara desert magic, palm groves, natural springs
• ☀️ Best time to go: Spring (aka warm days, cool nights)
• 🚗 Getting there: Private driver or organized tour highly recommended
• 📍 Distance from Cairo: ~8 hours by car

What Makes Siwa Oasis So Special?

Okay, imagine this: you’re floating in a salt lake so clear it looks fake. The water is every shade of blue you could ever imagine. Oh, and you’re also surrounded by the nicest locals, the cutest stray kittens, and you’re visiting buildings that are thousands of years old. That’s Siwa. It’s one of Egypt’s most untouched spots, tucked away near the edge of the Sahara, and it feels like stepping into another world.

There are ancient temples, hot and cold springs, date palms as far as the eye can see, and sunsets that will make you forget your phone has other apps besides the camera. Also, many of the top things to do in Siwa revolve around its unique culture. Siwa is a place you can go to learn about Amazigh (Berber) traditions, make handmade crafts, and eat food you’ll still be thinking about on the ride home. It’s peaceful, remote, and nothing like the rest of Egypt in the best way possible.

How Many Days Should You Spend on a Siwa Oasis Trip?

If you’re wondering how long to stay, three full days and two nights is the perfect amount of time. That’s exactly what we did, and it gave us more than enough time to float in the lakes, explore the desert, hit all the sights, and still have time to chill. If your schedule allows, adding a bonus day wouldn’t hurt, especially if you want to slow it down and spend an entire day in the hot springs. Unlike all of my usual Discover Over There itineraries, Siwa Oasis is impossible to do in one night. I mean, the drive alone from Cairo might kill you so you really don’t want to rush your visit here.

So my strong recommendation is to book this 3 day 2 night Siwa Oasis tour that we went on. The tour picks you up and drops you off in Cairo. You don’t have to lift a single finger on the logistics! And I guarantee you really don’t want to drive yourself because there were places on the road that literally just turned into a dead-end. Plus, there’s 3+ armed checkpoints along the way which can be a bit off-putting if you’re solo.

How to Get to Siwa Oasis for Your Trip

Let’s get one thing out of the way: yes, there’s a night bus. And no, I don’t recommend it at all. First, because you guys know that I’m the farthest thing from a budget traveler. But second, it’s long and will be extremely uncomfortable. Especially if you’re solo or traveling with kids. It’s not worth the money saved to have to get on a bus at 11pm in the middle of Cairo and then change buses multiple times throughout Egypt.

The best way? Either book this organized tour (what we did!) or hire private transport. Both are waaay more comfortable, safer, and take the guesswork out of the 8-hour trek from Cairo. Trust me, when you’re halfway through the desert with no Wi-Fi, you’ll be glad someone else is doing the driving.

Plus, your driver can point out the “wild camels” to you like ours did while we relaxed in the backseat with our snacks, sleep, and netflix.

Best Time to Plan Your Siwa Oasis Trip

If you’re like me and don’t thrive in full desert oven conditions, then timing is everything. Don’t get me wrong, you know I loooove the heat but only if I’m laying at a pool from 9-5pm. Exploring all the things to do in Siwa in 100-degree weather? Noooo thank you.

The best time to visit Siwa is in spring (March–May) or fall (October–early November) when the days are warm but not scorching and the evenings cool off just enough for a cozy hoodie moment. We went in March, and the daytime weather was perfect! But heads up, it did get a little chilly at night, especially when we were sandboarding and watching the sunset over the Sahara. Luckily, we were in Vienna right before coming to Egypt so we actually had some winter clothes packed.

While the weather in March was fine, I’d actually recommend pushing your trip closer to late spring (May or early June) for slightly warmer temps. That way, you can spend a whole day floating in the Siwa salt lakes (aka one of the top things to do in Siwa) instead of only a couple hours like we did. Visiting Siwa Oasis during summer? Good luck haha. Unless you enjoy baking yourself like a human falafel, I think spring and fall are probably the best times to visit Siwa Oasis, but especially the Siwa Salt Lakes.

Best Hotels for Your Siwa Oasis Trip

Siwa is still beautifully off the beaten path and it hasn’t been overtaken by mass tourism (yet). It’s probably because it’s incredibly hard to get to, and that’s part of what makes it so special. There’s technically an airport but apparently it’s only used for military purposes. (If that ever changes, I can guarantee you this place would go viral). Just a warning about Siwa though: luxury travelers, temper your expectations.

There’s no Four Seasons, no Marriott, no pillow menus. What you will find are a ton of well maintained eco lodges. And while they’re definitely an experience, I won’t lie: this trip definitely tested the upper bounds of my travel comfort limits. I’m 33 (about to be 34) so it’s been awhile since I’ve even stayed at a place with less than 4 stars. That said, if you know what to expect going in (aka rustic, not roughing-it-but-close), you’ll be just fine.

Here are a few hotel options to consider for your visit to Siwa including the ecolodges we stayed in during our trip:

• Carols Ghaliet Eco Lodge – This is where we stayed for our first night. Easily has the most beautiful pool in all of Siwa and there were so many adorable stray kittens roaming around. Carols Ghaliet Eco Lodge is a serene and charming eco stay with rooftop views and earthy architecture, ideal for travelers seeking peace, simplicity, and a touch of rustic comfort.
• Siwa Palace Eco Lodge – This is where we stayed for our second night. We had such a busy day the 2nd day that we basically only spent ~ 8 hours in this hotel room to sleep. Siwa Palace Eco Lodge is a no-frills, budget-friendly option with traditional vibes and warm hospitality, perfect for easygoing travelers who prioritize location and authenticity.
• Siwa Shali Resort – One of Siwa’s more developed stays, offering a pool, spacious rooms, and a relaxed resort feel for those craving a bit more comfort without leaving the oasis charm behind.
• Dream Lodge Hotel Siwa – A cozy, family-run hotel with colorful decor and hearty home-cooked meals, ideal for travelers who want a friendly, laid-back base with local character.

Top 10 Places to Visit & Things to Do on a Siwa Oasis Trip

Siwa may be small, but don’t let the size fool you. This desert oasis is packed with unforgettable things to do and places to visit. The good thing about Siwa is you can technically take it slow or move super fast. Although in typical Chihuei fashion, we chose to move fast. And it’s a good thing we did because there’s so much to see and learn about. Here are the top 10 must-do activities and places to visit during your first-time 3-day, 2-night trip to Siwa Oasis 👇

#1 Float in the Siwa Salt Lakes

Let’s be honest, the Siwa Salt Lakes are probably how you even heard about Siwa in the first place. Or maybe they’re not, but for me they definitely were. Thanks social media. Is the water as blue as social media makes it seem? YES! These crystal-clear lakes are next level floaty. No need to tread water, just lean back and let the salt do the work.

One thing to keep in mind during your Siwa Oasis trip is that these salt lakes are part of a working mining site, so don’t be surprised if you spot construction trucks rolling around. It’s still incredibly beautiful, just not as “peaceful” as you might imagine.

#2 Explore Shali Fortress and climb Dakrur Mountain

The one thing I realized when visiting Egypt is that the country is…super old. Like, centuries old. And parts of Siwa are rumored to have been around since the 7th century. My brain can barely comprehend that tbh. Which is why you have to visit Shali Fortress during your Siwa Oasis trip. Shali Fortress is a crumbling maze of salt and mudbrick that’s been standing since the 13th century. It was once used as housing for all the villagers.

The views from the top of Shali Fortress are epic, but you’ll also want to check out the neighboring Dakrur Mountain for 360-degree desert scenery.

#3 Ride the dunes and go sandboarding in the Sahara

You can’t come to the middle east and NOT take a trip to the desert. It’s like a cardinal sin. Call me dumb but I had no idea just how big the Sahara Desert was before coming to Egypt. I seriously thought our guide was f*cking with us when he said we were heading into the Sahara. We’d been to Morocco before and couldn’t believe this same desert actually stretches all the way across the continent to Egypt. Like…how???

Anyways, if you’ve never sandboarded before (which I hadn’t), Siwa is definitely the place to try. I feel like anytime you travel to the middle east, you have to hit the desert or ride a camel. It’s like Middle East Tourism 101 haha. But seriously, the sand dunes are soft, the views are wild, and wiping out is half the fun. (Climbing back up is less fun but totally worth it). No snowboarding skills required!

#4 Take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool

Are you wondering why it’s called “Cleopatra’s Pool“? Well, rumor has it that Queen Cleopatra herself used to bathe here buuuuut our guide told us that was just a ploy to get more tourists to visit and that there’s no proof she actually bathed in Siwa haha 😂 Also, did you know that there were 8 different Cleopatras? Our guide in Cairo told us this. Who knew. I definitely thought there was only one.

But regardless, it’s a great spot to add to your list of things to do in Siwa. You can shop for souvenirs, take a refreshing dip, and grab some delicious couscous at the nearby restaurant!

#5 Sip mint tea in the Sahara desert at sunset

This is probably a cliché activity (feels like this is the thing to do when visiting the Middle East) but I’m fine with clichés. I’m a tourist for a reason. I don’t know why but this ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Siwa. Our guides warmed up fresh tea in a teapot for us on the fire, laid out a beautiful Egyptian rug, and watched the sunset go down over the Sahara while chatting and eating dates.

We also happened to be visiting Egypt during Ramadan so it was pretty special getting to watch our guides break their fast nightly at 630pm.

#6 Catch the sunset from Fatnas Island

Sunsets in Siwa are magical. You guys know I am horrible at slowing down. It’s hard for me to sit still, let alone sit and watch a sunset for 60+ minutes. Which is why Siwa was good for me mentally. I can’t remember the last time I watched two sunsets in a row. But I can easily tell you the last time I watched the sunrise because I wake up at 430am everyday.

One of the most magical things to do in Siwa Oasis is catching the sunset from Fatnas Island, and it’s a must for your Siwa Oasis trip. Fatnas Island is a peaceful little escape surrounded by palm trees and still water, where the sunset steals the spotlight every evening. There’s also a little juice bar where you can order some of the freshest mango juice you’ll ever have in your life 🥭

#7 Relax and recharge at your hotel pool

Speaking of slowing down… when it comes to things to do in Siwa, don’t skip the simple joy of relaxing and recharging in your hotel pool. Most of the ecolodges have pools (it is a desert after all) but I highly recommend checking out the pools at Carols Ghaliet Eco Lodge or Siwa Palace Eco Lodge.

There’s even a natural hot spring onsite at Siwa Palace Eco Lodge.

#8 Befriend the stray kittens of Siwa Oasis

No Siwa Oasis trip is complete without meeting the town’s unofficial welcoming committee: the cats 🐱

They’re everywhere! Lounging in the shade, wandering the streets, and waiting patiently outside cafés. Bring a little food, show them some love, and don’t be surprised if one decides you’re their new human. Also don’t be alarmed if they literally try to swipe some of your food like this little kitten above tried to do.

#9 Learn about local culture at the Museum of Siwa

Visiting the Siwa Museum is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Siwa. “Museum” might be a bit of a stretch here. It is technically a museum, with artifacts, traditional clothing, and stories from Siwa’s past, but it’s housed inside what looks like an old multi-story home. Our guide happened to volunteer there (small town perks), so we got an unexpectedly in-depth tour. Since there aren’t many English-speaking, licensed guides in Siwa, the community is super tight-knit.

One of my favorite things we learned? Way before the salt lakes were discovered, locals taught their kids to swim by tying this floating fruit thing to their backs. Honestly, genius.

#10 Wander through the Mountain of the Dead

And last but not least, one of the top things to do in Siwa is visiting the Mountain of the Dead.

Don’t let the name scare you, this ancient burial site is one of the most historical spots in the area. The hillside is dotted with tombs dating back to the 26th Dynasty, carved right into the rock. You can still see faded wall paintings inside some of them, and the view from the top? Totally worth the climb. It’s a quiet, eerie, and fascinating glimpse into Siwa’s ancient past.

Where to Eat and Drink During Your Siwa Oasis Trip

So here’s the deal: Siwa isn’t exactly a foodie capital, but you will eat well. Especially if you’re down for fresh veggies, homemade bread, and all the dates your heart desires. While food is a big part to most of my trips, that wasn’t really the case in Siwa but I was totally fine with it. The good thing about joining a tour is that most of the food is organized for you anyways. (I love getting to turn off the research part of my brain and just getting to enjoy whatever’s being served).

If you’re not joining a tour like we did, here’s a short list of local favorites that are worth checking out! (Source: I asked our guide to send me a few of his favorite recs. He was born and raised in Siwa Oasis so you know he knows all of the good food spots)

• Ali Alewa Restaurant (Arabic name: مطعم علي عليوة للمشويات) — This is the restaurant we ate at during our last night in Siwa Oasis. Their signature dish is slow-cooked meat buried under the sand, and the result was an insanely tender chicken thigh, flavorful rice, and a whole mix of spices.
• Abdu’s Restaurant – Probably the most well-known spot in town. Solid local dishes and super central.
• Tekeyet Elamirmel – Also recommended by our guide. You need to try Siwa’s famous local dish of Chicken & Olives, underground cooking barbecue called “Abu Mardam”, delicious tagine and/or even wood-oven pizza & pasta.

Siwa Oasis Trip Sample Itinerary

Since we booked a 3-day, 2-night tour, most of our Siwa Oasis trip itinerary was already planned out for us — and honestly, we loved that. If you’re looking for a similar setup, we booked through GetYourGuide (you can check out the full itinerary here), but here’s a quick breakdown of what our trip looked like:

Day 1

• Traveled from Cairo to Siwa
• Made a quick photo + lunch stop in Marsa Matruh
• Checked into Carols Ghaliet Eco Lodge
• Took a dip at Cleopatra’s Pool
• Ordered the most delicious chicken couscous ever from Joba Lounge
• Watched the sunset at Fatnas Island

Day 2

• Got an early start to explore Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead,
• Visited the Museum of Siwan Traditions
• Lunch break back at Joba Lounge
• Floated in the Siwa Salt Lakes
• Quickly checked into our second hotel and rinsed off at the hotel
• Went sandboarding in the dunes of the Sahara
• Enjoyed mint tea and watched the sunset
• Dinner at Ali Alewa Restaurant

Day 3

• Grabbed breakfast at Oasis Nomad
• Traveled back to Cairo

An Unforgettable Siwa Oasis Trip: Final Thoughts

It’s pretty wild how much I’m actually already wanting to get back to Egypt. This country gets such a bad rap sometimes, which is honestly such a shame. Yes, we hired a guide so our experience was a bit more personalized, but it gave us the chance to really dive into the history and culture. While Siwa Oasis is relatively well known in Egypt, it’s still considered a very under the radar destination, especially for Americans. And even moreso if it’s your first time visiting Egypt.

I promise if you’re planning a Siwa Oasis trip…trust me. It’s worth it. From the surreal landscapes to the rich history and amazing food, a well-planned Siwa Oasis itinerary is the perfect escape if you’re craving something a little off the grid.

Did you get a chance to visit Siwa Oasis for the first time? Let me know in the comments below.

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