Things To Do in Siwa Oasis – Salt Pools & Getting There

by | Africa, Egypt

View our Playlist

See Our Egypt Playlist

Siwa is the stuff of barren place daydreams. Just 50km from the Libyan border this fertile basin, sitting about 25m underneath sea and brimming with olive timber and palms, epitomises slow-paced oasis life. Set between the shady groves, squat, slouching mud-brick hamlets are related via skill of winding grime lanes the area trundling donkey carts are nonetheless as a brilliant deal a phase of the avenue movement as puttering motorbikes and 4WDs. Scattered for the length of the oasis are crystal-clear springs, which are a heavenly respite from the harsh heat. At the region of the oasis, the swells of the Great Sand Sea roll to the horizon, presenting irresistible fodder for desolate tract exploration.


Siwa’s geographic isolation helped shield a unique society that stands particularly aside from mainstream Egyptian culture. Today, local traditions and Siwi, the nearby Berber language, although dominate. Well properly really worth the lengthy haul to get out here, Siwa casts a spell that’s difficult to resist.

My first impression of Siwa was revealing to how time has not changed much over a thousand years. Houses still made of mud bricks and reminded me of a Biblical set of the times of when Jesus walked the Earth.

Getting to Siwa Oasis from Cairo, Egypt

The most affordable way to get to Siwa is thru bus. The ‘West and Middle Delta Bus company’ is the completely bus corporation presenting transport to Siwa.

If you are leaving from Cairo, there is completely one bus that leaves every and each and every evening. From Alexandria, there are two options. One day bus and one night time bus. It’s a terrific idea to e e book before as these journeys can without problems promote out.

YouTube player


The bus takes 9-12 hours every way. A huge aspect of this ride takes you through bumpy roads. You will additionally cease at extra than one military checkpoints alongside the way so make positive that you hold your passport on hand for the ride.
If the bus is no longer your style, I actually understand. Hiring a personal driver ought to be a correct option, but preserve in idea you will favor to pay for their food, lodging and services. The costs can add up for this option.


You can additionally appoint a automobile if you are blissful using in Egypt. Make certain you carry your international using permit/licence alongside for the journey.


Unfortunately, the closest airport to Siwa is in Marsa Matruh which is although about four hours away. You ought to fly to Marsa Matruh and then arrange flooring transportation from there. It all depends upon on your experience preferences.

Bus Ride

Bus Company Website

Getting to Siwa Oasis from Alexandria

This is a acceptable choice from taking the bus the complete way and it lets in you to add on Alexandria on the itinerary a suitable deal less complicated and with a good deal less of traveling on the bus from Cairo.

You will nonetheless be on buses most of the day, on the other hand its doable with a few less hours on a bus.

Mesmerizing Salt Pools of Siwa Oasis

There are plenty of salt pools/salt lakes unfold during the Siwa Oasis vicinity of Egypt. The swimming swimming pools are virtually section of a salt mine applicable outside of the town. If you want to recognize the location for your visit, then you can detect it for free in a journey information that I made on my Instagram.


Both warm and bloodless salt swimming swimming pools can be located in Siwa, as well as salty and smooth water springs. Each of these swimming pools has their very very own health advantages and different pleasures. The salt swimming swimming pools are in most cases terrific for your sinuses, pores and skin and eye infections. You can drift in them truly like in the vain sea!

Reality Check! This is not a park or recreational grounds. It is a working salt mine and pools change constantly. So finding that same salt pool shaped in a heart from Instagram, probably isn’t still there.

You will most likely spend only 15-20 minutes in the water, as the salt otherwise starts to burn your skin. You need to make sure your drive has water to rinse you and everyone off before getting back in the vehicle. The salt burns after 15 – 20 minutes.

What you Need to Know Before you Go

Before journeying to Egypt, make sure you examine for an Egypt visitor eVisa online. Getting to Siwa is now not going to be for everybody. Just to get to Siwa is a process, with brilliant lengthy bus rides and severa military checkpoints. However, the trip is truly nicely worth it as quickly as you arrive.

Once you arrive in Siwa it can be difficult to discover taxis or tuk tuks to get around. What I advocate is arranging a driver with your hotel. Don’t assume to simply stroll outdoor and see taxis looking for customers.


Another quintessential tip is to inventory up on money beforehand than you come. There’s completely one ATM in all of Siwa and if you have troubles with this ATM it can depart you stranded barring any money. Of course, you want to generally maintain some reserve money and foreign money with you no be aware the location you tour in Egypt.


Lastly, make tremendous you wake up early in the morning when it’s however chilly out of doors to go to the warm springs. They are fantastic first element in the morning. A nice way to begin the day in a enjoyable manner!


I hope you positioned this tour information to Siwa Oasis in Egypt inspiring and informing. If you have any extraordinary questions or would like greater information, experience free to get in contact with me – I’m continually thrilled to assist my fellow travelers.

You can moreover take a look at out my Siwa Oasis YouTube video under which goes into even extra factor about this top notch Egyptian destination!

Local Restaurant

Abdu Restaurant

Google Map Location
YouTube player
4×4 Day Trip In The Sahara Desert Siwa, Egypt

Latest Blog Posts