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Cove Team
Cove Team
Egypt has many paradise-like spots, given the splendid landscapes blending with the clear waters. Lying in the Egyptian Western Desert, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a heavenly stay. It has also been labelled as one of the world’s most amazing oases.
Siwa Oasis is located in the Western Desert between the Great Sand Sea and the Qattara Depression. It is a few kilometres from Libya’s borders and about 560 from Egypt’s capital city, Cairo. If you travel from Cairo, it will take you a solid 10-hour drive to reach Siwa. And we have to tell you, the road is quite bumpy and full of cracks. It can be pretty challenging, but the destination is outright rewarding.
Besides the picturesque scenery, there are historical events tied to the most famous places in Egypt, and Siwa Oasis is no exception. In a country rich in history and culture, you can barely find anywhere with no history that traces back to very ancient times. And that’s just another aspect that contributes to the beauty of Egypt.
Smooth dunes that seem to never end are one of the most delightful panoramas in Siwa. Despite being situated in the middle of a desert, Siwa Oasis is a spot where people find a generous supply of water and food. It is famous for its abundant palm and olive trees, which provide succulent food for visitors and passersby.
Let’s walk you through an exhilarating list of the journeys you can embark on by exploring the treasures of Siwa Oasis.
1. Take a Plunge into the Salt Lakes
Siwa Oasis is home to more than a few salt lakes that you can dip into for a satisfactory refreshment. The best part is that these lakes are 95% salt. It makes your body float above the water, which means that your swimming skills won’t matter cause you will never drown anyway. Moreover, salty waters are said to have healing properties, curing skin conditions, sinuses, and eye infections.
2. Walk through History in the Tomb of Si-Amun
Despite the seclusion of Siwa, history still plays a vital role in this part of Egypt as well. It is home to the renowned tomb of Si-Amun, one of the most prominent attractions there. This tomb wasn’t discovered until 1940, and the walls seem to have much to reveal. The tomb’s walls portray Si-Amun, a merchant in the 3rd century B.C. Besides that, you will come across many paintings that tell striking tales from the past.
3. Watch the Sunset in Fatnas Island
One of the quietest places to enjoy yourself is on the serene island known as Fatnas Island. It overlooks the renowned Siwa Lake, making it an ideal sunset spot. Not only that, but you can also observe the dunes across the lake. The blend of all forms of nature creates a magnificent spot to disconnect from the fast-paced world and enjoy the moment.
4. Stay at Kenooz Shali Lodge
Siwa Oasis Hotels are unlike your usual hotel, and Kenooz Shali Lodge is the real deal. It is an eco-friendly hotel with splendid decorations, surrounded by more than a few palm groves and olive trees. There is also an outdoor dining area that became popular among visitors. It is a vast area where dining tables are put under the date palms, allowing people to enjoy succulent meals.
5. Dip in a Hot Spring
Natural hot springs are everywhere in Siwa Oasis. They are among the significant attractions that draw people to this mesmerizing spot. These hot springs are natural wonders full of healing properties that help you relax. The best part is that some of these springs are open at night, which is a great idea if you want a brand-new experience.
6. Climb the Mountain of the Dead
The Mountain of the Dead is a rocky hill located near the centre of Siwa and is home to thousands of tombs that date back to the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. You will come across mounds at the mountain’s base, and they all lead to a specific area with different tombs to explore. The tombs have embellishments that have a captivating allurement, telling you a lot about ancient Egyptian culture.
7. Ride a Bike on Siwa Lake
Siwa Lake is one of the most prominent attractions in Siwa Oasis. It has a picturesque view, blending with nature in the most harmonious ways possible. Most people like to enjoy watching the sunset over the lake. However, you can also rent a bike and ride along the lake, watching the beautiful sunset in the distance while enjoying the whiff of light breeze against your face.
8. Don’t Miss Cleopatra’s Bath
There is no way you will get around Siwa Oasis and just not hear about the famous Cleopatra’s Bath. It is one of the many hot springs in Siwa, but this one has a name. Also, it is commonly called Cleopatra’s Spring or Cleopatra’s Pool. It is said that Queen Cleopatra herself used to dip in this specific spring, reaping the benefits of this natural wonder. While no studies backed up this claim, it still goes by this name and is the most famous hot spring.
9. Sandboard on the Great Sand Sea
The Great Grand Sea is another beautiful attraction that Siwa Oasis sits on its tip. The jumble of the undisturbed waters with the endless scenes of desert is just one to die for. This area offers more than a few activities you can engage in by booking a tour with one of the local drivers who knows how to help you get around. Sandboarding is a popular activity around here; enjoy the ultimate fun in the dunes while unravelling the mystery shrouded in the vast lands of the desert.
10. Shop at the Local Shali Market
The Shali is one of the hot tourist attractions in Siwa Oasis, where there is an elevated spot made up of mud that you can climb to take a quick glimpse of the area. It has a vast landscape over which beautiful palm groves stretch. Interestingly, there is also the Shali Market, where you can shop. It encompasses more than a few local handicrafts and souvenirs, representing the unique Siwan culture. There are fascinating handmade soaps, embroidered scarves, and many more flavorful gifts.
11. Take a Sand Bath
Many of us don’t like having sand stuck all over our bodies while we are having fun on the beach, but in Siwa Oasis, things are different. Sands are here for bathing. Yes, you read that right. It is a tradition in Siwa for people to bury themselves neck-deep in the sands. It is said that the hot sands of this desert have healing properties and can cure many ailments. They claim that it heals joint pain, infertility, and rheumatism.
The Egyptians call Siwa Oasis the Pearl of the Western Desert for different reasons, and we promise the naming is for all the right reasons. There is so much treasure to uncover around this paradise-like place. It is an experience that will permanently be fixed in the mind.
