Guide to Siwa Salt Lakes: Fun and Healing Experience

Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s natural hidden gems. It is a primitive spot perfect for people who seek adventure, meaning that it does not offer luxurious experiences. Lying in the far western desert of Egypt, this heavenly place is a tourism and therapy destination. Why tourism? Because Siwa is a paradise on Earth with unmatched natural beauty. Why therapy? Because Siwa has highly salted lakes that are good for treating various health issues.

Siwa Oasis has hundreds of salt lakes spread throughout the region. It has everything from hot to cold salt pools and salty to freshwater springs. Each one of the natural pools has its own unique pleasures and therapeutic properties.

Where are Siwa Lakes Located?

Siwa salt lakes are located around 30 kilometres in the eastern of Siwa. They can be accessed through paved roads among palm fields that boost a fantastic, primitive sense of hiking in a forest. Siwa’s insulated location offers a relaxing, soothing, and exceptional experience.

If you don’t drive or like buses, you can hire a driver to take you through the lakes. Always have your passport with you, as the journey has military checkpoints.

Where to Stay

Siwa offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. Many of the hotels and resorts in Siwa are built in the traditional Siwan style, using local materials such as mudbrick and palm wood, which adds to the charm of the experience.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, several eco-lodges in Siwa offer accommodation entirely off the grid, with no electricity and a focus on sustainable living. These lodges provide a unique opportunity to disconnect from modern life and fully embrace the tranquillity of the desert environment.

Best Time to Visit Siwa Salt Lakes

The best time to visit the Siwa Salt Lakes is during the cooler months, from October to April. The weather is mild and pleasant during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the oasis. The summer months, from May to September, can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making it uncomfortable for some visitors.

However, if you visit during the summer, the early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy the salt lakes, as the temperatures are more bearable. The evenings offer a chance to witness stunning desert sunsets, with the colours reflecting off the water, creating a mesmerising scene.

How to Get to Siwa

Siwa’s remote location means that getting there requires some planning, but the journey is well worth it. The most common way to reach Siwa is by road from Cairo, which is approximately a 9 to 10-hour drive. Bus services also operate between Cairo and Siwa, offering a more budget-friendly option.

For those seeking a more adventurous route, you can also travel to Siwa from the Mediterranean coastal city of Marsa Matrouh, which is about a 5 to 6-hour drive. This route takes you through the stunning landscapes of Egypt’s Western Desert, offering a unique perspective on the country’s diverse terrain.

Once in Siwa, getting around is relatively easy, with local taxis and tuk-tuks available for hire. Many visitors also choose to explore the oasis on foot or by bicycle, allowing for a more intimate experience of the surroundings.

Touristic Background

Siwa has been isolated for centuries, only 50 kilometres from the Libyan border. Since the 1980s, it has been open to tourism, but it has remained forsaken and not part of the popular destinations in Egypt. As a result, Siwa still preserves its pristine, tender, and distinguished ecosystem.

Siwa salt lakes lack proper promotion and receive visitors, amounting to about 10,000 Egyptians and some 500 foreigners a year. Hence, tourism there is still at an early stage.

The salt lakes came to light in the last few years after mining in salt mines. Longitudinal strips were dug to depths of 3 to 4 metres to extract salt. Subsequently, turquoise water gathered in the strips, creating an aesthetic scene alongside the bright white colour of the salt; it is as if they were lakes surrounded by white snow. The salt lakes added to the value of Siwa Oasis by being the first medical tourism destination in Siwa. In 2017, Siwa Oasis was recognised as a global medical and environmental tourism destination.

The Four Major Salt Lakes in Siwa

There are four leading salt lakes in Siwa: Zeitoun Lake in the east, with an area of 5760 acres; Siwa Lake, with an area of 3,600 acres; Aghormy Lake in the north-east, with an area of 960 acres; and Maraqi Lake in the west, with an area of 700 acres. Several other lakes in Siwa include Taghaghin Lake, Al-Awsat Lake, and Shayata Lake.

Zeitoun Lake, the biggest salt lake in the Siwa Oasis, has a fascinating scene of a lake appearing on the edge of the wilderness 30 kilometres east of Siwa. The shimmering crystal waters of Zeitoun Lake are jaw-dropping. Maraqi Lake, known as Fatnas Lake, has the highest salt concentration. Between Zeitoun and Maraqi, Aghormy Lake is found, and local companies use it for health treatments. Aghormy Lake is a perfect healing spot that leaves you delighted and full of life.

Siwa Salt Lakes: Fun and Therapy

With pure blue waters and high amounts of salt, Siwa lakes are considered a primary tourist attraction. Egyptians and foreign tourists from all over the world head to Siwa for recuperation, swimming, and relaxation. Trips to Siwa are often organised to enjoy the landscape, expel negative energy, treat skin diseases, and recuperate.

Siwa has low annual rainfall but high evaporation rates, making its lakes exceptional with hyper-salinity. Indeed, salt lakes have incredible therapeutic capabilities. They are almost 95% salt due to the nearby salt mines. Siwa salt lakes have healing properties for skin, eye, and sinus conditions, promoting the oasis as a medical and recreational destination. Being rarely visited, the lakes of Siwa are still unique, pristine, and unspoiled.

Swimming in the Salt Lakes: Is It Safe?

Swimming in Siwa’s salt lakes is one of the best experiences ever, and it is safe and suitable for everyone. The amount of salt in the water is too much that it prevents the risk of drowning. The salt density in the lakes pushes the human body up and makes it float on the water’s surface. Even if you don’t know how to swim, the highly salted waters raise your body and make you swim without effort.

Swimming in Siwa salt lakes has been proven to give an immediate feeling of positivity and change psychological and mental states. Floating in such pure and natural pools in the middle of the desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it is a relaxing, soothing, and fantastic feeling to be carried by the water.

Additional Mesmerising Experiences

One of the exceptional experiences to explore in Siwa is the healing moon pools lying under the salty crust of Earth. It is unusual yet extraordinary to witness the layers and textures of salt.

Another exceptional experience in Siwa is the sun baths organised near Dakrur Mountain from June through August. The sand in this area can treat medical cases such as rheumatism, knee problems, back issues, and skin conditions.

Furthermore, the hot springs of the oasis are used for therapeutic purposes. Their waters have some properties that treat diseases such as rheumatism, joint inflammation, psoriasis, and digestive system diseases. It is best to visit the salty hot springs in the early morning when the weather and water are excellent. The main hot spring, Kegar Well, has waters that reach a temperature of 67 degrees Celsius and are rich in minerals similar to those found in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic.

Fun Activities at the Siwa Salt Lakes

While the healing properties of the Siwa Salt Lakes are a significant draw, they also offer a range of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax, the salt lakes have something for everyone.

Floating in the Salt Lakes

One of the most popular activities at the Siwa Salt Lakes is floating in the water. Due to the high salt concentration, it’s nearly impossible to sink, making floating a relaxing and effortless experience. Visitors often compare it to floating in the Dead Sea but with the added benefit of Siwa’s tranquil surroundings. The sensation of weightlessness, combined with the stunning views, creates a unique and unforgettable experience.

Floating in salt lakes is not only fun but also therapeutic. The mineral-rich water can help relax muscles, reduce stress, and promote well-being. Many visitors spend hours floating in the lakes, soaking up the natural beauty and enjoying the healing effects of the water.

Salt Baths and Spas

For those looking to indulge in a bit of luxury, several hotels and resorts in Siwa offer salt baths and spa treatments using the local salt. These treatments often include exfoliating scrubs, salt massages, and mineral baths, all designed to rejuvenate the skin and relax the body. Using Siwan salt in these treatments adds a unique element to the spa experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves entirely in the healing powers of the region.

Photography and Sightseeing

The Siwa Salt Lakes are a photographer’s dream, with their crystal-clear waters, white salt deposits, and stunning desert backdrop. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, the lakes provide endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. The changing light throughout the day creates different moods and colours, making it a perfect location for photography enthusiasts.

In addition to photography, the lakes are also an excellent spot for sightseeing. The surrounding desert landscape, with its dunes and palm groves, starkly contrasts the bright blue waters of the lakes. Exploring the area around the lakes can be a rewarding experience, with plenty of hidden gems to discover, such as ancient ruins, traditional Siwan villages, and natural springs.

Birdwatching

The Siwa Salt Lakes are also a haven for birdwatchers. The lakes and surrounding wetlands attract a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Flamingos, herons, and egrets are just a few of the birds that can be spotted in the area, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The peaceful environment and abundance of wildlife create a perfect setting for birdwatching, allowing visitors to connect with nature profoundly.

Star Gazing

As night falls, the Siwa Salt Lakes offer another enchanting experience: stargazing. The remote location of Siwa means minimal light pollution, providing clear and uninterrupted views of the night sky. The reflection of the stars on the still waters of the lakes creates a magical and surreal atmosphere, making stargazing at the salt lakes a genuinely unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply enjoy gazing at the stars, the Siwa Salt Lakes provide a perfect setting for this activity.

Marine Life and Fishing: Is There Fish in Siwa Lakes?

Siwa Lakes are so salty that no marine life survives; thus, there is no fish. Despite some attempts to introduce fish into the lakes, no fishing remains. 

Conclusion

Last but not least, Siwa Oasis is a mysterious, small, and splendid area with hundreds of salt lakes worth visiting. Siwa promises its visitors an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the desert. The salt lakes are a perfect destination for healing and relaxation with incredible therapeutic capabilities. Not only therapy, but the lakes also offer a pleasant swimming experience. It is a trip worth every penny and every minute spent to get there.