Where to stay in Siwa
Siwa is a remote oasis in Egypt's Western Desert, close to the Libyan border, with palm groves, salt lakes and mud-brick ruins. The town is small, so choose between staying in the centre near the Shali fortress or in eco-lodges built from traditional materials among the palms and salt lakes outside town.
Siwa town near Shali
Simple hotels and guesthouses around the main square are close to the ruins of the Shali fortress, the market and cafes. You can rent bicycles to reach Cleopatra's Spring and the Mountain of the Dead. It is practical and lively in the evening.
Eco-lodges in the oasis
Eco-lodges outside the town, some built from kershef (salt and mud) and palm wood, offer quiet rooms among palm groves, near salt lakes or under the desert mountains. Some have no electricity in the rooms and use candles, so check before booking.
Near the desert and Fatnas
Guesthouses near Fatnas Island and the edge of the Great Sand Sea are close to the sunset spot over the salt lake and to the starting points of desert safaris with hot springs and dunes.
One thing to think about
Siwa is about nine hours by road from Cairo or around four hours from Marsa Matruh. Respect local customs: Siwa is conservative, so dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Siwa are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
How do I get to Siwa?
Buses run from Cairo and Alexandria via Marsa Matruh, and the trip from Cairo takes about nine hours or more. Many travellers break the journey in Marsa Matruh or Alexandria. Private drivers and tours also make the trip. There are no regular flights.
What can I do in Siwa?
Explore the Shali fortress ruins, the Temple of the Oracle of Amun at Aghurmi, where Alexander the Great is said to have consulted the oracle, and the tombs of the Mountain of the Dead. Swim in Cleopatra's Spring, float in the salt lakes and take a desert safari to the dunes.
When is the best time to visit Siwa?
From about October to April, when days are warm and nights are cool or cold. Summer is extremely hot. The Siyaha festival, held in autumn around the full moon, brings the community together on Dakrour mountain.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.