Places of Interest in Siwa
Siwa
A desert oasis far to the west of Egypt, Siwa is very far geographically and culturally from the other parts of Egypt we've been. Friendly people and the beautiful desert make this a mandatory stop on any trip to Egypt as far as I'm concerned.
Food wise, the place has a much better range than one might expect from such a small spot in the middle of nowhere. The people are friendly, especially compared to the general treatment tourists get up the Nile valley. There's plenty to do, from desert safaris to exploring ruins to lazing around in hot pools drinking chilled karkaday.
Places of Interest
Abdus (Restaurant)
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 9:36am
Location:SiwaVery friendly staff, especially the extremely helpful Ahmad (normally wearing a neatly wrapped red and white scarf and nicely done eyeliner) make Abdus a pleasant place to sit and watch the donkey carts roll by.
Prices are decent, and there's none of that tax bullshit going on. The olives are worth mentioning, as they're not as sour and salty as most in Siwa, and the babaganoush is great.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Alexander's (Restaurant)
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 9:47am
Location:SiwaA nice, but sunny, roof top terrace is one of Alexander's appealing features. The prices are a little higher than most places around, and they do the annoying 12% service tax bullshit, but the food is probably worth paying a little extra for. Mohommad, the manager, is very friendly and helpful and speaks pretty good English.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Bedwin Restaurant
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 9:55am
Location:SiwaTasty food at good prices is probably the motto at Bedwin Restaurant. A 1/4 chicken, with beans, mixed salad, soup and rice clocks in at 15 EGP and will leave you bursting full; if not, just ask and they'll top up whatever you ask at no charge. Strong and sweet mint tea is served after your meal.
The restaurant itself is very basic, with low tables and no chairs.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
East West (Restaurant)
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 9:58am
Location:SiwaFood takes a while to arrive here, but it's worth waiting. Prices for most breakfast items are very good, so order a range and tuck in - tamayia (falafel), batengan (aubergine), eggs, yoghurt and mixed vegetables featured in our breakfasts most days. The coffee is also pretty good.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Heritage Hotel and Restaurant
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 9:59am
Location:SiwaThe hotel is kinda fancy looking, so probably costs a bit, but the restaurant is actually pretty well priced and has a nice view of both Shali and the town center. Try the cheese fitir, it's fantastic. The kofta meatballs with rice is also good and I'm told that the french fries are possibly the best in Egypt.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Sahara Desert
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:58am
Location:SiwaIncredible sand dunes like you've seen in a million photos. Stars like you've never seen them before in the night. Arrange a tour and get out here, one way or another.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Siwa Bank de Caire
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:09am
Location:SiwaATM outside, although some English VISA cards have trouble with it I'm told. Bank hours are sporadic, but turning up around 10am should get you in the door most days barring Friday. Apparently they often open briefly around 5pm as well, if you feel like trying your luck. A range of currencies are changed inside, including US, UK, Euro and Australian. Rates are the same as in larger cities (at the time of writing, anyway).
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Siwa Bus Station
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:04am
Location:SiwaBusses leave for Alexandria at 7am, 10am and 3pm, for Matrouh at 1pm and once daily three days a week to Cairo.
The fare to Alex is normally 35 EGP and will drop you at the new Alex bus station way outta town - the fare for a taxi to Midan Sa'ad Zagloul is 10 EGP.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Siwa Jewelery
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:02am
Location:SiwaAlthough the shop has some good pieces on display, the real jewels here (ha ha ha) are Duncan and his family (Penny, Claudia and Angus), who took us under their wing and provided plenty of assistance and excellent local advice. Drop in and check out their goods and have a chat if you're wondering what to do around Siwa. Duncan is currently putting the finishing touches on the ultimate Siwa map and will be providing GPS devices loaded with waypoints for explorers in the near future.
If you're looking for something a little different, the also provide a range of tours and have some nice apartments available for rent.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.
Siwa Tourist Information
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:05am
Location:SiwaThere's a fair bit of information available at the tourist information center, which can also arrange tours.
Please note that for this area is incorrect on Google Maps. As such, the location shown for this area has been aligned to the satellite imagery, not to the map.