Things to Do 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.
Things to Do
Al Mazha (Hot Pool)
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:11am
Location:SiwaPrice:Buy a drinkWhile most of the donkey boys around Siwa's town square will want to take you off to Celeopatra's pool (which is worth going to), Al Mazha is also well worth the effort on a cool evening. Unlike Cleopatras, Al Mazha is a hot pool, the perfect temperature to soak away and sand boarding bruises.
There's no fee for the pool, but drinks are available there and you should probably buy one if you're going to swim.
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.
Bir Wahed
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:50am
Location:SiwaPrice:Free (but hard/expensive to get to)Hot pool in the Sahara desert, very cool. You'll need to arrange transport, and probably a "permit" to get out here (US$5 + 10 EGP, or 40 EGP). Most tours will also involve some sand boarding on the big dune just north of here (see it on the map for this page) and may include the cold pool just north of that.
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.
Cleopatra's Pool
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:16am
Location:SiwaA large fresh water spring, Cleopatras is a nice cycle ride through the palms out from Siwa village. The water temperature is pleasant on a hot day, with clear, deep water. Apparently a few people have managed to drown there, but you'd have to be completely unable to swim, at all, to pull this off.Price:FreeA very laid back little cafe sits beside it, with good English reading materiel (Economist, New Scientist, trashy magazines etc.). The smoothies and juices are great (try the breafast smoothie, complete with dates and oats) and I hear the food is good too (although not exactly cheap).
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.
Dakror Mountains (Gebel Dakror)
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:20am
Location:SiwaPrice:FreeA brief climb up the less than solid slopes of the Dakror "mountains" gives you an incredible view over the Siwa oasis. You can spot all the major landmarks (Shali, The Mountain of the Dead, Temple of Amun, Oracle Temple, Fantas Island) as well as good desert and lake views.
El Araies Spring
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:25am
Location:SiwaPrice:FreeAlthough we didn't really stop here, the place looks nice and very quiet compared to Cleopatra's (not that it was busy there, really). Water is cool and clear and there's a cafe nearby.
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.
Fantas Island
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:55am
Location:SiwaPrice:UnknownThere's a pool to swim in here, and an island, and an oasis. We didn't actually make it out, but apparently it's a great spot to see the sun go down.
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.
Mountain of the Dead
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:30am
Location:SiwaPrice:25 Full / 15 StudentAlthough a little steep for what it is, the "mountain" of the dead is an interesting site. The entire hill is pocked with graves from top to bottom, giving it a somewhat wasp nest like appearance. Your entrance ticket should get you into three of the tombs, which are otherwise locked; make sure you find someone to let you in, there should be no need for baksheesh.
The style of decoration in the tombs is quite different from that of the Nile Valley, especially in that most of the work is drawn on rather than etched. Breasts are more prevalent, as are cheeky little pot bellies.
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.
Oracle Temple
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:36am
Location:SiwaPrice:25 Full / 15 StudentThe site is nice, built on top of another small hill, but otherwise not really worth the fee you pay to enter. Additional information might make it more exciting, but as it is there's no background given to the site and very little in the way of notable remains.
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.
Shali
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:38am
Location:SiwaPrice:FreeShali, the old mud town in the center of Siwa, is a great place to wander around. Free entrance and great views over the town make it worth the effort, even if the prospect of a melted old mud fortress/housing complex doesn't float your boat.
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.
Temple of Amun
elyobo — Fri, 27/03/2009 - 10:41am
Location:SiwaPrice:FreeThere's not a lot left here, although it looks like work is ongoing. Cycle past on a drip out to the Oracle temple and Cleopatra's pool and look it over.
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.