Siwa: Feel the Sand Under Your Toes, Only This Time It Isn’t The Beach
Siwa, Egypt is an oasis considered to be one of the country’s most isolated area even though there are about half a hundred thousand residents living in the settlement. It is nestled between the Great Sand Sea and Qattara Depression. It is the perfect place if you truly want to experience the so-called “desert culture.” The town’s name means “palm land” in English. Siwa Oasis North Airport (SEW) serves the town.
Best Time to Visit
A hot desert climate is expected over at Siwa. The heat can become intolerable especially during the long summer season that runs between March and October. For that reason, only the remaining months, from November to February, it is best to visit the town. These are the perfect months especially if your trip consists of historic and archeological sites. Siwa hotels are cheaper during these months with the exception of December. Siyaha Festival is a three-day moon harvest festival that takes place every October.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Siwa Oasis is the most prominent tourist attraction in town. It houses the Lake Siwa. An unusual sight of a majestic and pristine lake in a scorching desert. There are spa facilities within the immediate surroundings of the oasis. At the end of the town, you will find tombs with wall paintings that are centuries old. The place is called Hill of the Dead. Nearby the lake is the Siwa Shali Resort. It is a paradise in the middle of the desert. It has spa facilities and an outdoor swimming pool. If you really do want to get close to the beach, head on to Porto Matrouh Beach Resort or Jaz Crystal Resort which are more or less five hours away.