Swimming activities in Western Desert
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Fatnas Spring
There's a secluded pool at Fatnas Spring , the small island in the salty Birket Siwa (Lake Siwa) accessible across a narrow causeway. Nicknamed 'Fantasy Island' for its idyllic setting, the pool is about 6km from Siwa Town, and surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. Although it is a safer place for a swim than Cleopatra's Bath, women should not swim alone and, again, should leave their bikinis for the Red Sea beaches.
There's a small café among the palms, which is good for sitting and puffing on a sheesha, or drinking a cold beer if it's available. This is an idyllic place to watch the sunset. A ministry of agriculture project to try and improve the lake's drainage…
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Cleopatra's Bath
Siwa has no shortage of active, bubbling springs hidden among its palm groves. Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd, will lead you to the most famous spring, Cleopatra's Bath. The crystal-clear natural spring water gurgles up into a large stone pool, which is a popular bathing spot for locals.
Women should think twice about swimming here during the day, and if they decide to brave the stares then they should only bathe with their clothes on.There are changing rooms at the nearby Tanta Waa café.
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Bir Sitta
A popular stop is Bir Sitta, a sulphurous hot spring 6km northwest of Qasr al-Farafra. Water gushes into a Jacuzzi-sized concrete pool and then spills out into a larger tank. This is a good place for a night-time soak under the stars.
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Bir al-Mattar
At Bir al-Mattar cold springs pour into a viaduct, then down into a concrete pool where you can splash around during the hot summer months. As with all the springs the mineral content is high and the water can stain clothing.
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Bir al-Ramla
The hot sulphurous spring of Bir al-Ramla is very hot (45°C) and suitable for a soak, though you may feel a bit exposed to the donkey traffic passing to and fro. Women should stay well covered.
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Bir al-Ghaba
One of the most satisfying springs to visit is Bir al-Ghaba. It's quite a trek to get out here, but there is nothing quite like a moonlit hot bath on the edge of the desert.
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