Activities in Siwa Oasis
-
A
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 …
reviewed
-
Bir Wahed
A favourite excursion among local guides is the cold freshwater lake at Bir Wahed 15km away on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Once over the top of a high dune, you come to a hot spring, the size of a large Jacuzzi, where sulphurous water bubbles in a pool and runs off to irrigate a garden. Cooling down in the lake, and then watching the sun setting over the dunes while soaking in a hot spring, is a surreal experience.
The thorns in this rose are the mosquitoes that bite at sunset. Because it's far from town, women can wear bathing suits here without offending locals. Bir Wahed can only be reached by 4WD, so if you don't have your own, you'll need to hire a guide and car.…
reviewed
-
B
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.
reviewed
-
Taghaghien Touristic Island
If you’re desperate for a beer, this small island 12km northwest of Siwa Town and connected by a causeway is one of the few places selling the amber nectar (for a whopping E£35 a bottle). There is some humble accommodation and a restaurant here, but its many shaded tables and chairs, paddle-boat rentals and sweet sunset vistas make it better suited for a day trip or picnic. You’ll need your own transport to get here.
reviewed
-
Shali Camel Safaris Ranch
Abdul at Shali Camel Safaris Ranch also organises camel tours, with all meals included, at a slightly lower cost. These are virtually impossible to arrange in summer, since daytime temperatures are too hot and guides won’t travel by starlight.
reviewed
