🌴🧳 Looking to escape C-town for the weekend and tired of the usual destinations? Located some 750 km and 12 hours away from the capital, Siwa is far from a tourist trap and the kind of place that whisks you away with its landscapes and history. But this long-haul destination needs some careful planning for a comfortable journey, and we’re here to help.

So, where do you stay in Siwa?

The oasis is famous for its eco-hotels built from kershef — a traditional blend of rock salt, clay, and palm logs. These structures are built to blend into the surrounding nature, preserving its charm. Among these, several stand out:

#1- Adrére Amellal: This eco-lodge regularly secures a spot on international lists as one of the most beautiful sustainable hotels in the world. Located at the foot of a mountain and surrounded by seven salt lakes and olive groves, it offers magnificent panoramic views.

Been needing to go off the grid? Then this stay is for you. The hotel has no electricity or telephones, relying instead on natural light by day and candles by night.

HOW TO BOOK- You can book your stay through the hotel’s website.

#2- Albabenshal Lodge: Need the oasis life without going off the grid? Albabenshal may be the right pick. Located at the foot of the historic Shali Fortress, it puts you just steps away from the old market and the most prominent restaurants and archaeological sites, such as Cleopatra’s Pool and the salt lakes.

The hotel draws its name and design from authentic Siwan architecture, built entirely of kershef and rock salt with palm-log ceilings that provide natural warmth in winter.

HOW TO BOOK- You can book your stay through Booking.com.

#3- Taghaghien Island Resort: Located some 13 km from downtown Siwa, Taghaghien is one of the most tranquil destinations in the oasis. Occupying an island in the middle of the Great Siwa Lake, it overlooks a deep Roman spring.

The resort features 30 cottages designed in a rustic, eco-friendly style. Electricity is available in the rooms from 6pm to 6am, but remains available all day in the reception area — encouraging guests to use daylight to explore the island’s hidden charms.

HOW TO BOOK- You can book your stay through their website.

#4- Centaria Camp: Don’t need all the bells and whistles of a fancy stay? You might want to check out Centaria — an ideal choice for young travellers and groups. The camp offers a warmth removed from usual hotel formalities.

HOW TO BOOK-You can secure your stay through their Instagram account.

What’s on the menu?

Any trip to Siwa would be incomplete without a little culinary adventure. In Siwa, food is less sustenance and more ritual, reflecting the Amazigh culture — here’s what you should try:

  • Cleopatra: One of the most famous spots in Siwa, thanks to its central location, Cleopatra is frequented by tourists and locals alike. It serves good ol’ Siwan cuisine, including mandi and “makhmakh” — Siwan couscous. Options are aplenty, and prices are reasonable;
  • Nour El Waha: Famous for its “mardoom” experience — slow cooking underground over embers — the restaurant offers a tranquil experience amid palm trees and olive groves;
  • Abdu: Another popular culinary destination, Abdu’s central location makes it another favorite. The restaurant offers a mix of traditional Egyptian and Siwan dishes with a diverse menu catering to all tastes.

Where to go

#1- Shali Fortress: Also known as the abandoned city, the fortress was built in the 13th century to protect inhabitants from raids. It remained the center of Siwan life for centuries before being damaged by heavy rains in the 1920s. Today, its ruins stand as a witness to the history of the oasis.

#2- Temple of Amun: This is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Siwa. According to ancient legend, Alexander the Great visited the temple during his campaigns in the region to be crowned the son of Amun. The temple sits on high ground, offering a wonderful view of the palm forests and the surrounding Aghurmi Lake.

#3- Mountain of the Dead: This site contains hundreds of rock-cut tombs dating back to the Pharaonic and Roman eras. Among the most famous is the Tomb of Si-Amun, which still retains vivid colors and inscriptions documenting its story to this day.

#4- The salt lakes: If you’re going to Siwa, you’re going to need to float atop one of the salt lakes — we don’t make the rules; it just is. Don't forget your camera.

#5- Sand sea safari: Then you need a 4x4 adventure through the towering, endless sand dunes. The trip begins over soft sands and ends with sandboarding down the slopes, where you can then relax in the absolute silence of the desert with a cup of tea brewed over a woodfire.

#6- Gift shopping: We can confidently say that Siwa is a cornucopia of handicrafts. We recommend you don't leave without visiting the old market to shop for hand-embroidered items with colorful threads that reflect the dominant Amazigh character of the oasis. You should also look for extra virgin olive oil and premium Siwan dates. We also suggest buying rock salt lamps, which, while serving as an air purifier, will look pretty on your shelf back home too.

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