This Siwa Oasis travel guide covers the best things to do in Siwa Oasis: the Shali fortress, the Oracle Temple, Cleopatra’s Spring, the salt lakes and the Great Sand Sea. Below you will also find the best time to visit Siwa Oasis, how to get there and around, and where to stay.
Siwa lies 560 km west of Cairo and is famous for the Oracle Temple of Amun, which Alexander the Great visited. The ancient Egyptians chose their temple sites carefully, and the temple is still one of the best places for meditation.
Historical background
On the way heading to the Oracle temple, lies a hot spring known as Cleopatra’s Pool. If you’re planning to visit the pool, consider local customs, suitable covering clothes is a must at the oasis.
Another mystical place is The Mountain of the Dead, with more than 2000 rock-cut tombs, the oldest of them dating to the twenty-sixth Pharaonic dynasty and re-used during later periods.
The ancient fortress Shali Ghadi is named after the local name of Siwa “Shali”. It suffered from seasonal torrential rainfalls and only the mosque was restored several times. Houses surround the elevated fortress.
Tourist ideas
Complete guide to Siwa Oasis
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Siwa Oasis
- Arabic name
- واحة سيوة
- Governorate
- Matrouh
- Region
- Mediterranean / Western Desert
- Good for
- Desert, eco
- Destination type
- Oases
- Travel region
- The Western Desert and oases
What is the weather like in Siwa Oasis?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Siwa and the Western Desert.
When is the best time to visit Siwa Oasis?
- Best season
- Oct–Apr
- Ideal stay
- 3–4 days
Summer days are very hot: visit open-air sites early in the morning and rest at midday.
How do I get to Siwa Oasis?
- Nearest airport
- Marsa Matrouh (MUH), then ~300 km road
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What to see in Siwa Oasis
- Shali fortress
- Oracle Temple
- Cleopatra’s Spring
- salt lakes
- Great Sand Sea
Archaeological sites in Matrouh governorate
Museums in Matrouh governorate
Things to do from Siwa Oasis
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in Siwa Oasis
Abdu's Restaurant مطعم عبده
The oasis's best-known traveller restaurant, serving simple local food for decades.
Al Babinshal البابنشال
Rooftop restaurant in a traditional mud-brick building with views over the old town.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in Siwa Oasis
Siwa Market Square سوق سيوة
Small square of shops selling dates, olive oil, Siwan embroidery, salt lamps and baskets.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Siwa Oasis?
The best time to visit Siwa Oasis is from October to April.
How do I get to Siwa Oasis?
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What is the nearest airport to Siwa Oasis?
The nearest airport to Siwa Oasis is Marsa Matrouh International Airport (MUH), followed by a road journey of about 300 km.
How many days should I spend in Siwa Oasis?
Plan to spend 3–4 days in Siwa Oasis.
What are the must-see places in Siwa Oasis?
Shali fortress, Oracle Temple, Cleopatra’s Spring, salt lakes, Great Sand Sea.
Where can I eat in Siwa Oasis?
Popular choices include Abdu's Restaurant, Al Babinshal. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in Siwa Oasis?
For shopping in Siwa Oasis, try Siwa Market Square. More options are listed in the shopping section of this page.
