About 560 km west of Cairo, Siwa offers a rare mix of salt lakes, natural springs and the dunes of the Great Sand Sea. Here is everything you need for a comfortable, safe trip.
When to visit Siwa
The best time is October to April, when temperatures sit between 18 and 28 °C. Avoid the height of summer: safaris are sometimes cancelled because of the heat.
Tip: book sunset tours at least 48 hours ahead; seats are limited on public holidays.
How to get there
Daily buses from Cairo and Alexandria via Marsa Matrouh, or organised trips with transfers. Many Trivme organisers offer a meeting point in Matrouh.
Where to stay
Eco-lodges of mud and salt around the lakes, and small hotels in town near the Shali fortress.
Best tours
- Dune safari with sandboarding and sunset at Gebel Dakrour.
- The springs tour: Cleopatra's Spring and Bir Wahed.
- A night camping in the desert with a Bedouin dinner.
Tips and prices
Carry enough cash as ATMs are scarce, and dress in layers because winter nights are cold.
