Siwa Oasis in 4 days — Shali, the Oracle of Amun and the Great Sand Sea
A journey to Egypt’s most remote oasis: the mud-brick fortress of Shali, the Temple of the Oracle visited by Alexander the Great, palm groves, springs and the dunes of the Great Sand Sea.
Overview
Siwa lies near the Libyan border, far west of the Nile Valley. Its own Amazigh (Berber) language, palm groves and mud-brick architecture make it unlike anywhere else in Egypt. Alexander the Great came here in 331 BC to consult the Oracle of Amun.
Getting there is part of the journey: a full day by road along the Mediterranean coast and south from Marsa Matruh. Two full days in the oasis make the long drives worthwhile.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1 · Cairo to Siwa
By roadA full day on the road via the Mediterranean coast and Marsa Matruh, arriving in Siwa in the evening.
Cairo · Siwa Oasis
- 2
Day 2 · Shali, the Oracle and Cleopatra’s Spring
On footThe mud-brick old town of Shali, the Temple of the Oracle of Amun at Aghurmi, a stop at Cleopatra’s Spring and sunset over the salt lake from Fatnas.
Shali fortress · Temple of the Oracle of Amun · Cleopatra’s Spring
- 3
Day 3 · Mountain of the Dead and the Great Sand Sea
By roadMorning at Gebel al-Mawta and its painted tombs, then by 4×4 into the dunes of the Great Sand Sea for the afternoon and sunset.
Mountain of the Dead · Great Sand Sea
- 4
Day 4 · Return to Cairo
By roadThe long drive back to Cairo, arriving in the evening.
Siwa Oasis · Cairo
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 days
- Cities
- Desert & oases
- Pace
- Balanced
- Best for
- Slow travellers, culture and nature lovers
Licensed guide in your language, subject to availability
Included in this program
- Vehicle with driver for the Cairo–Siwa round trip
- 4×4 with an experienced desert driver in the Great Sand Sea
- Hotel nights in Siwa as stated in your quote
- Licensed guide and the required permits
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses and tips
- Optional activities not in your quote
Road reality
- Cairo ⇄ Siwa: a full day each way by road via Marsa Matruh (≈ 800 km)
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, season and schedules.
Good to know
- Siwa is conservative; modest clothing is expected, especially for women.
- The drive is about 800 km each way; a night in Marsa Matruh can be added.
- Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
Gallery
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Useful for this trip
Written itinerary
Every day in writing before you pay anything.
Reference: WF-0000 · Siwa Oasis in 4 days — Shali, the Oracle of Amun and the Great Sand Sea
| Day 1 | Cairo · Siwa Oasis By road |
| Day 2 | Shali fortress · Temple of the Oracle of Amun · Cleopatra’s Spring On foot |
| Day 3 | Mountain of the Dead · Great Sand Sea By road |
| Day 4 | Siwa Oasis · Cairo By road |
| … | |
Relationship: named licensed Egyptian tourism company
Usually included / Not included · cancellation terms stated in writing
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