'''Siwa''' is a town in the Western Desert region of Egypt.
Understand
The historic town of '''Siwa''' stands on an isolated oasis situated in the Western Desert region of Egypt, approximately 550 km west of the capital Cairo, 305 km south-west of Marsa Matruh and some 50 km from the border with Libya. Extending some 80 km in length and 20 km in width, the oasis is one of the most isolated settlements in the country. Siwa nonetheless holds a special appeal for many travelers on account of its isolation and unique character, its natural beauty and its historical associations. The town has a population of around 25,000.
The inhabitants of Siwa Oasis are ethnically Berber and their mother tongue is a Berber language called Siwi, though nearly all Siwis speak Arabic as a second language and many can also speak some English.
Note: This oasis is not a stereotypical palm grove with a watering hole for animals, Siwa Oasis is a vast region of date palms and olive trees extending over the horizon, with villages and a central lake.
Get in
By bus
The West Delta Bus Station is the city's main transportation hub and is located near town's main square, up the street from the bank. Buses plying the Marsa Matruh - Alexandria route leave three times daily at 10AM, 5PM, and 10PM. Booking ahead is well advised.
There are direct night buses from Cairo Gateway Bus Station to Siwa, leaving every Sunday and Wednesday night at 7:45PM and costing 60 Egyptian Pounds. These buses return to Cairo on Mondays and Thursdays.
Another way to reach Siwa from Cairo is to catch the 7:30AM West Delta Bus from the city's Turgoman Bus Station to Marsa Matruh. This should arrive in time to make the 1:30PM bus from Marsa Matruh to Siwa, but if it is missed, then the next bus leaves Marsa Matruh at 4PM. Alternatively, at the Marsa Matruh bus station, pick up a minivan traveling to Siwa. These buses leave when full, and charge around 15 LE for the 300km journey.
From Alexandria, the fastest way to get to Siwa is to first take a West Delta Bus to Marsa Matruh and follow the directions above.
By taxi
There is no official shared taxi service in Siwa, but ''sheruts'' leave from in front of Abdu's Restaurant (across from the Yousef Hotel) for Marsa Matruh in the early evening. Confirming in advance is highly recommended. A conservative estimate of the price is around 20LE (but be prepared to pay more).
Get around
Bicycle
Bicycles are the best way to explore Siwa and surroundings, and Chinese gear-less models can be rented for 10LE per day (5LE half day). Before accepting a bike, however, check that it is sturdy, that the brakes are functioning well and that the handle bars are not cracked or bent. Note that driving on sand covered streets can be quite a challenge for inexperienced cyclists.
Donkey cart
Donkey cart drivers are mostly children who have been riding donkeys for several years. Prices for this mode of transport are negotiable - just make sure the price is clearly agreed before setting off - and run from around 3LE for a short trip within the downtown up to 30LE for longer journeys. To get a few people and their backpacks from the bus station to town center can be as cheap as 1.5 LE. An afternoon trip to Cleopatra's Well will probably cost about 20-25 LE.
See
'''Siwa Town''' and the '''Shali'''
the '''Temple of the Oracle''' - situated on the hill of Aghurmi, about 4 km east of Siwa Town. Famous because it was visited by Alexander the Great, who asked if he was the son of Zeus. Entry: 20LE Adult, 10LE Student.
the '''Temple of Amun''' (also known as the '''Temple of Umm Ubaydah''') - some 200 m further along the track from the Temple of the Oracle, this structure is almost completely destroyed, owing to its dynamiting in 1896 by an Ottoman governor eager to acquire building material... An inscribed wall represents all that remains to be seen. Based on earlier drawings by pioneer explorers, however, scholars have deduced that the temple was erected by the pharaoh Nectanebo of the 30th Dynasty.
'''Cleopatra's Bath''' - a natural hot spring feeds this rock pool, a popular swimming hole for locals and visitors alike. In late 2006, a new restaurant opened up, with excellent fresh home made salads (particularly Tahina) with fresh pita for 5 LE. A nice place for a lunch break after riding a bike around the town.
'''Gebel el-Mawta''' (the '''Mountain of the Dead'''), tombs open when the guardians are present, daily 7AM-2PM (Fridays 7AM-12noon), baksheesh expected - located about 1 km north of the centre of Siwa Town, this hill features a large number of rock cut tombs, mostly dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (3rd century BCE - 2nd century CE). Make sure you see the tomb containing the 1500 year old Graeco-Roman mummies which are in excellent condition. Entry: 20LE Adult, 10LE Student.
*the '''Tomb of Siamun''' thumb|Mountain of the Dead near Siwa
*the '''Tomb of Mesu-Isis'''
*the '''Tomb of Niperpathot'''
*the '''Tomb of the Crocodile'''
Do
'''Bir Wahid''' - It is about 12 km southwest of Siwa. Spend a night on a desert safari in a 4x4. Experience enormous rolling sand dunes. Sandboarding can be done at a small additional cost, ask before departing. Swim in the hot and cold springs in the desert - excellent, although the hot spring is filled with (possibly rusted) minerals which will leave orange stains on clothing and towels. This may or may not be due to the pipe which supplies the pool. The cold spring is in fact lake-sized with very cold and clean water. Visit the fossilized sea remains in the desert. Sleep overnight at a Bedouin camp, dinner provided. More than likely, the driver will leave and return at 8:00 AM to drive back to Siwa town - although the Bedouin caretakers will look after you. The trip should set you back around 80 LE. Haggle hard.
Eat
'''Siwa Dates''' are the best in Egypt, and perhaps the whole world. Apart from regular dates, they are also sold stuffed with almonds and chocolate. Shops specializing in dates are located around Market Square, and prices range from around 7 to 8 LE for a 500 gram box.
'''Restaurants''' - There are a number of small restaurants in the main town of Siwa. ''Abdou Restaurant'' is a small, popular place around the corner from the town center. It offers a variety of entrees such as couscous, meats, and salads - all freshly made, so be prepared to wait. Prices range from about 6 LE to 25 LE per entree. ''East-West'' restaurant is on the road leading from the town center to the bus station, offering various fresh fish, pigeon, and pizzas. Entrees range from 3 LE to 15 LE.
Drink
'''Siwan Tea'''. This is a red tea that is commonly found on desert safaris and is available in most restaurants. 500g boxes of red (or green) tea leaves are sold in date/olive shop and cost about 15 LE.
Sleep
Budget
'''Cleopatra Hotel''' - room rates vary from 30 LE for a room without shower and AC to 130 LE for a suite for two with shower, refrigerator, balcony and satellite TV. NB: Staff will only clean rooms when requested to do so. Mosquitoes can be a small nuisance - bring repellent, or buy it in the same street.
'''Palm Trees''' - 15 LE for a private room with a shared bath. Bathrooms can be quite grotty, and don't count all of the toilets being functional. Very large, nice garden with trees and fire pit, where the staff will sit at night with guests. Beware of mozzies. Roof terrace with a view of the oasis and Shali, can be used to hang clothes to dry if needed. Laundry done at 1 LE per piece.
'''Youssef Hotel''' - A very clean, quiet hotel located just around the corner from the town center and directly across the street from Abdou restaurant. The hotel has single, double, and triple rooms, all with extremely clean private bathrooms with endless hot water. Roof terrace with a view of the town, beds are comfortable, and most rooms have balconies. Expect to pay about 10 LE per bed.
Mid-range
'''Taghaghien Island Resort''', Tel:''+20 2'' 634-4420 (Cairo) and ''+20 46'' 460-0455 (Siwa) [http://www.taghaghien-island.com]. A resort hotel located on Taghaghien Island in Lake Siwa (7 km from the town).
Splurge
Stay safe
As a very conservative and traditional town, Siwa is extremely safe. There is no risk of theft or physical violence as long as travelers behave according to expected norms, which in Siwa includes not communicating with local women as doing so is considered a rude and hostile act.
Respect
Women should not wear clothing that reveals the shoulders, breasts, or legs.
Public displays of affection are prohibited.
Alcohol should not be consumed in public.
Male travelers should avoid contact with the local women.
Contact