Gateway to the Pharaohs
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
Until very recently, Siwa was Egypt’s most inaccessible oasis despite it being one of the most interesting. Until around the middle of the 20th Century, Siwa wasn’t even governed by Egypt, and the town was mostly occupied by the Berber community, as it had been for the past 13 centuries. Even today, Siwans continue to have their own culture and even speak their own language – Siwi.
Siwa’s rich history includes a visit from Alexander the Great in 331 BC; he came here to consult the Oracle of Amun. Many archaeologists also believe that Siwa may be the final resting place of Alexander the Great, although there is no real archaeological evidence to support this theory. Later the King of Persia attempted to destroy the Oracle by sending an army of 50,000 men. The entire army was lost in the desert.
Siwa is now famous for its olives, dates and springs. The area boasts over 70,000 olive trees, 300,000 date trees and has around 1000 springs which are said to have medicinal properties.
Although Siwa is now part of the tourist trail in Egypt, visitors to the oasis should bare in mind that Siwa is still extremely traditional. Girls from the area are often married by the age of 14, after which they wear only completely covering clothes and have little to do with anyone apart from their immediate family. When visiting the area you may see woman in the traditional costumes and silver jewellery.
Siwa isn’t included on any of our tours, but we can a private tour extension from Cairo. Generally we would stay 1 night in Alexandria en-route to break the journey, then 1 night in Siwa.
If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
This tour combines the Pharaonic sites in Cairo & Luxor with with a safari through the Western Deserts, visiting the Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla & Kharga Oases, and a night camping in the strange rock formation of the White Desert.
Type
Days
Price
Private
9
From
On Request
This desert adventure includes the Valley of the Whales in Wadi Rayan and a jeep safari into Western Deserts to the Bahariya & Farafra Oases, camping under the starry desert sky amidst the weird rock formations of the White Desert
Type
Days
Price
Private
7
From
On Request
This tour take you through Egypt's Western desert to the remote Siwa Oasis. After touring this evocative place you'll head to Alexandria to visit the Roman ruins & catacombs, the modern library, and Fort Qaitbey among other sites.
Type
Days
Price
Private
8
From
On Request
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city, and the ancient frontier town lies in one of the most beautiful settings on the first cataract of the Nile. This is also where the desert meets the Nile, amidst sparkling blue waters and granite bedrock.
If you have Diving Certification from any organisation other than PADI, then here are a few general guidelines that should help to explain acceptability of your existing credentials