Tour Guide, Siwa Oasis, Egypt
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Welcome to Siwa Oasis Egypt!
Introduction
Siwa Oasis is one of the most important oasis in the western desert areas of Egypt. It lies about 306 kms, south of Marsa Matrouh city and around 820 kms from Cairo. It is also one of the oldest most oasis in Egypt. Situated at 19 meters under sea level ,the climate here is extremely warm during winters and hot in summers and rarely rains .
In 331 BC, this place was visited by Alexander the Great. Today, this place is known for it's unique culture, and the berber natives who reside here today. They have unique traditions and customs and live in harmony with the environment with plenty of palm trees, natural springs and lakes.
So, what to see in Siwa Oasis?
1- Shali fortress
Shali literally means fortified village or town or area. This fortress was founded in 1203. Built on a hill, inside a large protective wall, with a single gate., the inside of this area consists of a maze of Karsheef buildings that have been in existence, since the early times.
2- Siwa House Museum
This is a simple traditional house that serves as a museum. It comprises of Siwi architecture, built by using local materials and branches of olives and palm trees. The house is adorned with local traditions, customs of the Siwa people such as their clothes and jewellery.
3-Mountain of the Dead
This is one of the most important archaeological site in Siwa . On this mountain, there are many in-built rock cut tombs and one can see good scenic views of the entire oasis from this mountains.
4-Oracle Temple
This is a very famous temple of the ancient world, which was once visited by Alexander the Great. One can see an old temple and mosque here.
5-Amun temple
This is a temple, used for worshipping the god Amun . Today, it lies in ruins and there are few symbols left of this great temple.
6- Cleopatra Spring
Also known as Guba or Spring of Sun , this is a very nice place to relax and swim in hot natural spring water.
7- Dakrour Mountain
This mountain is actually is famous for the annual moon festival, that's held on October for the first three days. During summers, the locals also come and bathe here in the hot springs near this mountain as the waters are believed to relieve one of body pains etc.
8- Salt Mines
These are basically salt water pools that consists of very salty water. They are beautiful in nature as one can experience a lot of positivity here.
9- Great sand sea and Safari camping
Towards the south of Siwa , there are a lot of sand dunes where one can go camping in the desert. Tourists often spend a lot time here, watching sunsets from these huge sand dunes. One can also have local meals prepared specially in the traditional way by the local natives. Sleep here in tents under starry skies in the middle of the desert.
10- Fatnas island
This is one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Siwa Oasis, where one can see spectacular sunsets. One can view plenty of gardens , palm trees, salt lakes and sand dunes here.