Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is a depression in western Egypt, roughly 50 km (30 mi) east of the Libyan border, with date palms and olive trees scattered around several springs. The settlement sits below sea level and extends across sandy flats, surrounded by white salt deposits and low dunes.

The place was known in ancient Egypt as home to the Oracle of Amun and attracted pilgrims from across the Mediterranean. Alexander of Macedon came here to consult the oracle, giving the sanctuary a legendary reputation.

The locals speak Siwi, a Berber dialect that sets them apart from the Egyptian surroundings and shows their connection to North African traditions. Many residents still live in houses built from salt rock and mud, just as their ancestors have done for centuries.

Access is usually by a long road through the desert, with many travelers planning a stopover or driving overnight. Once there, you can explore the palm groves on foot or by bicycle, as the paths are mostly sandy and flat.

The small lakes in the sand hold so much salt that visitors float on the surface without any swimming motion. The water shimmers in different shades depending on the time of day and angle of sunlight.