Siwa

Siwa, a fertile basin full of olive trees and palms, is characterized by its slow-paced oasis life. The shady groves and short mud-brick settlements, are connected by winding mud lanes where traditional donkey carts are still as much a part of the street action as casual motorbikes and 4WDs. Scattered throughout the oasis are crystal-clear springs, which are a heavenly relief from the strong heat. At the edge of the oasis, the swells of the Great Sand Sea roll to the horizon, providing irresistible fodder for desert exploration.

Siwa’s geographic isolation helped protect a unique society that stands distinctly apart from mainstream Egyptian culture. Today, local traditions and Siwi, the local Berber language, still dominate.

Well worth the long haul to get there, Siwa has a magic spell that’s hard to resist.