Frank Pimentel
frank@realhawaiitours.com
909-702-4919

Siwa Days, Desert Ways

Luxury journeys, curated experiences, and smooth travel operations — built for agents & travelers.

Duration

3 nights / person

Start

Siwa

End

Siwa

Group size

None - None persons

Overview

Discover the magic of Egypt’s western oasis through a curated collection of experiences that blend history, culture, and adventure. Wander the vibrant local markets, soak in the tranquil salt lakes, and explore the sacred Temple of Amun. Swim in the legendary Cleopatra’s Spring, ride across the golden dunes of the Great Sand Sea on a thrilling 4x4 safari, and feel the rush of sandboarding down endless desert slopes. Witness unforgettable sunsets over the desert, enjoy a Bedouin dinner beneath a canopy of stars, and relax in the rejuvenating waters of Fatnas Spring. Immerse yourself in local life through cycling adventures, craft-making experiences, and visits to the historic Old Shali Fortress and the enigmatic Mountain of the Dead. From cultural treasures to desert thrills, Siwa offers a truly unforgettable oasis journey.

Short itinerary

Quick route overview
  • 1
    Day 1
    —

    Arrival in Siwa: The Enchanting Oasis

    Arrive in the magical oasis of Siwa and be welcomed with a traditional Siwan breakfast, surrounded by the serene waters and timeless beauty of this desert haven.

    As the afternoon light softens, enjoy the unforgettable sight of the sun setting over Lake Taghaghien, accompanied by a cup of fragrant Siwan tea. Stroll through the Island of Homes, where centuries-old mudbrick houses and winding alleys evoke the island’s rich heritage and quiet charm.

    In the evening, savor an authentic Siwan dinner at a local restaurant, then unwind in soothing natural hot springs. Return to your eco-lodge under a canopy of stars, letting the calm desert night prepare you for the adventures ahead.

  • 2
    Day 2
    —

    Discover Siwa’s History and Timeless Beauty

    Immerse yourself in the rich history of Siwa as you explore the sacred Temple of Amun in the historic Shali, a site steeped in ancient tradition and visited by Alexander the Great himself.

    Afterwards, relax by the tranquil salt lakes, enjoying fragrant Siwan tea and local snacks while absorbing the serene surroundings. Refresh with a swim in the turquoise waters, renowned for their rejuvenating properties, before witnessing a magical sunset that paints the lakes in shades of gold and rose.

    In the evening, delight in a candlelit Siwan dinner at a traditional restaurant and experience the island’s vibrant culture through authentic local performances and folklore, leaving you enchanted by the rhythms and stories of this desert oasis.

  • 3
    Day 3
    —

    Desert Adventures in the Great Sand Sea

    Venture into the heart of Siwa’s desert as you explore the historic Shali Fortress and wander through charming traditional mudbrick houses that reflect centuries of local life.

    Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 safari across the vast expanse of the Great Sand Sea, where endless golden dunes stretch to the horizon. Feel the thrill of sandboarding down the soft desert slopes before pausing to enjoy Siwan tea and snacks while the desert transforms into a breathtaking canvas of warm, magical colors at sunset.

    As night falls, savor a special dinner at your desert camp, surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the dunes, and let the serene beauty of the oasis desert night leave an indelible impression.

     

  • 4
    Day 4
    —

    Relaxation and Farewell in Siwa

    Spend your final morning in Siwa unwinding by the serene salt lakes or at the rejuvenating Fatnas Spring, where the tranquil waters and desert scenery invite a moment of calm reflection. Stroll through the local markets, discovering handmade crafts, fragrant dates, and rich olive oils—the perfect mementos of your time in this enchanting oasis.

    As the afternoon arrives, bid farewell to Siwa and continue your journey, carrying with you the memories of its timeless landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene desert charm.

Your Experience Map

Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Meals: Breakfast Hotels

Arrival in Siwa: The Enchanting Oasis

Arrive in the magical oasis of Siwa and be welcomed with a traditional Siwan breakfast, surrounded by the serene waters and timeless beauty of this desert haven.

As the afternoon light softens, enjoy the unforgettable sight of the sun setting over Lake Taghaghien, accompanied by a cup of fragrant Siwan tea. Stroll through the Island of Homes, where centuries-old mudbrick houses and winding alleys evoke the island’s rich heritage and quiet charm.

In the evening, savor an authentic Siwan dinner at a local restaurant, then unwind in soothing natural hot springs. Return to your eco-lodge under a canopy of stars, letting the calm desert night prepare you for the adventures ahead.

View Ghaliet Ecolodge & Spa gallery

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Discover Siwa’s History and Timeless Beauty

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Siwa as you explore the sacred Temple of Amun in the historic Shali, a site steeped in ancient tradition and visited by Alexander the Great himself.

Afterwards, relax by the tranquil salt lakes, enjoying fragrant Siwan tea and local snacks while absorbing the serene surroundings. Refresh with a swim in the turquoise waters, renowned for their rejuvenating properties, before witnessing a magical sunset that paints the lakes in shades of gold and rose.

In the evening, delight in a candlelit Siwan dinner at a traditional restaurant and experience the island’s vibrant culture through authentic local performances and folklore, leaving you enchanted by the rhythms and stories of this desert oasis.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Desert Adventures in the Great Sand Sea

Venture into the heart of Siwa’s desert as you explore the historic Shali Fortress and wander through charming traditional mudbrick houses that reflect centuries of local life.

Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 safari across the vast expanse of the Great Sand Sea, where endless golden dunes stretch to the horizon. Feel the thrill of sandboarding down the soft desert slopes before pausing to enjoy Siwan tea and snacks while the desert transforms into a breathtaking canvas of warm, magical colors at sunset.

As night falls, savor a special dinner at your desert camp, surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the dunes, and let the serene beauty of the oasis desert night leave an indelible impression.

 

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast

Relaxation and Farewell in Siwa

Spend your final morning in Siwa unwinding by the serene salt lakes or at the rejuvenating Fatnas Spring, where the tranquil waters and desert scenery invite a moment of calm reflection. Stroll through the local markets, discovering handmade crafts, fragrant dates, and rich olive oils—the perfect mementos of your time in this enchanting oasis.

As the afternoon arrives, bid farewell to Siwa and continue your journey, carrying with you the memories of its timeless landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene desert charm.

Inclusions

Luxury Accommodation:

  • Day 1 – Day 4 | Ghalite Ecolodge & Spa | Bed & Breakfast

Seamless Transfers

  • Day 1: Arrival in Cairo → Private transfer to your hotel

  • Day 1: Hotel → Almaza Airport → Flight to Siwa

  • Day 1: Siwa Airport → Your Hotel

  • Day 4: Hotel → Siwa Airport → Flight to Cairo

  • Day 4: Almaza Airport → Hotel

  • Day 4: Final departure → Hotel → Cairo Airport

Sightseeing:

  • Day 1: Local market & Salt Lakes (Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, A/C Bus 2022)
  • Day 2: Mountain of the Dead, Temple of Amun & Cleopatra’s Spring (Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, A/C Bus 2022)
  • Day 3: Desert Adventures, Sandboarding, Bir Wahed & Sunset at the Great Sand Sea + Bedouin Dinner (Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, A/C Bus 2022)
  • Day 4: Salt Lakes or Fatnas Spring & Shopping (Guiding, Entrance fees, A/C Bus 2022)

Not included:

  • Visa: $25
  • Tipping
  • International & domestic flights
  • Optional tours
  • Fast Track service

FAQ

Egypt is very safe to visit and the police, tourist police, and army are in prominence wherever you go, giving you a feel of being in secure surroundings. Egypt prides itself on its high safety record for tourists and will do all it can to maintain this.

Egyptian Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language in Egypt. English is taught in schools and is considered a secondary language that is most commonly used for tourism purposes.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and upscale shops. There are also ATMs available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.

The best time to visit Egypt would be during the winter months, from October to April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, although evenings can become quite cool. December through January are the peak tourist months so expect large crowds if travelling at this time. The best time to enjoy the beaches, without having to endure the large crowds of summer tourists, would be from March to May. Temperatures at this time are warm and tourist sites are not too crowded.

Egypt, being a predominantly Muslim country, is naturally conservative (not like the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia) but the average people are careful in what they wear. The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code. For men it is not really an issue -- normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine -- but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. In the resorts like Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Sinai, etc. -- shorts are fine and it is very open and flexible. This also applies to ladies for the beach areas, but going into the market area in Hurghada, for example you may be more comfortable in trousers. Generally for men in Cairo or any city that is not on the sea side, remain with trousers (at tourist sites long loose shorts) or jeans and T-shirt , as even in Cairo, local people do not feel comfortable seeing a man in shorts. In Sea Side areas it's ok to walk in shorts, but once you enter a local restaurant or market, it's better to be more covered.

For the vast majority of travelers to Egypt, a valid passport and a travel visa is required. A visa can easily be purchased at the airport when you arrive. The cost for a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa is $25 (or equivalent in Euro), must be paid in cash (no credit or debit cards accepted), and your passport must be valid for at least six months. Citizens of all European countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and United States can obtain a visa upon arrival. (Egypt does allow visa-free access for certain countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.) Visas can also be purchased beforehand through Egypt’s Visa e-Portal: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg. Forty-one different nationalities are eligible to purchase the e-visa, however, it’s far easier to simply buy the visa at the airport.

As with most European and North American countries, tipping is graciously accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip at restaurants and to guides and drivers is standard. Unfortunately, at major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, touts aggressively hustle for tips by allowing you to take photos in areas where it’s clearly posted as prohibited (such as inside the tombs). Please refrain from perpetuating this problem by not paying to take pictures.

Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that are common throughout Europe.

As noted previously, Egypt is a Muslim country, therefore alcohol is not readily available outside of tourist areas and western-style hotels/resorts. Beer and wine is available for purchase on all Dragonfly Kite Safaris.