Siwa - The Desert Paradise - Hany Hassanain

Between Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea about 350 km South of Mattrouh city and 50 km to the East of the Egyptian Libyan border there is an Egyptian paradise that few know about it or had the opportunity to visit it.

Siwa oasis with its 35 thousands population who have a distinct culture and their own language is a real paradise. Where one finds that history interacted and intermingled. The Pharoahs, the Greek and the Roman civilizations left monuments there that tell how the three Mediterranean civilizations interacted.

When Alexander the Great established Alexandria city he went to Amoun temple there to be crowned. When Romans came they inhibited the oasis and used even the old Egyptian tombs.

It is not only the history, Siwa is one of the places that the beauty of nature is still preserved. The remains old Shali city that was collapsed due to heavy rains in 1928 still tells about the environment friendly buildings that gives mental and physical rest with a relaxing indoor environment. Many of the places are rebuilt and are used by locals and some are rent for the visitors.

Many environment friendly hotels are established during the last ten years and the experience to live in the beauty of the nature is unforgotten. Many tourists come from Europe to visit it and some chose the oasis as their home and retirement place.

The agriculture and food industry is the main economic activity with many types of dates and olives and oils. Yet many work in tourism and Safari. In short wear a swimsuit and casual wear then go to the desert with the guide. You will see history, monuments, heritage, culture, then you will find lakes to swim that are some cold and some hot, some salty and some not.

The special tasty food that made with local herbs is one of the unforgotten experiences and even the salt there is of different kinds.

The locals has some traditions and their costumes tell about their family status. The bride there wear special three dresses for three consecutive days od the wedding celebrations.

One can get there using the governmental busses from Cairo, Alexandria or Mattrouh cities. Many tourism offices arrange more cars to get there. There are many hotels that are environment friendly and many homes that provides rooms and breakfast. Safari trips are arranged and at least one needs a week to see the oasis.

Patients with chronic rheumatic, skin and chest diseases will find sand bury and environmental therapy for their illnesses that will markedly improve them. Prices are variable but the services are good everywhere.

As they say photos tell more the writer uploaded some that tell about the beauty.

The writer wish to thank Lina Khalaf for posing for some pics and sure she added beauty to the natural beauty.