Experience the ultimate desert escape with the Siwa Oasis 2-Day Overnight Tour from Marsa Matruh. Located as the closest coastal gateway to Egypt’s Western Desert, Marsa Matruh offers the most convenient starting point for exploring this ancient Berber sanctuary in 2026. Float in hyper-saline turquoise Salt Lakes, tour the historical Oracle Temple and Mount of the Dead, walk through the mud-brick ruins of Shali Fortress, embark on a 4×4 Land Cruiser safari across the dunes of the Great Sand Sea, try sandboarding, and relax in an authentic Siwan eco-lodge with all main meals included, starting from €180 per person.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Siwa Oasis & Great Sand Sea (Western Desert) |
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Accommodation | 1 Night Stay in an Authentic Siwan Eco-Lodge |
| Transport | Private AC Vehicle (Matruh-Siwa) + 4×4 Land Cruiser |
| Pickup Time | 06:00 AM (Marsa Matruh Hotel / Resort Lobby) |
| Price | From €180 per person |
Siwa Oasis 2-Day Tour from Marsa Matruh ,HIGHLIGHTS:
- Direct transfers from Marsa Matruh along the strategic desert highway to Siwa Oasis
- Swim and float effortlessly in vibrant blue natural Salt Lakes and Cleopatra’s Spring
- Tour the Oracle Temple (Temple of Amun) where Alexander the Great consulted the oracle
- Explore ancient rock-cut tombs at the Mount of the Dead (Gabal El Mawta)
- Walk through the medieval mud-brick labyrinth of Shali Fortress and local markets
- High-energy 4×4 Land Cruiser safari through the rolling dunes of the Great Sand Sea
- Try desert sandboarding and soak in warm natural desert thermal springs
- Sunset viewing over Fitnas Island while sipping traditional Siwan lemongrass tea
- Overnight stay in a hand-built Siwan eco-lodge with traditional Berber meals
TOUR DESCRIPTION
- What to Expect: Depart early at 06:00 AM from your resort in Marsa Matruh for a smooth 3.5-hour drive south into the desert. Arrive in Siwa to float in salt pools, explore ancient Pharaonic-Berber temples, and view sunset over palm lakes on Day 1. On Day 2, take off on an exciting 4×4 Great Sand Sea dune safari, visit ancient mountain tombs, and return to Marsa Matruh by late evening.
- Experience Highlights: During this trip, you will feel weightless floating in cyan salt water, race over high desert sand dunes in a 4×4 Cruiser, inspect ancient Pharaonic wall paintings, and experience traditional oasis hospitality.
- Why Choose This Tour: Starting from Marsa Matruh eliminates long driving delays experienced from Cairo or Alexandria, providing the shortest road transit and maximum time to enjoy Siwa’s attractions.
DAILY ITINERARY TIMELINE
Day 1: Marsa Matruh to Siwa, Salt Lakes, Temple of Oracle & Sunset
- 06:00 AM: Pick-up from your resort or hotel lobby in Marsa Matruh in a private AC vehicle.
- 09:30 AM: Arrival in Siwa Oasis; check-in at your traditional eco-lodge and brief rest.
- 10:30 AM: Swim and float in the buoyant cyan Salt Lakes and visit Cleopatra’s Spring (Ain Juba).
- 01:00 PM: Fresh local lunch served at a palm garden restaurant.
- 02:30 PM: Guided tour of the Oracle Temple (Temple of Amun) and historic Shali Fortress ruins.
- 05:30 PM: Watch the sunset over Birket Siwa at Fitnas Island accompanied by traditional Siwan tea.
- 07:30 PM: Traditional dinner served at the lodge & peaceful overnight stay.
Day 2: Mount of the Dead, 4×4 Sand Sea Safari & Return to Marsa Matruh
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the lodge and checkout procedures.
- 08:30 AM: Explore the Mount of the Dead (Gabal El Mawta) and its ancient painted tombs.
- 10:00 AM: Switch to 4×4 Land Cruisers for an off-road safari into the Great Sand Sea.
- 11:30 AM: Sandboarding on golden dunes and visiting hot and cold desert springs.
- 01:30 PM: Lunch break at a local village restaurant.
- 03:00 PM: Brief market stop to purchase Siwan dates, olive oil, and handmade crafts.
- 04:00 PM: Departure from Siwa Oasis for the return drive back to the Mediterranean coast.
- 07:30 PM (19:30): Arrival in Marsa Matruh and drop-off at your resort.
WHAT ARE THE INCLUDES / EXCLUDES?
- Included:
- Private round-trip transfers between Marsa Matruh and Siwa Oasis in AC vehicles
- 1 Night accommodation in an authentic Siwan eco-lodge (including breakfast)
- Meals specified in the itinerary (Day 1 Lunch & Dinner; Day 2 Breakfast & Lunch)
- 4×4 Land Cruiser desert safari in the Great Sand Sea with sandboarding equipment
- Official admission tickets to Oracle Temple and Mount of the Dead
- Professional English-speaking tour guide & local desert escort
- Mineral water and traditional Siwan tea throughout the trip
- Not Included:
- Personal beverages outside of included meals
- Personal souvenirs and tips for driver, guide, and safari crew
IMPORTANT INFO
- Bring: physical valid passport (mandatory for military desert checkpoints), swimwear, dark towel (salt stains light fabrics), comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops, sunglasses, sun hat, warm jacket for winter desert nights, power bank, small cash.
- Floating Tip: Do not submerge your face or eyes in the hyper-saline Salt Lakes. Rinse off with fresh water at Cleopatra’s Spring right after.
- Suitable for: nature lovers, adventure seekers, couples, photographers, and culture enthusiasts.
- Child policy: Children under 5 years go free; ages 5–11 receive a 50% discount.
FLEXIBILITY NOTICE
All safari routes, sandboarding dunes, spring visits, and highway transit schedules may be adapted depending on daily weather conditions, wind speeds, military checkpoint directives, and local oasis opening hours to ensure guest safety and comfort.
Plan your desert oasis getaway today—whether you are booking an action-packed weekend escape, a romantic couples getaway, or an inspiring photography excursion—and enjoy one of the best Siwa Oasis tours from Marsa Matruh with expert organization and local hospitality.
OTHER TOURS IN MARSA MATRUH
- 👉 Explore more (Marsa Matruh & El Alamein Excursions)
- 👉 Discover (Alexandria Day Tour from Marsa Matruh)
- 👉 Check (El Alamein Day Tour)
FAQ
- How far is Siwa Oasis from Marsa Matruh? Siwa Oasis is located approximately 300 kilometers south of Marsa Matruh. The drive takes about 3.5 hours along a direct, paved desert highway.
- Why is Marsa Matruh considered the best departure point for Siwa? Marsa Matruh is the geographically closest major city to Siwa Oasis, making travel time nearly half of what it takes from Cairo or Alexandria.
- Is it easy to float in Siwa’s Salt Lakes? Yes! Due to hyper-salinity levels exceeding 95%, your body floats effortlessly on top of the water without any swimming effort required.
- What is the accommodation like in Siwa? Accommodation is provided in hand-built eco-lodges constructed from Kershef (a traditional local mix of mud and salt rock), offering modern private bathrooms, clean bedding, and authentic desert charm.
Secure your spot on this classic desert safari today. Whether you are planning a weekend adventure getaway, a romantic couples trip, or a special holiday off-road tour, lodge rooms and 4×4 safari slots fill quickly. Book now from €180 per person and enjoy a well-organized journey.