Albabenshal Hotel

Siwah Oasis, Egypt

Siwa Oasis and its environs represent one of the most attractive and distinct regions of Egypt. Siwa has a unique natural environment with extraordinary geological traits, a variety of flora and fauna, and some 230 natural freshwater springs fed by the Nubian aquifer. Siwa is one of the world's last remaining pristine oases, home to ancient historical ruins and unique cultural traditions that have been preserved for thousands of years, due to the relative isolation of the oasis. Renowned for being the site of the Oracle of Amon, whom Alexander the Great consulted before carrying on his Persian campaign, Siwa is today much as it always has, featuring majestic rock formations, luxuriant groves and dazzling salt lakes throughout the oasis. One of the preferred activities in Siwa is exploring the great Western Desert. Take a safari ride through the countless hills of the Great Sand Sea, while sipping a cup of tea at the top of a sand dune, and contemplate the sunset. Or discover the marine fossils embedded in the sand and rock from the Tethys Sea dating some 40 to 50 million years ago. In 2002, the Egyptian Government declared 7,800 square km in and surrounding the Siwa Oasis a protected area. This status forbids all activities that can potentially damage or diminish its natural environment and its resources, and fosters the preservation of native flora and fauna present in the oasis.