Siwa Oasis: Egypt's Hidden Gem in the Desert

• Helloواحد
  [wahed]
• Goodbyeمع السلامة
  [maa esslama]
• Yesأيوه
  [ayo]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeعفوا
  [afwan]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shokran]
• Excuse me/Sorryآسف
  [asif]
• How are you?إزيك
  [ezayak]
• Fine. And you?تمام. وأنت؟
  [tamam. want?]
• Do you speak English?بتتكلم إنجليزي؟
  [betetkalem inglizi]
• I don't understandمش فاهم
  [mash fahem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseعايز أشوف القائمة من فضلك
  [ayez ashuf el qaema men fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا مش بآكل لحم
  [ana mesh baakol lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك
  [fi sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseعايز أدفع من فضلك
  [ayez adfaa men fadlak]

• Help!نجدة!
  [nagda!]
• Go away!اروح!
  [erouh!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [etssel beshorta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [etssel bateeb!]
• I'm lostضايع
  [daye]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...عايز أشتري...
  [ayez ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا بس بشوف
  [ana bas beshoof]
• How much is it?بكام ده؟
  [bekam da?]
• That's too expensiveده غالي أوي
  [da ghali awe]
• Can you lower the price?تقدر تنزل السعر؟
  [taqdir tenzel el saar?]

• What time is it?كام الوقت؟
  [kam el waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahda]
• Half past (10)نص عشرة
  [nos ashera]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonعصر
  [asr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyom]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahed]
• 2إثنين
  [ithnein]
• 3تلاتة
  [talata]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [seta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisa]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?وين ال...
  [wein el...]
• What's the address?إيه العنوان؟
  [eh el anwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?تقدر توريني على الخريطة؟
  [taqdir tureenya ala el khareeta?]
• When's the next (bus)?إمتى الباص الجاي؟
  [emta el bas el gay?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkara (ela ...)]

Siwa Oasis, nestled in the Western Desert of Egypt, has been a vital hub for over a millennia. The oasis's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that it was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era. The natural springs and fertile lands made it a sanctuary for early settlers, who established one of the most isolated and unique communities in Egypt.

Siwa Oasis gained significant prominence in antiquity due to the Temple of the Oracle of Amun. This oracle was one of the most revered in the ancient world, second only to the Oracle of Delphi in Greece. The temple became a pilgrimage site for many, including Alexander the Great, who visited in 331 BC to seek divine affirmation of his role as the son of Zeus and to be crowned as the pharaoh of Egypt.

One of the most notable historical events in Siwa's history is the visit of Alexander the Great. In 331 BC, during his conquest of Egypt, Alexander traveled to Siwa to consult the Oracle of Amun. According to historical records, the oracle confirmed his divine status, profoundly influencing his subsequent campaigns and the establishment of his empire.

Due to its remote location, Siwa Oasis remained relatively isolated from mainstream Egyptian and later Roman influences. This isolation allowed the Siwan culture to develop uniquely, preserving Berber languages and traditions. The local Siwi people developed distinctive customs, architecture, and social structures that are still evident today.

In the medieval period, Siwa became an important node in trans-Saharan trade routes. Caravans passed through the oasis, bringing goods like salt, dates, and olives from the desert to coastal cities and vice versa. This trade activity contributed to the economic and cultural richness of Siwa, integrating it into broader regional networks while maintaining its unique identity.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Siwa Oasis began to attract the attention of archaeologists and historians. Excavations in the region uncovered significant artifacts, temples, and tombs that shed light on its ancient past. Modern developments have brought infrastructure improvements, but the oasis remains a place where history and tradition are deeply interwoven into daily life.

Today, Siwa Oasis is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern tourism. It draws visitors from around the world who are eager to explore its historic sites, such as the Temple of the Oracle, the ancient fortress of Shali, and the Cleopatra’s Spring. Despite the influx of tourists, the Siwan people continue to uphold their cultural heritage, ensuring that the oasis remains a living testament to its rich history.

Siwa Oasis is located in the Western Desert of Egypt, approximately 50 kilometers east of the Libyan border and some 560 kilometers from Cairo. The most common way to reach Siwa is by road. You can take a bus from Cairo, Alexandria, or Marsa Matruh. The journey from Cairo to Siwa by bus typically takes around 9 to 10 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or taxi for a more comfortable and quicker trip. There are no direct flights to Siwa, but you can fly to Marsa Matruh and then take a bus or taxi to Siwa.

Once in Siwa Oasis, the most common forms of transportation are bicycles, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws). Bicycles can be rented from various shops around the town. Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to get around and can be hailed on the street. For those looking to explore the surrounding desert, 4x4 vehicles are available for hire, often with a local guide.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While some hotels and larger businesses in Siwa may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, particularly for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Siwa, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving, as ATMs may occasionally run out of money or be out of service.

Siwa Oasis is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always be aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Siwa, but it is always best to stay vigilant. Petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 123 for medical assistance and 122 for police. Siwa has a local medical center that can handle minor health issues, but for more serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to a larger hospital in Marsa Matruh. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Siwa where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, as Siwa is a conservative area. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should also dress modestly. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Do not eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a nod are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Siwa Oasis like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Siwan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the oasis's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Shali Fortress, Cleopatra's Bath, and the Temple of the Oracle. For a unique experience, take a desert safari to the Great Sand Sea and spend a night under the stars. Tasting the locally produced dates and olive oil is a must.