Siwa Oasis
7 days, 6 nights
Beyond the pyramids to Egypt’s remotest oasis — dunes, springs, and living Amazigh culture.
Siwa is for travellers who want the Egypt that almost nobody sees — and are willing to drive a long way into the desert to find it. It sits near the Libyan border, eight hours west of the coast: palm groves and natural springs in the middle of the Great Sand Sea, with its own language and living Amazigh culture. The Oracle Temple that Alexander the Great crossed the desert to consult is here, and the mudbrick ruins of Shali above the town.
You'll see Cairo and the pyramids first. But Siwa is the reason to come — and the nights out on the dunes are unlike anywhere else in the country.
At a
Glance
Table of Contents
Map
Day 1
Welcome to Cairo
A short walk off the plane, before you reach customs, someone is holding a Travel With Amen Ra sign. They take care of the visa queue and walk you out to your car. Tonight you're in Giza, close enough to see the pyramids from the roof. Your driver and your Egyptologist guide are with you from here on. Rest — tomorrow is the plateau, and the day after is eight hours west into the desert.
Airport Transportation Service
Private airport transfers, both ways — a driver meets your flight and takes you straight to your hotel, and back to the airport when it's time to fly home. No taxis, no haggling.
Neom Pyramid Valley Hotel
Standard Room
48 Abu El Houl Street, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 12257, Egypt
The Neom Pyramid Valley Hotel offers a prime location along the road facing the Giza pyramids, providing guests with incredible views. Rooms are clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, where visitors can relax and take in the scenic scenery of the pyramids, making it a great base for exploring this historic area.
Day 2
The Pyramids & the Grand Egyptian Museum
Pyramids of Giza
Giza, El Omraniya, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Giza is home to the famous Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, which are some of the most recognized structures in the world. Visitors can explore the ancient tombs and learn about the history of the Pharaohs through guided tours. The site also offers camel rides for a unique perspective of the pyramids against the desert backdrop, making for a memorable experience in one of Egypt's most significant archaeological locations.
Grand Egyptian Museum
X4VF+V38, Cairo - Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3513203, Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza Governorate showcases an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including treasures from King Tutankhamun. Visitors can explore well-organized galleries that make it easy to navigate through thousands of years of history. Don't miss the interactive workshops and fun games available, which add an engaging element to your visit and enhance your understanding of ancient culture.
Day 3
The Road West to Siwa
Cairo to Siwa Overland Journey
The drive to Siwa is part of the trip, not a cost of getting there. You leave Cairo early, skirt the Mediterranean coast, then turn south into open desert — and for the last few hours there is essentially nothing but sand, sky and the occasional checkpoint. Roughly eleven hours in a private air-conditioned 4x4 with a driver who knows the route, stopping for lunch and as often as you like. By the time the first palm groves appear on the horizon you understand why so few people make it out here.
Other options
Cairo to Siwa Charter Flight
When a charter is operating, the eleven-hour drive becomes a short flight west — the Great Sand Sea unrolling beneath the wing instead of past the window. Subject to availability and priced per group.
Handpicked Siwa Lodging
3-day stayDouble room
Siwa's places to stay are small and few — a handful of eco-lodges built from salt rock and palm, and a couple of simple hotels in town. We book the best available for your dates and confirm it before you travel; on the eco-lodge end that can mean no electricity and candlelight after dark, which is the point rather than a compromise.
Day 4
The Great Sand Sea
Out into the Great Sand Sea. A 4x4 built for it takes you into dunes that run for hundreds of kilometres toward the Libyan border, some tall enough that cresting one feels like going over the top of a wave. Your driver will let you sandboard down the faces if you want to. Between runs, the water: the salt lakes, where the mineral content is high enough that you float without trying, and Bir Wahed on the dune edge — a hot spring and a cold lake within a few metres of each other. The day is timed for late afternoon so you finish with sunset from the top of a dune, which is the part people remember.
Private Car & Driver
A private air-conditioned car and driver stays with you for this stretch — not a transfer you book each morning, but the same driver on call for the whole leg. Sites, dinners, a change of plan halfway through the afternoon: it's already covered.
Great Sand Sea Dune Safari
Out into the Great Sand Sea in a 4x4 built for it — dunes that run for hundreds of kilometres toward the Libyan border, some of them tall enough that cresting one feels like going over the top of a wave. Your driver will let you sandboard down the faces if you want to. Timed for late afternoon so you finish with sunset from the top of a dune, which is the part people remember.
Bir Wahed Hot & Cold Springs
Deep in the dunes, two springs sit within walking distance of each other: a hot sulphur pool that steams in the cool air, and a cold freshwater lake fringed with reeds. Swimming in the hot spring after a day in the desert, with nothing around you in any direction, is the closest thing Siwa has to a signature experience. Tea is usually brewed on the spot.
Siwa Salt Lakes
Hypersaline lakes so dense you float without trying, ringed with white crystal formations and an improbable blue against the desert. They are working salt pans as well as a swimming spot, so the edges are geometric in a way that photographs unusually well.
Day 5
Siwa's Ancient Heart
Travel to Siwa Oasis, where the unique landscape features salt lakes and palm groves. Explore the ancient Temple of Amun, a significant site for the Amazigh people, and learn about their rich traditions. Take a dip in the shimmering salt lakes and enjoy the scenic views as the sun sets over the oasis, creating a perfect end to your day in this remarkable part of the world.
Oracle Temple of Amun
The reason Siwa appears in the history books. Alexander the Great crossed the desert to this temple in 331 BC to ask the oracle whether he was the son of a god; whatever he was told, he never repeated it. What remains sits on a rock above the palm groves, with the oasis spread out below — a short climb, best in the softer light of late afternoon.
Shali Fortress
The old town, built in the 13th century from kershef — salt rock cut from the lakes and mixed with mud. It housed the whole community behind a single gate until three days of rain in 1926 dissolved much of it. What's left is a honeycomb of half-melted walls rising above modern Siwa, and you can walk up through it to the top.
Cleopatra's Bath
A circular stone pool fed by a natural spring, bubbling up clear and cool under the palms on the edge of town. Locals have been swimming here for centuries and still do. Bring something you can swim in.
Amazigh Culture & Craft in Siwa
Siwa is Amazigh (Berber), not Arab — its own language, its own dress, its own social rules, held onto through centuries of isolation. Time with a local family over tea and dates, and a look at Siwan embroidery and silverwork, which are distinctive enough that collectors seek them out. Guided by someone from the oasis rather than about it.
Day 6
The Road Back to Cairo
The long road back east. You leave the oasis after breakfast and retrace the route across the Great Sand Sea — the same eight hours, in reverse, with the desert emptying out behind you and the Mediterranean coast picking up again near Marsa Matruh. Private air-conditioned 4x4 with your driver, stopping for lunch on the way. It's a full day and there's no way around it: Siwa is remote, and the drive is the price of that. Most people find it's the part they end up describing when they get home — hours of nothing but sand and sky, and the slow sense of a place letting go of you. You reach Cairo in the evening.
Siwa to Cairo Overland Journey
The same long road back east, with the desert behind you and the Mediterranean coast picked up again near Marsa Matruh. Private air-conditioned 4x4 with your driver, breaking for lunch on the way.
Day 7
Departure Day
Reflect on the experiences and memories made during your time in the oasis as you travel through the desert landscape. Arrive in Cairo in the evening, concluding your adventure with a sense of fulfillment.
Airport Transportation Service
Private airport transfers, both ways — a driver meets your flight and takes you straight to your hotel, and back to the airport when it's time to fly home. No taxis, no haggling.
Booking Your Trip
Packages
Choose the package that best fits your travel style
Egypt Standard Package
All the essentials: accommodation, flights, and activities.
What's Included
Included
- Accommodations
- Transfers
- Activities
- Local Guides
- Entrance Fees
- Airport Pickups
- Group Transportation
- Water
- Domestic Flights
Not Included
- International Flight
- Egypt Visa
- Travelers Insurance
- Additional Luggage Fees
- Tips/Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Optional Excursions
- Travel Vaccinations
Book Now
Secure your spot on this incredible journey
Egypt Standard Package
We're Here to Help
Preparing for Your Trip
Your Journey, Our Priority
We believe that travel should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or embarking on your first international adventure, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What to Expect
- Personalized packing lists and travel tips for your destination
- Visa and documentation guidance
- Travel insurance recommendations
- Currency and budgeting advice
Getting Ready
- Review your itinerary and reach out with any questions
- Check passport validity (6+ months from travel date)
- Download offline maps for your destinations
- Join our traveler group chat for pre-trip updates
Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out — we're just a message away.
About Us
Travel With Amen Ra
We specialize in intimate, accessible, unique travel experiences.
Let’s set out on a journey together that goes beyond borders, a journey that nourishes our curiosity and shifts our perspectives about the world.
What People Are Saying
Karen Hill
4 months agoIf you’re even thinking about going to Egypt—go. And if you want it done right, go with Ramy and @travelwithamenra. From the moment we landed, every detail was handled with precision and care. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a fully curated experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in Egypt’s history, culture, and beauty without the usual stress of travel logistics. Ramy’s level of organization and expertise was unmatched. Every transfer was seamless, every guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and every stop felt intentional and not rushed or touristy, but meaningful. Whether we were standing in awe at the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or exploring ancient temples, we always felt taken care of and safe. What really stood out was the balance: structured enough to maximize everything we wanted to see, but flexible enough to actually enjoy the moments. The accommodations, food, and overall service exceeded expectations, and you could tell this wasn’t a cookie-cutter itinerary, it was thoughtfully designed. Traveling with my line sisters made it even more special, and Ramy ensured our group experience was smooth, fun, and unforgettable from start to finish. If you’re looking for a trip that combines history, adventure, culture, and top-tier service—this is it. I cannot recommend Ramy and @travelwithamenra enough. 10/10 experience. Egypt owes me nothing. 🇪🇬✨
Kia Dunn
4 months agoJust returned from the most incredible trip to Egypt with @travelwithamenra and I can’t recommend them enough! ✨ They planned an unforgettable experience for our group of 7 women—from the moment we arrived, we felt completely safe, supported, and taken care of. Every detail was handled seamlessly, including transportation, lodging, knowledgeable tour guides, and even unique dining experiences that let us enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine. We had a jam-packed week full of adventure—touring the pyramids, riding camels and ATVs, sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca, and exploring so many breathtaking monuments and temples. We traveled from Cairo to Aswan to Luxor and then Hurghada, and every transition was smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was how attentive and communicative the team was. They stayed in constant contact, shared helpful travel tips, and taught us so much about the history and culture of ancient Egypt along the way. Traveling internationally with a group can sometimes feel overwhelming, but they made it easy, organized, and truly enjoyable. If you’re considering Egypt (or any destination they offer), this is the team you want by your side. Highly, highly recommend! 💛
Liliana Mutascio
4 months agoWe traveled to Egypt in November 2025 for my 40th birthday and the trip was amazing. Rami organized excellent guides for us at all of the sites, and seeing the pyramids and ancient temples and hieroglyphics in person was mind-blowing. We kept saying that every day was better than the last. It was great having all the transfers organized for us, we did not need to worry about anything when it came to getting around. Aswan was beautiful and it was amazing to sleep at a hotel on the banks of the Nile. Spending a few days in Dahab was an excellent end to the trip - Rami showed us the amazing snorkeling at the reef right off of our beach, and took us to the Blue Lagoon, which was picturesque and surreal. And there are kittens there! Also Rami always had the BEST food recommendations, everything was delicious. I think we definitely saw a more local/authentic side of Egypt and met some amazing people because of Rami, rather than a westernized/touristy vacation.
Victoria Fydrych
4 months agoI cannot recommend Travel with Amen Ra enough if you are hoping to explore the incredible history and culture of Egypt! Ramy and his right-hand man Zayan did an impeccable job planning and executing an awesome itinerary in Cairo for a big group, most of whom were visiting Egypt for the first time. Ramy and Zayan took care of literally every detail, from picking us up before we even reached airport customs to ensuring we had a seamless experience every day of our travels. Ramy planned an itinerary that allowed us to see the best of Cairo (including the incredible Pyramids at Giza) in an efficient and safe way. He even taught us the art of haggling at the bazaar! It was a truly unforgettable trip and would not have been possible but for Travel with Amen Ra's amazing work. Especially if you are a first-time visitor to Egypt, do not waste your time stressing about itinerary planning and travel coordination - call Ramy!
Jordon McAdam
5 months agoWhere do I even start… My wife and I were looking for a DJ for our wedding in El Gouna this year and we connected with Ramy/Amen Ra. After some discussions and letting him know about our desires to have family and friends join from North America and travel Egypt as part of our wedding plans, he WENT TO WORK. Ramy set up a week long itinerary including visas/airport pickup for all 50 of our guests, transportation throughout Cairo for 3 incredible days of customized Cairo tourism, transportation for all to El Gouna, transportation within Gouna to and from our events and wedding, and to top it all off, he set the wedding OFF DJing, hosting, and coordinating the whole night. His team was exceptional, everything was perfect! Our guests just needed to land in Cairo and everything was coordinated and organized for them. There was not one guest that had to worry about a detail of their trip. Zayan was his right hand man and was equally as great to deal with. Both of them were with our group every step of the way and were there to handle anything our group needed throughout our time in beautiful Egypt. Everyone felt safe and well taken care of this whole trip. They went above and beyond what a normal “travel company” may do and became part of our family for that week and now for life. This may not be a normal tourism request but if they can pull this off with flying colours, they can do anything. Everyone that went on this trip is left with a lifetime of memories and Ramy, Zayan and team were a cornerstone of that. Please do not hesitate to use them for any travel requests. They will surpass your expectations with ease!!!! Thank you for making the best week of my life come to fruition and taking care of our family and friends as if they are your own!!! With love, Jord