[2025 Qesm Siwah Attraction] Travel Guide for Salt Lakes (Updated Jul)
3.3
Salt Lakes Address:
6J8G+W2X, Unnamed Road, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702, Egypt
Where The Earth Sweats Diamonds: Siwa’s Salt Lakes
#summervacay
Imagine stepping onto a cracked, crystalline plain that glitters like snow under the Saharan sun. As you walk, the ground crunches beneath your feet, and ahead lies a pool of liquid turquoise so vivid it seems dyed by the sky. This is Siwa’s salt lake ecosystem: a hypnotic blend of harsh beauty and tranquil stillness, formed over millennia by underground springs meeting relentless evaporation.
Key Features & Science
The "Sabakha" (Salt Flats):
Vast stretches of snow-white salt crusts, sometimes inches thick, formed as mineral-rich groundwater rises and evaporates in the desert heat.
Texture ranges from brittle, honeycombed sheets to fluffy, cotton-like mounds.
The Lakes’ Color Palette:
Turquoise to Emerald: Caused by algae, salt concentration, and reflections of the sky.
Sunset Alchemy: At dusk, waters turn rose-gold as dunes ignite behind them.
Hypersaline Waters:
Salt content exceeds 30% (denser than the Dead Sea!), making floating effortless.
Healing Claims: Locals believe the mineral-rich mud and water soothe arthritis and skin ailments.
Top Lakes to Experience
Lake Siwa (Birket Siwa):
The largest lake, wrapping around Fatnas Island. Shallow edges form perfect salt-crystal fields.
Don’t miss: Floating at sunset when the water mirrors the dunes.
Bir Wahed:
A surreal contrast: A desert-hot spring (45°C/113°F) beside a deep-blue salt lake in the dunes.
Swim in cold saltwater, then soak in the thermal pool—all surrounded by sand.
Al-Maraqi Lake:
A silent, lesser-visited lake east of Shali. Its glassy surface creates perfect sky reflections.
The Magic of Floating
Weightless Silence: Lie back in warm water, ears submerged, hearing only your heartbeat. The salt lifts you like hands.
Crystalline Aftermath: As you emerge, salt dries into a glittering second skin—rinse off at freshwater springs.
Ecological Notes
Salt-Resilient Life: Microalgae and brine shrimp thrive here, attracting migratory birds (flamingos occasionally!).
Fragile Balance: Lakes shrink in summer; winter rains revive them. Human water use threatens their future.
Practical Tips
Best Time: November–March (days: 25°C/77°F; nights cool). Avoid scorching summer (45°C+/113°F+).
Protect Yourself:
Wear waterproof sandals—salt crusts can be sharp!
Rinse off post-swim to avoid skin irritation.
Apply sunscreen—salt reflects UV rays intensely.
Respect the Landscape: Don’t break salt formations; they take years to grow.
Why It Feels Otherworldly
“The salt lakes defy logic: water in the desert’s heart, solitude in vastness, stillness in a burning land. Floating here, cradled by mineral warmth, you grasp why ancient Egyptians believed Siwa was the gateway to Amun’s paradise.”
MikeYong98
1
The salt lakes in Siwa Oasis have a high salinity.
The salt lakes I visited in Siwa Oasis, Egypt, as part of the #ThaiAirTicketEvent were among the most mysterious places I've ever been to. From a distance, they look like ordinary ponds, but as you get closer, you'll be captivated by the crystal-clear and transparent water. The lakebed is covered with a white salt layer, giving the water an emerald-like glow, and the sky and clouds reflected on the surface create a picturesque scene.
When you dip your feet into the salt lake, you can immediately feel the salty water, and it gives your skin a smooth sensation. Some lakes are suitable for swimming, and the water is so salty that your body floats effortlessly, which is quite fascinating. It's almost unbelievable to find such a cool and beautiful spot in the middle of the scorching desert.
You can feel the crunch of salt crystals under your feet, and the open surroundings make it a perfect spot for photography. Visiting during sunset is especially magical, as the golden hues of the setting sun blend with the reflections on the water to create a truly enchanting view. If you're visiting Siwa Oasis, the salt lakes are an absolute must-see.
📍 Location
Salt Lakes, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
mirimiri12
The Unique Charm of Siwa, Egypt
I spent an entire day touring the city of Siwa Oasis in Egypt on a tuk-tuk. This tranquil and peaceful oasis village, located in the middle of the desert, offered a refreshing experience. Riding the tuk-tuk with the breeze on my face made the hot weather much more bearable. The tuk-tuk driver, a local from Siwa, was well-versed in the area's major historical sites, allowing us to navigate efficiently. He also made sure to stop at great photo spots, which added to the overall satisfaction of the tour.
Our first stop was the Shali Fortress, where the crumbling mud walls stood as a testament to history. The view of Siwa from the top was absolutely stunning. We then visited the Temple of Amun, Cleopatra's Bath, and the Salt Lakes, each offering a unique atmosphere that kept the tour engaging. Passing through the local market was also memorable, as I got to observe the daily lives of the merchants and browse for souvenirs.
The tuk-tuk tour turned out to be much more rewarding than expected and far more efficient than walking. In a vast and serene area like Siwa, utilizing local transportation truly enhances the travel experience.
📍 Location
Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
mirimiri12
1
The Sea in the Desert – Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes
Amid the endless expanse of the desert, an unbelievable emerald-colored water appears. The Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes were the most astonishing moments of my trip to Egypt. The water was so clear and salty that my body naturally floated, and the sunlight reflecting off the surface created a mirror-like image of the sky.
It was quiet with few people around, and the open landscape made me feel truly embraced by nature. My skin felt softer, and my body lighter, offering a complete sense of healing.
The photos turned out amazing, making it a highly recommended spot for capturing unforgettable shots. You could even see the salt crystals piled up on the lakebed, adding to the visual delight.
📍 Location
Salt Lakes, Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
A transparent miracle encountered in Egypt, it’s still incredible to think that such a lake exists in the middle of a desert.
mirimiri12
Egypt's Siwa Famous Natural Attraction: Siwa Salt Lake, Perfect for Photos
Siwa in Egypt is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Siwa boasts numerous natural attractions, and today we introduce a famous local natural site: Siwa Salt Lake. It's free to visit and take photos 📸, no ticket required. This vast salt lake sparkles like a sapphire under the sun, making it incredibly beautiful and photogenic 📸. You can also swim in the salt lake.
Address: 6J39+P67, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702, Egypt
Trex club
Famous desert attractions in Egypt's Matruh: Siwa Salt Pool, suitable for taking photos, checking in, and leisure sightseeing!
#2月好地方2025
Matruh in Egypt is a world-famous tourist resort city. Tourists from all over the world come to Matruh in Egypt for sightseeing and vacation. Today I recommend a famous oasis attraction: Siwa Salt Lake. Siwa Salt Lake is located in the center of the desert in western Egypt, about 750 kilometers from the capital Cairo. The area is sparsely populated, with less than 30,000 people living there. It is geographically remote, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. You can choose to charter a car, drive yourself or take a bus. The traditional culture and language of the Berbers, Siwi, have been completely preserved here for thousands of years, forming a cultural style that is completely different from the mainstream culture of Egypt. The oasis town is surrounded by olive and palm trees, and the salt lake is crystal clear. It was formed naturally during the salt mining process by the Egyptians. Wear plastic slippers to prevent scratches from sharp particles. Due to the extremely high salt content, do not let it get into your eyes and rinse them out immediately. Some chartered car drivers will prepare these for you. It depends on your luck what kind of driver you will meet. Try to dry yourself or take a shower immediately after getting out of the water to avoid damaging your skin. It is very suitable for taking photos, checking in, and learning about history and sightseeing.
Address: Salt lakes
Opening hours: All day
秋秋1
[Egypt] Oasis in the desert🇪🇬
📍Location: Siwa Oasis, Egypt🇪🇬
Salt Lakes
(6J8G+W2X, Unnamed Road, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702 Egypt)
🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours
💰Price per person: Free
Siwa Oasis, the city of salt
A lake that suddenly appears after driving through the desert
The salt concentration here is so high that your body floats.
This is exactly what an oasis in the desert is like.
I recommend going to Siwa Oasis even if it's a hassle.
#0yentripFebruary2025 #Egypttrip
としTOSHIとし
Egyptian City and Lake
#MarchTravelSupportEvent
I visited the salt lake in Siwa Oasis
The salinity is 95%, so my body floats in the water
It's a place with such high salinity that once you go in and come out, salt crystals form all over your body
I feel like I felt the wonders of nature with my whole body
결이는
Salt lake where you can swim without any problems
Secret spots in Egypt that are okay even if you can't swim at all😗
A salt lake in Egypt that's so salty that it's harder to sink! Even without splashing, you feel like you're floating on a giant slime!😏
📍Salt Lake, Egypt
👍🏼As soon as you get off the bus, a lot of tuk-tuk drivers come up to you, but you can show off the location and price
👍🏼Recommended one-day course! Salt Lake - Cleopatra Spring - Patnas Island (Sunset Cafe)
👍🏼600 pounds for 2 people (about 17,000 won)
👍🏼What to bring: swimsuit, poncho (or towel), water, sunglasses
👎🏼It's really hot if it touches your face, eyes, or wounds!
#WorldTrip #Egypt
#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent
여행자 진겸
How about a cup of Turkish coffee by the salt lake?
#NewYorkFlightEvent #SiwaOasis #Egypt
Of course, there is no cafe.
But as I was walking slowly, I saw a few Egyptians beckoning from afar.
Why?
I'm a coffee shop owner. I'm going to make coffee. Do you want some?
Free?
No! 50 egp!
It was expensive, but I didn't haggle and bought it.
They brought water in the car from Miul,
lighted a fire, made a cup of coffee,
and solicited customers. It was so sincere 😅
The taste and aroma were both good.
Strangely,
it seemed a little salty...
달리는 공대생
When is the best time to visit Poetry and Salt Lake?
#NewYorkFlightEvent #Egypt
If you want emerald photos that are posted on Instagram,
it is better to come during the day.
At that time, photos are the main characters.
It is difficult to properly capture the salt lake with your eyes due to the sunlight and reflected light that is dizzying.
If you want to capture more with your eyes than photos,
I recommend sunrise.
How beautiful the sun slowly rises over the quiet Lake of Death with only the sound of the wind
is only something that you will know if you have not seen it in person.
달리는 공대생
An oasis lake filled with fist-sized salt lumps
#New York Flight Event #Egypt #Siwa Oasis
Siwa, seen in aerial photos, was a land of life, surrounded by a huge blue lake.
However, the lake of the oasis that we actually encountered was a place where life could not survive, even saltier than the Dead Sea.
AKA Salt Lake
Next to the heavy equipment that was diligently digging salt,
the mountain of salt piled up tells us that this was a sea tens of millions of years ago.
Siwa Salt Lake is a space that shows the paradox of the ecosystem, as life cannot survive in this salty water,
but life cannot survive without salt.