Siwa is not just an oasis in the Great Sand Sea; it’s a haven from modernity. Unlike many places on Earth, it remains largely untouched by the outside world. Although plans are underway for development, including an airport, hotels, and paved roads, for now, it retains its ancient charm. Donkeys are still more common than cars, often seen pulling carts and making their presence heard.
At the heart of Siwa, there’s a fort that was built 800 years ago from mud and salt, akin to the intricate mud architecture of Dejenne in Mali. Numerous hot and cold springs can be found around the oasis and in the surrounding desert, leading to a large lake bordered by some of the world’s most expansive and unexplored sand dunes.
In the middle of the oasis, there’s a lush palm grove with 300,000 palm trees and 70,000 olive trees nourished by 300 springs. The local people are exceptionally kind and hospitable. Our days were spent exploring and mingling with these welcoming locals. We ventured into the Great Sand Sea in a 4WD, skillfully driven over the dunes. Sandboarding down the slopes was a challenge, as the plywood boards made it difficult to stay upright, but sitting on the boards provided a thrilling ride down the dunes.
We also visited various beautiful springs, including one by a stunning lake where we swam and enjoyed the sunset with a round of sheesha. Daily bike rentals often led to spontaneous invitations for tea in the locals’ mud homes, where they sought nothing more than our company. Despite language barriers, we communicated about our origins and families, creating memorable connections over tea.
The Egyptians we met were incredibly generous, offering hospitality despite having very little. Their homes were simple, often just mud structures with basic amenities, yet they welcomed us warmly. One man, Ahmed, invited us for a traditional Egyptian dinner, preparing a feast that included roast chicken, a potato veggie casserole, salad, rice, and soup. His excitement was evident, and the meal sparked conversations about life in Siwa, societal norms, and even personal topics, making it one of our most cherished travel experiences.
Siwa met and exceeded our expectations of an oasis, offering profound insights into Egyptian culture and the Islamic faith. Despite ongoing changes throughout Arab countries, the amiable, kind, and generous nature of the people remains constant. Siwa Oasis, Egypt, truly felt like paradise.