I've stopped posting even short travel posts to travel stories along the lines of "the pyramids were big and I rode a camel", but this piece might be of interest to anyone thinking of travel to Siwa. It's not long but it is informative.
The first thing you will see when you arrive at the Siwa Oasis is Shali, the remains of the old fortress, rising above the town square. When you climb up to the top of the hilly outcrop through the labyrinth of alleyways you will see the entire oasis below you. It is very lush after the arid desert with its springs and lakes, and beyond that you can see the mountains and the Great Sand Sea of the Sahara Desert stretching apparently forever.
The best way to explore the oasis is to hire a bicycle or hire a donkey cart, and for a few pounds the local boys who drive the carts will take you to Bedouin villages, Roman ruins, Cleopatra's bath, and the Hill of the Dead where you will find ancient Egyptian/Roman era tombs, some still containing mummified remains.
A visit to the Temple of Amun is a must do, and if you want to go further afield then the hotels will organise jeep safaris.
It is important to remember that Siwa is still a traditional society, and it is courteous to conform to the rules. Shorts, bikinis and brief tops should not be worn. It is sensible to be covered up, and women need to cover their upper arms, and wear one piece bathing suits with a long shirt if they bathe in a public place like Cleopatra's Bath.
The writer also offers the truly invaluable piece of information that there is no bank in Siwa, so if you plan to spend money, take it with you. See the above page for more.
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