Deep inside the Western Desert of Egypt lies one of the country’s most otherworldly and unique locales: The Salt Lake Siwa Oasis. Crystal clear turquoise pools amid golden sands and ancient palm groves, with Siwa’s salt lakes creating the perfect visual picture on its own. Far astray from the bustle of the cities, this calm and surrealistic building scape never fails to offer a truly memorable adventurous experience.
The Salt Lake in the Siwa Oasis is a super unique kind of desert to visit in Egypt either because of its scenic beauty, the healing qualities of its waters, or the cultural aspect of it. These salt lakes belong to a special desert ecosystem that was created thousands of years ago and is supplied by the mineral-rich underground aquifers. It is not merely a sight to be seen, but it is a destination to be felt, to float, and to be healed.
The Natural Wonder of Siwa's Salt Lakes
The Salt Lake Siwa isn’t just pretty - it’s a cool geological feature. These lakes formed over thousands of years as underground springs mixed with the mineral-rich soil. The hot desert sun causes water to evaporate quickly, leaving behind tons of salt and minerals that create these amazing blue pools. The evaporation and salt crusts commonly happen in waterbodies. What happens is that water evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals. This way, the desert climate rapidly evaporates the water, leaving all the salt in concentrated form, thus creating such salty crusts on the surfaces of the lakes and shores.
What makes the Salt Lakes Siwa special is their super high salt concentration - even higher than the Dead Sea in some spots. The water contains lots of minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which is why you float so easily and why the water is good for your skin. Siwa is located in a natural depression, which is about 18 meters below the level of the sea. It is a geological depression that gathers underground water and rainwater, which makes the formation of salty pools, in remote basins, possible. Deep underground, Siwa is rich in rock salt (halite) as well as in brine pools, some of which are exploited for industrial applications as well as healing.
These lakes have been turned into a hotspot of eco-travellers in search of a natural wellness journey, attracting the attention of various tourists as well as photographers and wellness influencers across the planet. Although the environment is harsh, the salt lakes also belong to a very fragile ecosystem.
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Salt Lake Siwa Egypt | You Can’t Sink Here! 😱 Floating in Salt Pools
The Major Salt Lakes of Siwa
During our time in Siwa, we discovered there isn’t just one salt lake but several different Salt Lakes in Siwa, each with its own vibe:
- Zeitoun (Zaytoun) Lake: This is perhaps the most photographed of all the Siwa Salt Pools thanks to its bright turquoise color against white salt formations. Located about 15 minutes from Siwa town by car, Zeitoun Lake is relatively accessible and features several different pools of varying depths.
- Aghormy Lake: Known mainly for health tourism, Aghormy Lake is popular with people seeking the Siwa Salt Benefits. The mud from the edges of this lake is super rich in minerals and is used for natural spa treatments.
- Maraqi Lake (also known as part of Fatnas Island area): This lake has one of the highest salt concentrations in the area. Located near Fatnas Island (a popular sunset spot), we visited toward evening when the light made the salt crystals sparkle.
- Siwa Lake: Siwa Lake, the main lake closer to town is larger but has less salt than some others. It’s surrounded by palm trees and is easier to access for people who might be nervous about the extreme buoyancy of the higher-concentration lakes.
Therapeutic Benefits of Siwa Salt Lakes
The lakes of Siwa, full of salt and minerals, chiefly magnesium, potassium, and calcium, create an environment of buoyancy similar to that of the Dead Sea. The high salt concentration lets visitors float completely on the surface of the water. This natural floating effect produces high states of relaxation, helps reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Many visitors describe the experience as meditative and spiritually grounding. Wellness-based tours like Egypt in Style cater to this kind of healing travel.
The salt pools are a natural exfoliator. It stimulates toxins from the skin and makes the skin feel refreshed, smooth, and rejuvenated. The desert atmosphere, as well as the microclimate near the lakes, will help those who have problems with the respiratory system. Inhaling the vapours rich in minerals can be used can clear the nose and alleviate asthma symptoms or sinusitis symptoms. The calm vibe of Siwa saltwater lakes revolves around still natural waters, huge skies, and epic desert backgrounds, which makes its environment conducive to reflection, contemplation, and mindfulness. Upon visiting these sites, tourists easily become emotionally and spiritually balanced.
Opposed to the artificial spa constructions, the salt lakes of Siwa provide an environmentally friendly, chemical and environmentally-friendly method of well-being. Healing is not only an opportunity to restore your body, but also something in harmony with nature. Many locals have passed down knowledge of the lakes’ healing properties for generations. Locals and visitors believe the lakes offer a potent remedy to skin diseases, arthritis, and respiratory problems. They even use salt water with certain precautions for treating eye afflictions.
The healing properties of these salty waters aren’t just myths - they’re backed by science. The Siwa Salt Benefits include:
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- Skin Rejuvenation: The minerals in the Salt Pools of Siwa Oasis are great for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. The salt water naturally removes dead skin while the minerals reduce inflammation.
- Joint and Muscle Relief: Floating in the water takes all pressure off your joints and muscles.
- Respiratory Benefits: The salty air around the lakes helps clear airways and reduce inflammation.
- Stress Relief: Floating effortlessly in these waters is incredibly relaxing. The quiet desert, the weightless feeling, and the mineral absorption all help reduce stress.
- Traditional Berber Healing: The local Berber people have used these waters for centuries as part of their healing traditions.
The Floating Experience: What to Expect
Floating in the Siwa Oasis Salt Lakes is unlike any swimming you’ve done before. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll Float Like Crazy: The high salt concentration makes you super buoyant - you’ll float without trying at all. You literally can’t sink! It’s a weird feeling where you can just lie back in the water as if you’re on an invisible float. This happens because the salt water is denser than your body, which pushes you up.
- How It Feels: When you first get in, you might feel slight tingling, especially if you have any small cuts (which will sting). The water feels slippery compared to regular water because of all the minerals.
Based on our experience, definitely bring:
- A quick-dry towel (at least one per person)
- Fresh water for rinsing afterward
- Sunglasses (the glare is intense)
- Flip-flops or water shoes (salt crystals can be sharp)
- A hat for sun protection
- Camera in a waterproof case (you’ll want photos!)
For the most vibrant turquoise and blue colors, it’s best to visit when the sun is directly overhead - typically between 11am and 2pm. If you’re visiting during summer months (June-August), you might want to bring extra sun protection, as the midday desert heat can be intense but worth it for the spectacular colors.
Siwa's Salt: A Resource Woven into Local Life
The Salt Lake is not only a place of beauty, but it is also constitutive of the ecosystem and the culture of Siwa. These lakes have been used in collecting salt by the Siwans over the centuries. The town is constructed with blocks of salt, and its walls and even furniture, so that even parts of the town are made of salt. There is also export of Siwan salt in the cuisine, industrial, and spiritual necessities, such as in Himalayan-style salt lamps. The value of salt in Siwa can be defined as something more than a natural resource; it is a feature of the region’s ancient traditions. The people of Siwa have been using salt as a commodity, for food preservation, and even in local construction for thousands of years. Salt rocks are still being used to build eco lodges and domed houses that have an inherent thermal consistency.
The locals have harvested salt in these lakes, and they have been used in trade, construction, and wellness purposes. It is one of the oldest salt-extraction traditions in Egypt. The salt is extracted from the lakes and salt flats by hand to be used for cooking, healing, and even the construction of salt bricks for Siwan architecture.
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Practical Tips for Visiting Siwa Salt Lakes
Most of the salt pools are located near the town of Siwa itself and around the ancient Shali Fortress ruins. Here are some additional spots:
- Bir Wahed: A mix of hot springs and saltwater pools in the desert dunes.
- Oracle Temple of Amun: Historic site near Aghurmi village.
From Siwa town, most salt lakes are 10-20 minutes away by car.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
- Spring (late March to May): Nice temperatures, not crowded
- Fall (September to November): Warm water, pleasant air temps
- Winter (December to February): Water might be too cold for comfort
- Summer (June to August): Very hot air, but the water feels refreshing
Safety Tips:
- Protect your eyes! The salt can be irritating, so don’t get water in your eyes
- Limit your time to 15-20 minutes, especially your first time
- Don’t swallow the water (it’s super salty and can dehydrate you)
- Cover any open cuts with waterproof bandages
- Drink plenty of water before and after
Getting to Siwa:
- From Cairo: 10-12 hours by car or bus. Direct buses leave from Torgoman Station.
- From Marsa Matruh: 4-5 hours by 4×4 or microbus.
- By Tour: Several eco-lodges and travel operators offer multi-day trips to Siwa, including visits to the salt lakes, hot springs, and desert safaris.
After Your Float:
- Bring plenty of fresh water for a basic rinse
- Plan to shower as soon as possible
- Rinse your swimsuit thoroughly (salt can damage fabric)
- Use moisturizer after showering (salt can dry your skin)
- Clean any camera equipment that got salt on it
Photographing the Surreal Landscapes of Siwa's Salt Lakes
Siwa’s salt lakes are a photographer’s dream world - where sparkling white crusts of salt, blue-green waters, and sun-baked desert lands come together in breathtaking harmony. Soft morning and dusk light color the lake hues and create magical reflections. The serenity of the salt lakes creates mirror-like reflections - perfect for idyllic, symmetrical photographs.
Here are some tips for capturing the best shots:
- Siwa’s expansive, barren horizons are answered by minimalism.
- Cram into tight to reveal the ridged crust of the salt, crystalline structures, or walking tracks in the salt.
- A wide-angle lens is the perfect choice to capture the expansive salt flats, desert dunes, and huge skies.
- Salt is highly reflective, and this can deceive your camera’s exposure.
- In order to give the scale of the landscape, include a human figure in your composition.
The Salt Lake Siwa Oasis: A Destination to Be Felt
The Salt Lake Siwa Oasis isn’t just a place to see, it’s a place to feel. From the healing waters to the tranquility of the surrounding desert, it invites you to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with nature and yourself.
| Lake Name | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Zeitoun (Zaytoun) Lake | 15 minutes from Siwa town | Bright turquoise color, varying depths |
| Aghormy Lake | Northeast of Siwa | Popular for health tourism, mineral-rich mud |
| Maraqi Lake (Fatnas Island) | Western part of Siwa | Highest salt concentration |
| Siwa Lake | Closer to town | Larger, less salt, accessible |
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