Deep inside the Western Desert of Egypt lies one of the country’s most otherworldly and unique locales: The Salt Lake Siwa Oasis. Far astray from the bustle of the cities, this calm and surrealistic landscape never fails to offer a truly memorable adventurous experience.
Siwa Oasis Panorama
Crystal-clear turquoise pools amid golden sands and ancient palm groves create the perfect visual picture. The Salt Lake in the Siwa Oasis is a super unique kind of desert to visit either because of its scenic beauty, the healing qualities of its waters, or the cultural aspect of it.
Understanding Siwa's Salt Lakes: A Natural Wonder
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.
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.
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There are many salt lakes scattered around Siwa Oasis. Some are natural, while others have been partly developed by local people who harvest salt, which has been an important business here for centuries. While there are other famous salt lakes around the world, the Siwa Oasis Salt Pool experience offers something more intimate - smaller pools where you can really enjoy the healing waters, surrounded by Egyptian desert and Berber culture.
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.
The typical tours in Siwa will take you to the closest and most accessible salt pools, which are obviously more crowded. However, about 15 minutes further from the standard tourist spots, there’s an area with salt pools of all sizes that fewer people know about. If you want to visit these lesser-known pools, you’ll need to specifically ask your driver or guide if they know the “local salt pools” beyond the main tourist area.
The salt formations were even more pristine, and the colors seemed more vibrant without crowds of people disturbing the water.
Therapeutic Benefits of Siwa Salt Lakes
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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. Soaking in the salt lake is exactly what your sore bodies needed.
- Respiratory Benefits: The salty air around the lakes helps clear airways and reduce inflammation. Inhaling the vapours rich in minerals can clear the nose and alleviate asthma symptoms or sinusitis symptoms.
- 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. Siwans use salt water treatments for everything from healing wounds to helping with breathing problems.
Healing properties 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 and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Many visitors describe the experience as meditative and spiritually grounding. 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. 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.
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:
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.
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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!)
Practical Tips for Visiting Siwa Salt Lakes
How to Get to the Salt Lakes
The salt lakes are scattered around Siwa Oasis, and you can’t walk to them from town. You can:
- Hire a local driver for around 200-300 EGP (4-6 USD) for a few hours
- Rent a bicycle if you’re visiting the closer lakes
- Join a tour that includes the salt lakes (many hotels and camps arrange these)
- Take a tuk-tuk to the nearest salt pool
From Siwa town, most salt lakes are 10-20 minutes away by car.
Best Time of Year
The best times to visit the Siwa Salt Lakes are:
- 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
Despite the health benefits, keep these things in mind:
- 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
After Your Float
One thing we weren’t prepared for was dealing with the salt residue. It will crystallize on your skin, swimsuit, and hair if not rinsed off quickly.
If you don’t have access to a hot spring:
- 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
Planning Your Visit to Siwa Salt Lakes
Getting to Siwa Oasis
We took the Siwa Bus from Cairo, which was a 9-hour journey. For a Complete Experience: If you’re short on time or prefer having everything organized for you, consider a 3-Day Tour from Cairo to Siwa Oasis. This package includes transportation from Cairo, accommodation in Siwa, and visits to all the major sites including the salt lakes. It’s perfect if you don’t want to deal with booking buses and planning your itinerary separately.
Where to Stay
Another great option is Spellbound in Siwa, owned by our friend Bianca (a Romanian expat). Her property has beautiful gardens, a pool, vegetables, and fresh dates. The vibe there is really special.
Siwa Oasis Trip Planner at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s your essential mini guide to Siwa Oasis‘s best spots and experiences!
| Attraction | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Zeitoun Lake | Most photographed salt pool with bright turquoise color. | Accessible, with varying depths. |
| Aghormy Lake | Popular for health tourism, rich in mineral mud. | Locals collect mud for natural spa treatments. |
| Maraqi Lake (Fatnas Island) | High salt concentration, sparkling salt crystals. | Best visited at sunset. |
| Salt Pools | Natural pools | New ones are created everyday due to the digging for salt |
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.
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.
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