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Calm body of water surrounded by sand dunes and tall grass

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Springs & Salt Lakes

Siwa Oasis features hundreds of natural freshwater springs and bright turquoise salt lakes. You can float effortlessly in hypersaline pools or swim under date palms.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

The oasis holds over 300,000 date palms fed by natural water sources. The hypersaline lakes contain extreme salt concentrations, creating intense buoyancy similar to the Dead Sea.

Freshwater spots like Cleopatra's Spring offer a traditional stone pool experience.

Bring a swimsuit, but remember to follow the local dress code in transit. Read our guide on Floating in Salt Lakes for more floating tips.

SUV parked in the desert with its trunk open, showing camping gear
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

Siwa Salt Lakes

1-2 hoursRequires water shoes

These hypersaline, bright turquoise pools allow effortless floating due to intense salt concentration. Avoid entering if you have fresh cuts or recently shaved skin. Wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp, jagged salt crystals. Rinse off at a nearby freshwater spring immediately after.

Bright orange sunset over rolling desert sand dunes
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

Cleopatra's Spring (Spring of the Sun)

1 hourFreshwater spring

This is a circular stone pool fed by a natural bubbling freshwater spring. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and local cafes. Order a fresh fruit juice from one of the adjacent cafes to enjoy after your swim.

Man walking past a small, deep blue pool in the salt flats
Photo: tour listing on Viator
03

Fatnas Island

1.5 hoursBest at sunset

Fatnas Island is a small peninsula on Birket Siwa, surrounded by palm trees. It is famous for its spectacular sunset views over the water. Arrive at least an hour before sunset and grab a seat at the local cafe.

Tour the Salt Lakes

Woman looking over the ancient mud-brick ruins of Shali Fortress
Private Siwa Oasis Full Day Tour10 h to 11 h 5.0 (17)from $110
private full day tourfrom $110 on Viator
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