Swim hot and cold naturally in the oasis

CAIRO – 29 August 2017: The miracle of water in the middle of a desert creates one of the most unique landscapes - an oasis. Visiting Siwa is an experience straight out of a fairytale.
The oasis is located 300 south-west of the Meditternean town Marsa Matrouh and is below the sea level offering a variety of stunning nature landscapes. If you visit Siwa’s oasis make sure you pack your swimming suit with you. Yes, that is right! You are going to the desert and you will need a swimming suit. And it will not be any ordinary swimming. You will swim in natural springs known for their reviving qualities.


Pic 1 – Sand Dunes at Great Sea of Sand, Siwa Oasis - Monika Sleszynska



Life has a different slower pace and days are permeated with the breath of nature, wide stretching palm trees, sand dunes, kind people and local stories. The architecture is different, the local custom and culture of the original inhabitants of the oasis, the Berbers, make up for a unique direct feel of timeless life in a desert environment.


Pic 2 - Fresh Spring pool at Ghaliet Eco Lodge, Siwa Oasis - Monika Sleszynska

There are 226 fresh springs in the oasis though not all are active and accessible. The springs vary in size and qualities. Some are cold water springs and others are hot springs. Many hotels in Siwa have fresh water pools built into the architecture of their premises. Since Siwa is the land of sun, you will enjoy getting into the water. As the oasis is filled with highly oxygenated air, you can expect the experience of fresh water to be accentuated.


Pic 3 - Fresh water pool at Taziry Eco Lodge, Siwa Oasis - Monika Sleszynska

The cold ones are called so to differentiate them from the warm ones and are usually of a pleasant refreshing cool temperature. You will have plenty of space to swim in the near town Cleopatra circular spring. You can enjoy refreshing drinks afterwards in cafe Juba overlooking the spring.


Pic 4 - Fetnas Island, Siwa Oasis - Monika Sleszynska

You will find another popular fresh water spring in Fatnas Island (Fantasy Island). The place is a famous spot for sunset watching with a cafe offering tea, coffee and fresh juice.


Pic 5 - Abu Sherouf on the way between Siwa and Bahareya - Courtesy of Egypt Tailor Made Tours

Out of town but not of size is the Abou Shrouf fresh water spring. This natural pool has beautifully clear cool water and is of a wide enough length which allows swimming; undisturbed as the spring is located on the outskirts of Siwa.


Pic 6 - Bir Wahed hot spring - Courtesy of Siwawi

If you make a trip to the desert, you will get a chance to dip in the mineral rich hot spring Bir Wahed just several kilometers from town. The hot spring is small and acts like a Jacuzzi with plenty of bubbling water. The qualities of this spring are very powerful so you might like to dose your sessions’ time with consideration. When getting up from the spring you may feel a bit dizzy from the rich charge of the spring. Resting on the dunes and watching sunset afterwards will give you a boosted connection with the natural spirit of the desert.


Pic 7 - Bir Wahed lake - Michael Herman via Commons Wikimedia

During your desert trip to the Great Sea of Sand, you will most likely stop at Bir Wahed’s cold spring. It is one of the biggest fresh pools in the nearby area of the oasis. You can enjoy your swim in this desert lake while looking at the surrounding dunes. It will make up for an unforgettable experience of the miracle of water in the pure desert.



Pic 8 - Fatnas Island after sunset, aiwa Oasis - Monika Sleszynska

Try something different and have a dip in a hot spring at night. You can swim under the stars and absorb the reviving qualities of the naturally heated fresh spring. You will be amazed at the quality of your sleep afterwards. The most popular springs are called Almaza, Osman Camp and Mountain Camp. Swimming at night has a special feel and you can surely experience the best of it in Siwa.


Pic 9 - Fresh water pool at Taziry Eco Lodge - Monika Sleszynska

Whether at the hotel or out in a desert, swimming in Siwa is an unforgettable experience as the pools are set in unique locations. You will feel as though you jumped inside the land of dreams. It is a good idea to carry the swimming attire with you wherever you go as you never know when you will find yourself in front of one of the natural miraculous waters of Siwa. This way you can be ready for every swimming opportunity. The good news is that all places are relatively close to each other so you can explore various fresh swim spots at a relaxed pace.

With the joy of swimming, remember that Siwa is one of the most conservative oases of Egypt. This means you may reserve the swimming attire for the water plunge moments and be comfortably but modestly dressed around the public parts of the oasis.

Swimming trips in desert lakes and hot springs are easy to arrange with your hotel or local guides. Small entry fees may apply in some springs.