The Ultimate Desert Experience in Siwa, Egypt

Olivia Franzman

Traveling to the desert is an experience unlike any other. There is a sense of vastness, quiet, and wonder that you can’t find anywhere else. But it becomes truly unforgettable when you do it in the right place.

I have explored deserts in dozens of countries and joined countless desert tours, yet I can say with complete certainty that my most recent adventure in Egypt stands out as the most incredible and memorable desert experience I have ever had.

The combination of the landscape, the culture, and the sense of timelessness in Siwa is unlike anywhere else in the world, and I cannot wait to share why this desert holds such a special place in my travel memories.

First Things First: Where Exactly Is Siwa?

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This desert experience took place in the city of Siwa, a stunning oasis located in the far western part of Egypt, near the border with Libya. Reaching Siwa is not the easiest journey from major cities like Cairo or Alexandria, but the effort is absolutely worth it.

The trip can be a bit challenging, with long drives and military checkpoints along the way, and its remote location means it is far removed from the bustle of Egypt’s larger cities. Yet, this remoteness is exactly what makes Siwa so special.

Why Siwa Feels So Different from Other Desert Trips

Siwa Oasis
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Siwa is a relatively small town, and there isn’t a lot of activity in the way of nightlife or crowded tourist attractions. But that’s part of the magic. In the desert here, you really feel alone with the landscape.

Unlike some other desert experiences, like in Morocco or the Sahara, where it can feel touristy or overwhelming, Siwa just feels authentic. The environment and landscapes are out of this world, and being there makes you feel like you’re on a completely different planet, in the middle of nowhere.

It’s honestly surreal.

The Day That Had Me Smiling From Start to Finish

Beautiful Siwa desert landscapes at sunset.
Olivia Franzman

The experience we had in Siwa was pure thrill, excitement, and adventure from start to finish. I spent the entire day laughing, smiling, singing, dancing, and just soaking in every single moment because it was honestly that incredible.

There’s something about being completely in the moment in a place like this that makes you feel fully alive, and this day was exactly that.

Kicking Off the Adventure: 4x4s, Dunes, and “Oh Wow” Moments

Driving through the middle of the sand dunes in the desert in Siwa.
Olivia Franzman

We started by meeting our guides and splitting into four 4×4 vehicles, ready to take on the desert. As soon as we left the main part of Siwa, we were in the middle of nowhere. At first, we drove on flat ground, but before long we were climbing huge sand dunes.

Driving across the shifting sand, feeling the wind, and watching the patterns the wind made in the dunes was insane. The drivers knew the desert like it was the back of their hand. No maps, no signs, nothing but their experience.

Driving fast, going up and down the dunes, and just feeling the movement of the sand beneath us was such a rush, and I loved every second of it.