2-Day Siwa Oasis Desert Safari from Alexandria

Schedule: Daily Departures

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Pickup Time: 06:00 AM

Pickup & Drop-off: Alexandria Hotels or Alexandria Port (Private Round-Trip Transfer)

Tour Highlights

Embark on an overland expedition from Alexandria across the Western Desert to the isolated paradise of Siwa Oasis. Traveling in private, air-conditioned comfort with a licensed Egyptologist guide and an experienced desert driver, this 2-day tour combines historic Mediterranean battlefields, Berber fortress heritage, pharaonic tombs, and an exhilarating 4x4 dune safari across the Great Sand Sea.

• World War II Battlefield Stop at El Alamein: Pause en route to explore the historic grounds of the pivotal 1942 North African campaign.
• Mediterranean Coastal Lunch in Marsa Matrouh: Enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes overlooking the turquoise bay of Marsa Matrouh before turning south into the Sahara.
• Shali Fortress by Sunset: Walk through the melting salt-and-clay (kersheef) ruins of the 13th-century fortress labyrinth commanding panoramic views over the oasis date palm canopy.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta): Explore rock-cut Greco-Roman and pharaonic tombs featuring well-preserved wall paintings, including the Tomb of Si-Amun, the Tomb of the Crocodile, and the Tomb of Mesu-Isis.
• Temple of the Oracle (Aghurmi): Stand in the sacred sanctuary where Alexander the Great was declared the legitimate son of Amun in 331 BC.
• Cleopatra’s Bath & 4x4 Dune Safari: Soak your feet in the legendary natural spring of Cleopatra, followed by an off-road 4x4 desert adventure navigating rolling sand dunes, fossilized coral reefs, and tranquil hot springs.
• Authentic Bedouin Dinner: Savor slow-cooked Siwan culinary specialties under the starry desert sky.

Detailed 2-Day Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Alexandria – El Alamein – Marsa Matrouh – Siwa Oasis & Old Shali

• 06:00 AM: Your private Ramasside Tours guide and driver meet you directly in your Alexandria hotel lobby or at the port passenger terminal holding a personalized name sign.
• Travel west along the Mediterranean coastal highway to El Alamein, pausing briefly to learn about the decisive 1942 armored tank battles between Axis and Allied forces.
• Continue along the scenic coastal route to the harbor city of Marsa Matrouh. Savor a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch overlooking the clear blue waters of the bay.
• Turn inland toward the southwest, driving through the dramatic arid expanses of the Libyan Desert (approximately 4 to 5 hours drive from Marsa Matrouh).
• Old Shali Fortress: Arrive in Siwa by late afternoon. Climb the winding pathways of the medieval mud-brick and salt-rock citadel of Shali. Enjoy panoramic sunset views stretching across ancient date palm orchards and mineral salt lakes.
• Check in to your hotel (Siwa Paradise Hotel or similar standard eco-lodge).
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner prepared with regional spices, dates, and olive oils before a restful overnight stay.

Day 2: Gebel al-Mawta, Temple of the Oracle, 4x4 Safari & Return to Alexandria

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
• Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta): Tour the conical limestone hill honeycombed with rock-cut tombs dating from the 26th Dynasty through the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Inspect the vibrant wall frescoes inside the Tomb of Si-Amun, the Tomb of the Crocodile, and the Tomb of Mesu-Isis.
• Temple of the Oracle of Amun (Aghurmi): Visit the hilltop temple where Alexander the Great sought confirmation of his divine lineage before marching across the Persian Empire.
• Cleopatra’s Spring (Ain Juba): Walk to Siwa’s most famous natural freshwater spring, where crystal-clear spring water bubbles up into a circular stone pool shaded by towering date palms.
• 4x4 Great Sand Sea Safari: Board a four-wheel-drive desert jeep for an off-road adventure through the towering dunes of the Great Sand Sea. Experience dune bashing, visit prehistoric marine fossil beds, and relax near natural desert springs.
• Enjoy lunch featuring traditional oasis dishes.
• Begin your comfortable return drive across the desert and coastal highways back to Alexandria, dropping off directly at your hotel or cruise ship in the late evening.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• 1 night accommodation at Siwa Paradise Hotel (or similar) on a half-board basis (breakfast & dinner)
• Private round-trip transportation between Alexandria and Siwa in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
• Dedicated 4x4 desert jeep excursion in the Great Sand Sea with an experienced desert driver
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the itinerary
• 2 lunches during the tour (Marsa Matrouh & Siwa)
• Entrance tickets to all scheduled archaeological sites (Shali, Gebel al-Mawta, Temple of the Oracle, Cleopatra's Spring)
• Chilled bottled mineral water inside the vehicle throughout both days
• All highway road tolls, desert permits, parking fees, service charges, and municipal taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Personal beverages and snacks outside included meals
• Optional sandboarding gear rental
• Professional vacation photographer add-on
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Executive Luxury Van Upgrade

Upgrade your road journey to an executive luxury van featuring extra legroom, plush reclining seats, dual-zone climate control, and onboard Wi-Fi for maximum comfort on the overland drive.

Professional Vacation Photographer

Hire a professional photographer to accompany your expedition and capture high-resolution portraits across the fortress ruins, ancient temples, and sweeping sand dunes for $50 per day.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes with good tread for climbing Shali and the Mountain of the Dead.
• Light, breathable cotton clothing for daytime, and a warm fleece or jacket for cooler desert nights.
• Sunglasses, sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, and a personal scarf for protection against desert wind and dust.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

For reservations, customized overland itineraries, and private VIP upgrades, contact us at: [email protected]