Into the Heart of the Desert

The call of the desert is one that I can never resist. As a former extreme sports athlete, the thrill of the unknown and the promise of adventure are what keep me going. So when I heard about the Siwa Oasis Tour in Egypt’s West Desert, I knew it was a journey I had to undertake. The allure of the Great Sand Sea, the promise of dune bashing, and the chance to explore the ancient mysteries of Siwa were too tempting to pass up.

Our journey began with a drive from Cairo to Marsa Matruh, a city that sits like a jewel on the Mediterranean coast. The drive was long, but the anticipation of what lay ahead kept my spirits high. Marsa Matruh was a delightful surprise, with its stunning Corniche area and the promise of a hearty breakfast to fuel our adventure. After a brief rest, we continued our journey deeper into the desert, the landscape shifting from the azure blues of the Mediterranean to the golden sands of the desert.

The Thrill of the Dunes

Arriving in Siwa, the real adventure began. The Great Sand Sea stretched out before us, an endless expanse of rolling dunes that seemed to go on forever. Our mode of transport? A fleet of Toyota 4 Runners, ready to take on the challenge of the dunes. The dune bashing was an adrenaline rush like no other, the trucks speeding over the sand, the wind in my hair, and the desert sun on my face. It was a heart-pounding experience that reminded me of why I love adventure travel.

But the desert had more to offer than just thrills. As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at Lake Siwa, a natural oasis in the heart of the desert. The cool waters were a welcome respite from the heat, and as I floated in the lake, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of this remote corner of the world. The day ended with a delicious dinner at a hot spring camp, the stars above us a dazzling display of the universe’s wonders.

Ancient Mysteries and Modern Comforts

The next day was a journey into the past, as we explored the ancient sites of Siwa. The Mountain of the Dead, the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, and the Salt Lakes were all on the itinerary, each offering a glimpse into the rich history of this region. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the stories of these ancient places to life.

But Siwa is not just about the past. The newly built hotel where we stayed offered all the modern comforts one could wish for, including a refreshing pool and a comfortable queen-sized bed. The meals were hearty and satisfying, though I did wish for more time to explore the local food shops and markets.

As our journey came to an end, I reflected on the incredible experiences we had. The Siwa Oasis Tour is a must-do for any adventure seeker, offering a perfect blend of thrill, history, and natural beauty. While the return trip to Cairo was long and lacking in culinary delights, the memories of the desert, the dunes, and the ancient wonders of Siwa made it all worthwhile. This is one adventure I would gladly embark on again.