Siwa Oasis | Western Desert Oasis of Siwa
Western Desert Oasis of Siwa
Siwa Oasis, which ranks among the most stunning oases in the world as well as in Egypt, owes its reputation to the diversity and uniqueness of its natural features and the heritage or environmental characteristics that are deeply rooted in Pharaonic, Amazigh, Roman and Islamic history.
Located 320 km southwest of Marsa Matrouh at 18 meters under sea level covering area of approximately 94,000 km square with a population of around 36,000 people; Siwa Oasis is divided into 5 administrative units and has a number of small inhabited and uninhabited oases.
The oasis is characterized by various tourist elements due to its scenic beauty provided by wells and natural springs used for agriculture and irrigation purposes while it is also well-known for growing date palms, olives and other major crops. Moreover, some archaeological sites like Amun Temple, the Mountain of Dead bodies , ancient Shali city as well as Jebel Dakrour exist within the oasis boundaries while it popularizes Safari Tourism.
In the oasis, 220 natural spring are used for crop irrigation whereas there is a single spring that is distinguished by having sulfur in its water thus making it a place for hospitalization and also has some natural salt lakes plus the role of iodine in boosting the respiratory system’s immunity, alongside the natural salt lakes.
Siwa Oasis is currently undergoing many service and development projects such as constructing one sewage system for the city of Siwa, an 18,000 m3/day dual treatment plant and establishment of drinkable water filter to eliminate iron as well as manganese at a rate of 5,000 m3/day.
