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Written by : Dr. Hany Abou Youssef
There are places you visit, and there are places that stay with you forever. Siwa is one of those rare treasures, an oasis where time slows, history whispers, and peace wraps itself around you like a gift.
From the moment you arrive, the desert greets you with a magical silence, broken only by the whisper of the wind and the ripple of palm trees. It feels as if the world has paused just for you, giving you the chance to breathe, smile, and truly live in the moment.
In Siwa, nature is more than scenery, it’s an experience. Float effortlessly in the salt lakes, bathe in Cleopatra’s Spring, explore the healing salt caves, or let the hot springs embrace you like nature’s own spa. Every stop feels like a discovery, every moment a memory waiting to be made.
History comes alive in Siwa. Wander the Mountain of the Dead with its ancient tombs, explore the secrets of Shali Castle, and watch the sunset on Fitnas Island, the jewel of Siwa, where the sky explodes into colors beyond imagination. Standing in these places, you don’t just see history, you feel it.
And then there’s the thrill. A 4x4 safari across the endless dunes is as breathtaking as it is exhilarating. And when night falls, Siwa reveals its true gift: a joyful pause in the desert. Silence wraps around you, broken only by the crackle of fire and the brilliance of a million stars. In those quiet hours, you discover a peace beyond words.
Yet Siwa is not just about landscapes, it’s about people. What many of us don’t realize is that in their own language, “Amazigh” means “Free People.” And standing among them, I understood that their freedom is not only in name, but in spirit.
As much as Siwa itself left its mark on me, what made this journey unforgettable were the people I traveled with. Their laughter, kindness, and companionship gave this adventure its soul. Together, we made Siwa unforgettable.
One essential ingredient brought everything together: the guidance of a knowledgeable leader and a well-balanced itinerary. A trip like Siwa is not just about seeing places, it is about understanding them, about walking into history with someone who can open doors you would never find alone. Without the right guidance, Siwa might remain a collection of beautiful sights; with the right guide, it becomes a living story.
There could not have been a better leader than Mohamed Kamal, our fearless guide and captain of spirit. Known lovingly as Mr. Mo, he carried us through Siwa with energy, humor, and heart. His knowledge of history was impeccable, told like a story, simple, alive, and easy to remember. Calm and thoughtful, he solved problems quietly, always caring for everyone’s needs. He was the spark that made this adventure shine.
But beyond his personality, what impressed me most was the itinerary. It was perfectly balanced: moments of exploration mixed with times of rest, cultural encounters woven with natural wonders, and a rhythm that let us enjoy each day without exhaustion. Every stop felt purposeful, every experience had its place, and nothing felt rushed. This balance allowed us to immerse ourselves in Siwa without losing energy or excitement.
I was hesitant to make this trip at first, but my wife convinced me. Though I thought I was doing it just to make her happy, it turned out to be one of our best journeys ever, not only because we shared it together, but because Siwa itself has a way of touching your soul.
Siwa is not just another destination. It is laughter and discovery, history and adventure, love and friendship. It is where the desert slows your steps, the stars guide your thoughts, and the people remind you what it means to be free.
I did not just visit Siwa, I experienced it. And because of that, I will not only remember it, I will carry it with me always.
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