Adrère Amellal & Siwa Oasis Eco-Lodge

Escape to an Egyptian hideaway that offers simple solitude, stunning vistas and a special respect for the local surroundings. Adrere Amellal eco-lodge is a place with a luxurious sense of the primitive, surrounded by the kind of magic that only ancient tribes, majestic mountains and ruthless desert climates can conjure. This hidden gem of Siwa possesses a unique natural environment with exceptional geological features, a diversity of flora and fauna, and some 230 natural freshwater springs fed by the Nubian aquifer.

Famed as the location of the Oracle of Amon, whom Alexander the Great consulted before continuing his Persian conquest, Siwa exists today much as it always has, boasting majestic rock formations, lush groves and brilliant salt lakes throughout the oasis.

Adrère Amellal is committed to using authentic ingredients. All the fruit and vegetables come from its own gardens, with loving care and no pesticides, meat and poultry from local farmers and all the bread and cakes are home-baked. Depending on prevailing wind and mood, dinner here is served in a different section of the house, patio or grotto room every evening. The swimming pool is shaded by a large palm grove and flows out of a natural spring.

Each one of the hand-built 40 rooms is unique, combining distinction and authenticity. Earth buildings blend naturally into the landscape. All the furniture and crafts pay tribute to nature and to talented local artisanship. With no electricity, the rooms are softly lit with a dozen beeswax candles and the starry desert sky. A broad bed constructed on a block of salt dominates the large room with its wooden flooring and woven carpets. In all four corners of the room stand tall iron candlesticks with yellow beeswax candles provide the only source of - guttering - light. Even the two bedside tables are carved in a zigzag shape from rock salt. Tiny windows framed with strings offer a view onto a lake glimmering in the moonlight. Unique rooms include single/double/special desert rooms and salt suites.

Adventurous ride through the rolling dunes of the Great Sand Sea

Even if you’ve been to countless other deserts, nothing can prepare you for what you’ll encounter here. Alone and surrounded by endless mountains of talcum-powder-quality sand, a guide will take you on a “Sahara rollercoaster”, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you hurtle down the side of yet another mammoth dune and find yourself at a different lake.

Shali Fortress

The magnificent relic at the center of Siwa's main town. According to ancient Siwan scriptures, 40 Siwans built the fortress in 1203 A.D. to protect the community against raiding Bedouin tribes. Now it is a remarkable landmark and protected historic site in the center of Shali town.

Tombs of Jabal el Mawta

This great mountain is also known as “Mountain of the Dead” in which graves were dug dating back to the Greco-Roman period. The limestone hill is home to over 700 Roman and four 26th Dynasty tombs carved into the rock face. The four 26th Dynasty tombs are open to the public and feature well-maintained mural drawings.

The Temple of the Oracle of Amun

The Temple has attracted many visitors over the history of ancient civilizations, the most prominent being Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great came in 331 BC to consult the Oracle of Amun in order to seek confirmation that he was the son of the gods and consequently the legitimate Pharaoh of Egypt.

The Temple of Um Ubeydah

One kilometer south of Aghurmi there are the remains of the Temple of Um Ubeydah, which dates from the reign of King Nectanebo II (30th Dynasty) and was connected by a processional avenue to the Temple of the Oracle, which lies about 400m away. The only vestige of this monument is a part of the west wall of the pronaos.

Cleopatra’s Water Spring

The spring is one of many in the area and is located on the path that leads to the Temple of Amun. It is a stone pool fed by natural spring water, and probably the best known bath in the area.

Fatnas Island

Another favorite bathing spot for locals and tourists in Siwa. Also known as "Fantasy Island," the spot is located 6 km from Siwa Town on the salt lake of Birket Siwa in a beautiful surrounding of palm trees and beautiful scenery. This was reputed to be one of the best places in Siwa to watch the sun go down, in the middle of this oasis in the Egyptian desert.

Jabal Dakrour

This Mountain is most famous for the traditional Siwan therapeutic treatments given to calm the ailments of Rheumatism and Arthritis. The Sand Bath treatments consist of burial in the desert sand, up to the neck, whereby a small tent shades the face from the hot sun. Afterwards, a slow cooling process is given with herbal tea.

Bir Wahed

A very special excursion with 4x4 vehicles into the outer dunes of the Great Sand Sea, to Bir Wahed, 12km southwest of town. It's a magical feeling, a hot pool the size of a large Jacuzzi, into which sulphurous water gushes and the run-off irrigates a garden around the pool.