We’re about to dive into a practical, step‑by‑step travel guide to the salt lakes in Siwa Oasis, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. If you’re planning a trip and want clear costs, how to get there, opening hours, transportation prices, accommodation and dining ideas, you’re in the right place.

These shimmering salt lakes are one of Egypt’s most unique natural experiences, with water so salty that you can float effortlessly. Let’s explore it together!

Where the Salt Lakes Are

The salt lakes are located just outside Siwa town, in the heart of the Western Desert. Most travelers stay in Siwa for a few days and use it as a base for visiting the lakes early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is best for photos and the temperatures are comfortable.

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Good news: the salt lakes themselves are natural, open‑air sites that don’t charge formal entrance tickets like a museum or theme park. You can visit sunrise to sunset, typically around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM depending on season.

Some guided tours or sites with facilities (like shaded seating or guided floating areas) may charge a small fee ($2–$5), but the salt lakes themselves are free entry.

Best Time to Visit the Salt Lakes

• Peak season: October to April — mild daytime temperatures (~20–28°C) and pleasant evenings. This makes photography, floating, and exploration comfortable.

• Shoulder seasons: May and September — still good, but midday can get warm.

• Summer: June to August — desert heat can exceed 40°C, so plan early morning or late afternoon visits, bring lots of water and sun protection.

How to Get There & Transportation Costs

From Cairo to Siwa:

• Bus: Costs vary around 340–370 EGP (~$11–$12) one way with larger buses, or 420–925 EGP (~$8–$18) via minivan services. The overnight ride takes 9–10+ hours.

Getting Around Siwa:

• Local buses: ~5 EGP (~$0.15) per ride, running from morning until ~8 PM.

• Shared taxis: ~10–20 EGP (~$0.3–$0.6).

• Taxi to salt lakes: ~40–60 EGP (~$3–$4) one way from town center.

• Bicycle rental: ~50 EGP (~$3) per day — great for local trips.

• Tuk‑tuk (with driver): ~200–400 EGP (~$6–$12) per day to visit multiple sights including salt lakes.

For more remote salt lake areas or desert tracks, renting a 4x4 with driver is recommended and often arranged via your hotel or local tour desk for a negotiable daily rate.

Accommodation Options & Prices

Staying in Siwa town makes reaching the salt lakes easy:

• Budget guesthouses / hostels: ~$8–$40 per night for simple rooms near the oasis.

• Mid‑range hotels / eco‑lodges: ~$50–$120 per night with breakfast.

• Boutique stays / luxury options: ~$120–$200+ per night, often with garden or desert views.

Tip: Booking ahead during peak months (winter & spring) usually gets better prices. Many accommodations offer bike or tuk‑tuk rentals directly for lake visits.

Dining & Meal Costs

In Siwa town, eating is affordable and local:

• Local cafés and small restaurants: expect around 100 EGP (~$3) for coffee or snacks.

• Standard meal (local dishes): usually 200 EGP (~$6) per person.

• Higher‑end meals: 250–300 EGP (~$8–$10), depending on dishes and setting.

Try fresh date products, olives, flatbreads, and local vegetable dishes — simple and tasty.

Useful Travel Tips

• Pack lots of water and sunscreen; the desert heat and reflective salt surfaces intensify sun exposure.

• Shoes: Salt flats can be rough — wear sturdy sandals or sneakers.

• Morning & evening: Best for photos and comfortable temperatures.

• Cash: Many local services don’t take cards, so bring Egyptian pounds.

• Connectivity: Mobile signal can be limited; download maps offline before arrival.

Why We’ll Love It

Siwa’s salt lakes are an incredible mix of natural beauty, tranquility, and authentic desert culture. Floating in the salty water, exploring shimmering salt flats and taking epic sunrise/sunset photos makes this one of the most memorable experiences in Egypt. Adding detailed costs and transport options makes planning easy and stress‑free — perfect for independent travelers and adventurers alike.

Let’s Go, Lykkers!

Now that we have clear prices, transport tips, lodging and food costs, and the best times to visit, your trip to Siwa’s salt lakes can be smooth, economical, and unforgettable. Pack water, your camera, and a spirit ready for serene desert landscapes — this hidden gem is waiting for us to explore!