Turquoise water
Glass-clear pools.
Mohamed shokry algarnosy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gihad Abd Elsamie — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gihad Abd Elsamie — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Doaa Adel — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohamed shokry algarnosy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohamed shokry algarnosy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohamed shokry algarnosy — CC BY-SA 4.0
Turquoise pools east of Siwa town, formed where salt is dug from the ground: the pits filled with very salty water, clear as glass, edged with white salt crystals and heaps of piled salt. The highlight is swimming, or rather floating effortlessly, as the high salt content holds the body up as in the Dead Sea. The water shades from pale blue to turquoise with depth and light, so in photos it looks otherworldly. Large amounts of salt are taken from the area, and the people of the oasis have built with rock salt since ancient times, as at Shali Fortress. The place looks best at sunset, when the sky's colours are mirrored on the still water. Entry is usually free, though some pools may charge a small fee. Bring fresh water to rinse off after swimming, keep the water out of your eyes and any cuts, and wear proper shoes against the sharp salt edges.
Glass-clear pools.
Salt holds you up.
The sky mirrored.
East of Siwa town, on the road towards Lake Zeitun
Fresh water to rinse off after swimming, shoes to protect against sharp salt crystals and a towel; avoid shaving beforehand, as salt stings the skin.