Getting There: Siwa can be reached by car or bus from Cairo or the town of Mersa Matruh. The trip takes about a day from Cairo and about three and a half hours from Mersa Matruh. The highway follows the ancient caravan trail which has been used by desert travelers since the time of Alexander the Great.
Where to Stay: The Safari Paradise Hotel has the most luxurious accommodations, with air-conditioned rooms, bungalows and huts. Less expensive hotels are available and camping in the desert is an option. An ecolodge currently under construction promises to provide a unique vacation experience.
Where to Dine: The Abdu Restaurant near the center of town has long been one of the most popular restaurants for reliably good food.
For reservations and travel arrangements, contact See Egypt Travel Agency in Cairo (telephone: 20 2 378 0972; fax: 20 2 350 9146; or by email: torg@intouch.com).
