Siwa is heaven's desert on earth. Located about 50 km from the Libyan border and 560 km from Cairo, Siwa's isolation from the overpopulated streets of cities makes it a prime destination for tourists and Egyptians who are in need of a tranquil and serene getaway.
The Siwa Oasis, which is 25 meters below sea level, is filled with palm trees that were meticulously planted between mud brick homes and lanes where the bizarre mixture of working donkey carriages and 4WD cars became a common part of street action and everyday life.
A number of crystal clear springs, lakes and rivers are common destination for the villagers who need a break from the harsh heat of the desert. However, the edges of the Siwa Oasis are where the magic of exploration and adventure happens.
The vast and seemingly endless desert is alluring with its exceptional beauty and its shimmering white rock formations. Like a picture of a storybook, or a scene from a Hollywood movie, one of mother nature's masterpieces has become the door to understand rural Egypt; the country's finest and underrated destinations.
Attempting to change the perspective of people of all nationalities in Egypt, the Dune Raider team put together a three-day festival where tradition and heritage are mixed with good food, awesome music and other entertaining activities.
The event, which begins on Oct. 7, is a relaxing yet very adventurous experience for people who want to try something new.
Villagers in Siwa - due to geographical isolation - have been able to hold strongly to their heritage and stand apart from the mainstream influences of Cairo and therefore, they celebrate the date harvest at the annual Palm festival in the heart of the city.
This year however, villagers in Siwa are allowing the outside world experience this annual tradition with them. The Palm Festival is when the villagers gather to celebrate, renew friendships, eat together and in essence, become one.
Different activities, parties and celebrations are done throughout the day and everyone is invited. Once the sun sets down however, people gather at the bottom of one of Siwa's glorious mountains and share a meal together.
Breakfast will be served by early morning light; bold sand-boarding trips, participating in festival ceremonies, and sightseeing expeditions are just a few things to look forward to this year.
Learn how to mingle, participate, and celebrate different paths of life with a group of people who effortlessly remain untarnished with the mainstream public. Engage in their alluring traditions and appreciate the difference of cultures while experiencing a variation of compelling adventures.