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Siwa Date Plantations

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Siwa Oasis, positioned in the Libyan Desert just 50 kilometers from the Libyan border, is world-renowned for its ancient date palm and olive agriculture. Situated in a depression about 18 meters below sea level, the oasis is nourished by over 200 natural springs that sustain life in the harsh Sahara. With an estimated population of 300,000 date palms and 70,000 olive trees, farming is the primary livelihood for the indigenous Berber community, the Siwis. Siwa's dates, particularly varieties like 'Siwi' and 'Freihi', are prized globally for their sweetness and texture. The traditional irrigation network, based on Roman-era engineering, efficiently channels spring water through gravity-fed groves. Beyond farming, Siwa is famous for its unique 'kershef' architecture, made of salt-rich mud. This geographic isolation has helped preserve the unique Siwi language and distinct cultural traditions that remain animated today.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	13	17	21	26	29	30	30	28	23	17	13
Rain mm	6	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	5

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The extensive date and olive plantations are the historic agricultural lifeblood of the Siwa Oasis. These gardens sustain the local Amazigh community and produce some of Egypt's most highly regarded export-quality dates.

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Visiting

Visitors are generally welcome to wander along the shaded dirt paths that weave through the verdant palm groves. Many local farmers are friendly to respectful tourists, though private property boundaries and harvest operations should always be honored.

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Where to view it

The ruins of the Shali Fortress offer panoramic panoramic views over the vast sea of green palms stretching toward the desert horizon. At sunset, the golden light filtering through the dense palm fronds creates a truly magical atmosphere.

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Local products

Markets in the oasis center overflow with premium dates, cold-pressed olive oil, and sweet date syrups. You can also purchase handmade traditional crafts from the local tribes that rely on palm fronds and other natural oasis materials.

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Active season

The most spirited time to visit is during the autumn date harvest, when the entire community mobilizes for agricultural work. Winter is also excellent for pleasant daytime temperatures, making long walks through the gardens highly enjoyable.

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Nearby

Combine your agricultural exploration with visits to the Temple of the Oracle, ancient desert springs like Cleopatra's Bath, and the majestic Great Sand Sea. The contrast between the lush gardens and the stark desert dunes is the highlight of the region.

Geography

Coordinates

29.20000, 25.50000

Facts

There are over 300,000 productive date palms in the oasis.
Siwa is located in a depression 18 meters below sea level.
The region is fed by approximately 230 natural freshwater springs.
Over 70.000 olive trees produce high-quality olive oil.
The peak date harvesting season occurs annually in October.
The residents speak Siwi, a unique Berber language.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Siwa2 km · EExplore →

Zawiya of Al Jaghbub113 km · NWExplore →

Qattara Depression149 km · EExplore →

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many palms are in Siwa?

There are an estimated over 300,000 date palms in the oasis.

What varieties of dates grow there?

Famous varieties include Siwi, Frehi, and Azzawi.

Can you visit the plantations?

Yes, walking through the palm groves is a highlight of Siwa.

When are the dates harvested?

The main harvest season is in September and October.

Are the products exported?

Yes, Siwa dates are famous for their quality and are exported worldwide.

Siwa Date Plantations: where is it located?

Siwa Date Plantations is located in Egypt.

Siwa Date Plantations: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

Siwa Date Plantations: why is it worth visiting?

Siwa Oasis, positioned in the Libyan Desert just 50 kilometers from the Libyan border, is world-renowned for its ancient date palm and olive agriculture.

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