Bir Wahed Cold Springs and Hot Springs

Bir Wahed is a hot spring in Siwa Oasis, means in English "Well Number 1". Bir Wahed is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Siwa. A favorite excursion among local guides is the cold freshwater lake at Bir Wahed 15 km away on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Once over the top of a high dune, you come to a hot spring, the size of a large Jacuzzi, where sulphurous water bubbles in a pool and runs off to irrigate a garden. Cooling down in the lake, and then watching the sun setting over the dunes while soaking in a hot spring, is a surreal experience. The thorns in this rose are the mosquitoes that bite at sunset. Because it's far from town, women can wear bathing suits here without offending locals. Bir Wahed can only be reached by 4WD, so if you don't have your own, you'll need to hire a guide and car. Permits are needed to visit Bir Wahed.

There are 226 fresh springs in the oasis though not all are active and accessible. The springs vary in size and qualities. Some are cold water springs and others are hot springs. Many hotels in Siwa have fresh water pools built into the architecture of their premises. Since Siwa is the land of sun, you will enjoy getting into the water. As the oasis is filled with highly oxygenated air, you can expect the experience of fresh water to be accentuated.

The cold ones are called so to differentiate them from the warm ones and are usually of a pleasant refreshing cool temperature. You will have plenty of space to swim in the near town Cleopatra circular spring. You can enjoy refreshing drinks afterwards in cafe Juba overlooking the spring.
 

During your desert trip to the Great Sea of Sand, you will most likely stop at Bir Wahed’s cold spring. It is one of the biggest fresh pools in the nearby area of the oasis. You can enjoy your swim in this desert lake while looking at the surrounding dunes. It will make up for an unforgettable experience of the miracle of water in the pure desert.