The salt lakes of Siwa are one of the great attractions of this oasis of Egypt, along with other equally interesting ones such as Cleopatra’s Pool or the archaeological remains of the famous oracle consulted by Alexander the Great. In this post, we will tell you more details about these unique bodies of water, in which the bravest do not hesitate to bathe… despite the fact that the experience is very different from that of the beach.
What are the Salt Lakes of Siwa and where are They Located?
The salt lakes of Siwa are a series of small bodies of water located on the outskirts of the oasis, on its eastern border. They are fed by underground springs, with a high degree of mineral salt composition. And since they are endorheic lakes, that is, they have no outlet to the sea or to rivers that flow into the sea, these bodies of water are highly exposed to evaporation, causing the surface water to reach a high concentration of salt.
In addition, there are small ponds that have been created by human intervention, in mining or other projects. The color of these salt lakes seems unreal, being of an
In fact, many know these lakes as ‘the Dead Sea of Egypt’, in comparison with that other great endorheic lake that separates Israel and Jordan. However, the concentration of salt in these lakes is even higher, and that makes its consequences even more noticeable.
What Bathing in these Lakes Entails: Precautions
As we said, there are many brave people who dare to take a bath in the salt lakes of Siwa. There is nothing to prevent it, but it is important to be clear about what introducing the body here implies. The most surprising and fun consequence is that the body floats without any difficulty: lying face up will be the most natural thing to do, in a strange sensation close to levitation.
In addition, many experts attribute medicinal properties to these salt waters, such as the relief of respiratory ailments or muscle and joint pain. In any case, any bath that seeks a health benefit should be supervised or recommended by a medical professional.
And in general, to enjoy that moment, it is essential to follow a series of precautions. First, people who have any wounds should refrain from doing so because, upon contact with the extremely salty water, an
In addition, it should be taken into account that on the shore and the immediate surroundings of the lakes, the salt is perfectly solidified, creating a rough and irregular ground, where there may be sharp projections. Therefore, it is very useful to use the classic jelly sandals or river sandals, which will prevent injuries to the sole of the foot… and the consequent stinging from the contact of the water with the wound.
In addition to these precautions, it is advisable to always keep in mind other more general recommendations, such as protecting yourself well against sunstroke, since bathing here is not exactly a refreshing experience, due to the fact that you cannot submerge your body completely. Ultraviolet radiation is also very strong, given the scarcity of shade, so eye and skin protection is essential. And of course, hydration is essential, so it is advisable to always have bottles of water on hand.
