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Overview
Cleopatra’s Spring (Ain Cleopatra)
One of the most beautiful natural freshwater springs in the Egyptian Western Desert, located approximately 2 km from the center of Siwa town at the edge of the palm groves. The spring feeds a large circular stone pool of extraordinarily clear emerald-green water, surrounded by date palms and flowering garden plants, with the water maintaining a constant temperature of approximately 18°C year-round — cool in the desert summer heat and surprisingly warm in the desert winter. The pool is large enough to swim in and is used daily by Siwan men and visiting tourists.
The spring has been known and used since antiquity — ancient Greek travelers documented it as a remarkable natural feature of the Siwa oasis, and it is named after Cleopatra VII (though no historical evidence confirms she bathed here). The association with Cleopatra, like much of the mythologizing of ancient Siwa, reflects the oasis’s role in the imagination of classical travelers who connected every extraordinary natural feature with the famous figures of antiquity.
The setting of Ain Cleopatra — a large emerald pool reflecting the palm canopy above, with the distant mountains of the Siwa escarpment visible beyond the gardens — is one of the most beautiful natural environments in the Egyptian Western Desert, combining the refreshment of clean cool water with the visual splendor of a perfectly proportioned desert oasis landscape.
Photo Gallery
Interesting Facts
Cleopatra's Spring maintains a constant temperature of approximately 18°C year-round — noticeably cool against the desert summer heat and surprisingly comfortable in the desert winter
The spring is named after Cleopatra VII but no historical evidence confirms she visited Siwa — the association reflects the ancient and medieval habit of connecting extraordinary natural features with famous historical figures
The ancient 'Fountain of the Sun' described by classical writers — whose temperature appeared to change counter-intuitively between day and night — may be identified with Ain Cleopatra, though the identification remains uncertain
The spring pool is large enough to swim in and is used daily by Siwan men — visitors are welcome but should be aware of local customs around mixed-gender bathing
The emerald green color of the water results from the reflection of the surrounding palm canopy combined with the limestone bedrock of the pool floor — the color intensifies in morning light
History & Significance
Natural springs have always been the foundation of life in Siwa Oasis. The oasis sits in a depression where the underground water table is close to the surface, and dozens of artesian springs bubble up through the floor of the depression, feeding the palm groves, agricultural land, and salt lakes that define the Siwa landscape. Ain Cleopatra is the most famous and most accessible of these springs, documented by Greek and Roman travelers who described the springs of Siwa as remarkable for their volume and temperature.
The ancient Greek physician and biographer Plutarch noted a peculiarity of one Siwan spring — reportedly the ‘Fountain of the Sun’ — whose temperature appeared to change counter-intuitively between day and night, feeling warm in the morning (when the desert air was coolest) and cool in the afternoon (when the air was hottest). This optical perception of relative temperature made the spring appear miraculous to ancient visitors, contributing to Siwa’s reputation as a place of divine wonder. Ain Cleopatra is sometimes identified with this ancient ‘Fountain of the Sun,’ though the identification is uncertain.
What to See
Emerald Spring Pool
A large circular stone pool of extraordinarily clear emerald-green water surrounded by date palms — one of the most beautiful natural swimming environments in the Egyptian Western Desert.
Swimming in the Desert
Bathing in a constant 18°C freshwater spring in the middle of the Sahara — the contrast of cool, clear water with the surrounding desert heat and dryness is among the most refreshing experiences in Egypt.
Palm Garden Setting
The spring is surrounded by date palms and flowering garden plants with the Siwa escarpment mountains visible beyond — a perfectly composed desert oasis landscape around the pool.
Tours Including Cleopatra’s Spring: The Emerald Mirror of the Sahara
These packages visit this site as part of the itinerary.
8-Day Cairo, Siwa and White & Black Desert Adventure
Set out on an absolutely epic 8-day egypt desert safari designed for travelers who refuse to settle for the ordinary. This ultimate...
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$1390 /P.Person
6-Day Cairo, Alexandria and Siwa Oasis Adventure
Experience the ultimate "Top Class" 6-day odyssey that captures the diverse soul of Egypt. This expedition takes you from the...
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$1075 /P.Person
10-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise & Siwa Oasis Adventure
Embark on a "Top Class" 10-day expedition that spans the full spectrum of Egypt’s beauty, from the monumental icons of...
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$1925 /P.Person
Day tours & Nile cruises visiting Cleopatra’s Spring: The Emerald Mirror of the Sahara
