The Solar Eclipse at Siwa Oasis
July 27th - August 4th 2027
The Eclipse
On August 2, 2027, one of the longest total solar eclipses of the 21st century will sweep across North Africa. Along the centre of the eclipse’s path, surrounded by the sands of the Sahara, lies the ancient Oasis town of Siwa. Here the totality will last up to about 6 minutes and 23 seconds, turning day into twilight as the Sun’s corona becomes visible to the naked eye.
Egypt won’t see another eclipse of comparable length for roughly a century, making it one of the most anticipated sky-watching events of our lifetime.
£3,170:00 pp
Figure 11: Map of average early afternoon August cloud fraction derived from 20 years of observations from NASA’s Aqua satellite. These data are from an early afternoon pass. Data: NASA.
Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is a remote desert oasis in western Egypt, close to the Libyan border. Surrounded by the vast sands of the Western Desert, it is famous for its palm groves, olive trees, natural springs, salt lakes, and dramatic desert landscapes.
At the heart of Siwa is the old settlement of Shali, whose distinctive fortress was built from kershef, a traditional mixture of salt, mud, and clay. Siwa also has a long history: the Temple of the Oracle of Amun became famous in antiquity after Alexander the Great visited the oracle in 331 BCE.
What makes Siwa especially striking is the contrast between environments: golden dunes and barren desert surround intensely green palm gardens and brilliant blue-green salt pools. This combination of natural beauty, ancient ruins, and a distinctive local culture makes Siwa one of Egypt's most unusual oases.
Itinerary
Day 1 – July 27 | Arrival in Cairo
Visa assistance, private transfer to hotel, check-in and welcome dinner.
Day 2 – July 28 | Giza Pyramids & Saqqara & Memphis
Visit Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser and selected tombs.
Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.
Traditional Egyptian lunch.
Giza Plateau: Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure and Sphinx.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Cairo.
Day 3 – July 29 | Grand Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo
Morning visit to Coptic Cairo & the Hanging Church
Afternoon visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Return to Cairo for a relaxed afternoon/evening.
Overnight Cairo.
Day 4 – July 30 | Cairo to Alexandria
Transfer to Alexandria.
Visit Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and Bibliotheca and Alexandrina.
Lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.
Overnight Alexandria.
Day 5 – July 31 | Alexandria to Siwa Oasis
Early departure for Siwa Oasis.
Scenic drive through Egypt's Western Desert.
Arrival and check-in at a Siwa eco-lodge.
Afternoon at leisure to relax around the oasis.
Sunset experience at Fatnas Island.
Overnight Siwa.
Day 6 – August 1 | Siwa Oasis Experience
Full-day exploration of Siwa, including:
Siwa Old Town / Shali Fortress
Temple of the Oracle
Temple of Amun
Cleopatra's Spring
Traditional Siwan lunch
4x4 desert excursion
Great Sand Sea
Sand dunes and sunset
Overnight Siwa
Day 7 – August 2 | TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN SIWA
The highlight of the journey.
Relaxed morning at the lodge and preparation for the eclipse.
Transfer to a specially selected eclipse-viewing location with unobstructed desert views.
Total Solar Eclipse – Siwa Oasis
Partial eclipse begins: approximately 11:22 AM
Maximum eclipse: approximately 12:45 PM
Totality: approximately 5 minutes, 31 seconds
Partial eclipse ends: approximately 2:08 PM
Special eclipse viewing arrangements, refreshments and light snacks.
Evening at leisure in Siwa.
Overnight Siwa.
Day 8 – August 3 | Siwa to Cairo
Breakfast and final morning in Siwa.
Optional relaxed visit to a local market or additional oasis experience.
Drive back to Cairo.
Check-in and evening at leisure.
Overnight Cairo
Day 9 – August 4 | Departure from Egypt
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your international departure.
What’s Included?
All accommodation based on boutique and three stars
Special eclipse viewing arrangements
All sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
Services of Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
All in country transfers in a private A/C vehicle
VIP Meet and great at the airport
Services of a professional guide throughout
All permits and permissions
What’s Not Included?
International flights
Visa, payable upon arrival at Cairo (approx $40)
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Tips for drivers, hotels and porters etc (approx £6 per day)
Dedicated guide tips (approx £10 per day)
Meals, drinks and snacks not included in the itinerary
Optional extras