Arriving in Siwa, one finds gleaming expanses of salt layers around the lakes, giving off a remarkable image similar to that of sheets of ice.  This happens particularly in the fall season. Siwa has several magnificent salt lakes, the largest being the famous lake of Al Zaytun, which extends for more than 25 km from the mountain of Dakrur.

Sheyata is another spectacularly tranquil salt lake in the desert, 35 km southwest of Siwa.  Gentle sand banks lightly shaded by palm trees make an ideal spot to unwind while away an afternoon.