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Ancient tombs are something that Egypt has become famous for. But did you know there are some to visit in Siwa Oasis? Find out more in this complete guide to Gabal al Mawta – Siwa’s Mountain of the Dead!
Siwa Oasis is scattered with unique attractions just waiting for adventurous tourists to explore.
And one that you can’t miss is Gabal al Mawta, which means Mountain of the Dead.
This mountain (or rather large rocky hill) located just north of Siwa town has hundreds of ancient tombs built into it. A few of these have been excavated and are now open to go inside and take a look at.
Now, after also visiting the famous Valley of the Kings in Luxor, these tombs are nowhere near the same league but still really cool to visit!
As well as getting a taste of the ancient past, there’s a tremendous panoramic view waiting for you at the top!
And for Assassins Creed fans, you may even have explored these tombs virtually with the Mountain of the Dead featuring in the Origins edition of the game.
It’s a place that can give you the chills but the opportunity to enter ancient tombs is never something to pass up!
Brief History of Gabal al Mawta
The mountain dates back thousands of years with archeological evidence pinpointing to the 26th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.
The people who were buried here were done so in rank of higher to lower class. The higher tombs are more decorated and belonged to the richer and more notable members of society, while the tombs in the lower parts of the mountain were used for families and the less affluent.
Gabal al Mawta is made from calcareous material and over time, especially in the late Pharaonic and early Roman periods, has had over 1000 caverns, tombs and tunnels carved into it.
The tombs were rediscovered most recently in WWII when local Siwi Berbers used the tombs for protection against Italian bombing. After this, ancient artefacts and sarcophagi were found.
These days the tombs are not just a unique tourist attraction like the Siwa Salt Lakes, but also a glimpse into life of the ancient past. And as I mentioned, they even feature in the Assassins Creed Origins video game as one of the game’s locations in Siwa.
Where is Gabal al Mawta
The mountain and its tombs are found about 1km north of Siwa town at the side of the road on the main road out of town.
Find the exact location on Google Maps below:
Google Maps Pin: al-Mawta mountain
Related Post: How To Get From Cairo To Siwa Oasis
How to Get There
The mountain is conveniently within walking distance of the town centre and can be reached by walking, cycling, tuk-tuk, or as part of a Siwa Sightseeing Tour.
It took us around 20 minutes to get there on foot, following the main road north towards Marsa Matruh. You’ll eventually come across the large hill dotted with holes (tombs) and it’s small car park on the right-hand side.
Cycling is another great way to get around Siwa when it’s not too hot and the Mountain of the Dead makes a great first stop as you work your way around the epic things to do in Siwa Oasis.
*Note: Don’t use Google Maps as it takes you through a local neighbourhood and to an unofficial back entrance. Just keep to the main road and you’ll find it easily.
Short on time?
Visit the Mountain of the Dead as part of an action-packed full-day tour of Siwa Oasis. See the best of Siwa’s attractions during an epic one-day adventure!
Entrance Fee and Opening Times
Entrance fees at the time of writing are 120EGP for adults and 60EGP for students.
Gabal al Mawta’s opening times are 9am – 5pm daily.
What to Expect On Your Visit
After purchasing your tickets at the entrance you can make your way onto the mountain. You’ll see a path that leads up to the top and I’d recommend following this first.
Gabal al Mawta is only around 50 metres tall and it takes around 10 minutes to reach the top. It’s not a strenuous climb but just take care as it can be slippy in places from loose gravel.
Once at the top, it’s yet another spot in Siwa Oasis where you can enjoy 360 views of the desert landscape, sea of palm trees, lakes, and both Shali Fortress and Dakrur Mountain in the distance.
After you’ve taken it in and snapped some photos head back down and follow the trail to the right which takes you clockwise around the mountain.
The mountain is dotted with what appears to be big holes, but these mark the remains of the ancient tombs that have been discovered in the last century.
There are three labelled tombs for the public to explore which are the most impressive. They are decorated with red, yellow and blue paintings – depicting the Ancient Egyptian Gods. You don’t need a guide or to pay any extra in order to enter these.
We didn’t dare venture into the darkness of the others! Honestly it gave me the chills just looking at them from the outside!
Adding to this eerie feeling, you might even spot some bones like we did as you make your way around!
The tombs here may not be as grand as those in Luxor’s Kings Valley but visiting them is still a very immersive experience and a fascinating insight into ancient history!
The added bonus is that there’s also a fraction of the crowds to share the place with. On our visit there was just a handful of people who were actually just on their way out, leaving us to have the mountain to ourselves!
Next Read: Fatnas Island – The Best Sunset Spot In Siwa Oasis
The Gabal al Mawta Tombs
Out of the hundreds of tombs dotted around the mountain, the three currently open to the public are the Si Amun Tomb, Mesa Isis Tomb and Niperpathot Tomb.
At one point the Crocodile Tomb was also open but it’s currently closed off.
Si Amun Tomb
Dating to the early Roman period, this was the most striking tomb due to how grand the inner chamber was. It also featured the most vibrant paintings on the inner walls.
While not much is known of the owner, it’s assumed he was a wealthy figure in Ancient Roman times due to the grand decoration.
Mesa Isis Tomb
The Tomb of Mesa Isis had the most impressive entrance and inside you could see through to where the sarcophagus sat.
A fascinating feature of this tomb is the line of red cobras above the entrance to the burial chamber at the back.
Niperpathot Tomb
This is the third tomb you’ll come to which also has a grand entrance. The burial chamber was locked on our visit but we could see in through the bars.
Thought to be one of the oldest tombs, dating back to the 26th Dynasty, the owner was Niperpathot – the Prophet of Osiris and Scribe of the Divine Documents.
Crocodile Tomb
Around the back of Gabal al Mawta is the Tomb of the Crocodile. This was unfortunately closed during our visit but it was apparently discovered by Egypt’s Ottoman Ruler Muhammed Ali.
The person who was buried here is unknown but locals gave it the name after some of the paintings, which depicted crocodiles, were uncovered.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt I’d say the Mountain of the Dead is a must-visit on any trip to Siwa Oasis!
Not only can you observe tombs that were constructed in a time that was so long ago it’s hard to comprehend, but the views of Siwa Oasis from the top are simply epic!
So make sure to add this place to your Siwa Oasis itinerary!
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