Imagine being buried up to your neck in scorching sand in the middle of the desert—and actually paying for the experience.
Every summer, hundreds of people travel to Mount Dakrour, located about three kilometers southeast of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis, to take part in an unusual traditional treatment. The season runs from July through mid-September, when temperatures are at their highest.
During the procedure, patients are buried in hot sand for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, with a small tent placed over their heads to protect their faces from direct sunlight. Once the session ends, they are wrapped in blankets and taken to a tent where they rest, drink herbal tea, and allow their bodies to cool down gradually. The tent functions like a natural sauna.
A complete treatment course generally lasts between three and five days.
According to Egyptian authorities, the people of Siwa have preserved this practice through generations. Local tradition holds that the technique was passed down by their ancestors, who are said to have learned it from the ancient pharaohs.
The treatment is administered by local families who have practiced the tradition for generations. Visitors travel to the area hoping to find relief from conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and joint pain.
For these families, the practice is not simply a seasonal activity. It is also part of a cultural tradition deeply connected to the history of the Siwa Oasis.
However, this intense exposure to heat is not suitable for everyone. People with heart problems should avoid the treatment because of the potential risks associated with extreme heat.
