The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Egypt. Olive oil is still made in the area by crushing the olives from the 70,000 olive trees in the area with stones. The dates are gathered by zaggala (stick bearers), who must remain celibate until the age of forty, and the area boasts some 300,000 date trees.

It is located on the old date caravan route; yet until recently, it received few other visitors and retained much of its heritage.  In fact, until the battles which took place around the oasis in World War II, it was hardly governed by Egypt, and remained mostly a Berber (Zenatiya) community for the prior thirteen centuries. Siwans continue to have their own culture and customs and they speak a Berber language, called Siwi, rather than Arabic. Interestingly, in October of every year, there is a three-day festival during which Siwans must settle all of their past year’s disputes. 
The area is also famous for its springs, of which there are approximately 1,000.  The water is sweet, and is said to have medical properties.

Though it is relaxing, and certainly now a part of the tourist community in Egypt, it is very traditional, and visitors should keep this in mind when traveling to the area. Local girls are often married by the age of 14, are expected to be completely covered from head to toe, and are allowed minimal communication with members outside their immediate family. Many women still wear traditional costumes and silver jewelry like those displayed in the Traditional Siwan House Museum in the town center. In fact, the area is also well known for its crafts, particularly woven cloth, which is unique in Egypt.