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Libya

6

Reasons To
Visit Libya

  • Ancient Ruins

    Whether admiring some of the best-preserved ruins anywhere in the former Roman or Greek worlds, wandering through ancient Saharan trading posts, or pondering on the fate of the Garamantian civilisation that died out almost overnight, Libya's ancient ruins will be a major reason for your visit to the country.

    Ancient Ruins

  • Classical History

    The Greeks and Romans had a heavy presence in North Africa, largely confined to the fertile coastal strip. In the east, the Greeks had a strong presence in the cities of Cyrene, Apollonia and Ptolemais, whilst in the west the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha are some of the most impressive found anywhere.

    Classical History

  • Desert Safaris

    With the fantastic rock art of the Sahara and the dunes and oases of the Ubari Sand Sea, the only way to get around is in a self-supported 4WD expedition. The solitude is a major draw, and because it's so far from any towns or cities, the night sky is brilliant with stars.

    Desert Safaris

  • Oases

    In the Ubari Sand Sea lie a series of lakes that fulfil every childhood fantasy of a desert oasis. Hidden deep amongst sand dunes, palm trees fringe limpid pools that perfectly reflect the clear blue skies.

    Oases

  • Rock art

    The oldest rock art in Libya dates back 12,000 years, through to more recent pieces about 2,000 years old. The older pieces tell of a more fertile time when giraffe, elephants, hippos and fighting cats roamed the landscape: a bizarre contrast with the stunning desert scenery that now surrounds the area.

    Rock art

  • Saharan Cities

    Although relatively accessible today, Ghadames was once a watchword for hostile cities on the fringe of the Sahara that traded in gold and slaves arriving from across the desert.

    Saharan Cities

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Visit Ghadames, Libya

Ghadames is an oasis in the west of Libya, 340 miles south west of Tripoli, near the borders with Algeria and Tunisia. The old part of the town,which is surrounded by a wall, has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Ghadames
Traditional Architecture, GhadamesSand dunes near GhadamesDunes near GhadamesRas Al-Ghoul, near GhadamesMosque Prayer Hall, GhadamesSand dunes near GhadamesSunset in the SaharaTraditional bread-making, GhadamesGhadamesTraditional bread baked in the sand.

Ghadames

Libya

Ghadames is an oasis in the west of Libya, 340 miles south west of Tripoli, near the borders with Algeria and Tunisia.

The old part of the town, which is surrounded by a wall, has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here you’ll find a tranquil old city made of mud, lime and palm tree trunks. A network of covered alleyways and attached roofs allows passage from one house to the next.

In earlier days the lifeline of Ghadames was trade through the Sahara, including slavery, but today the people here make a living from agriculture and the few passing tourists.

The Berber Heartlands

On the drive to and from Ghadames you will pass through the extensive Jebel Nafusa area. The landscape is semi-arid and combines barren, rocky mountains with agricultural land before you move into the impressive Sahara.

Berber culture is very much alive in this area and there will be the chance to stop in small towns such as Nalut and Gharyan were you can marvel at the troglodyte architecture of the qasr (fortified granary stores) and dammous (underground houses).

Further reading:
LibyaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout LibyaCountry Guides

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

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