Reasons To Visit Libya
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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North Africa & the Middle East
A mixture of heavily eroded sandstone, basalt mountains and vast sand seas make up the Fezzan. The Jebal Akakus is the most famous area, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The wadi may be barren and bone dry, or abundantly green and full of water if it has rained in the previous couple of weeks. On one side of the wadi runs a bluff of desert-varnished sandstone, and the whole 12km stretch is home to petroglyphs.
The 4WD convoy will set off to explore the Ubari sand sea, located 120 kms from Sebha. One of the wonders of the south-western Fezzan are the Ubari oases with their palm fringed saline lakes.
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Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:EgyptIranJordanLebanonMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia