Feedback

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

Request a Brochure

North Africa & the Middle East Brochure

North Africa & the Middle East

By Post Download Online 33786686
PrintShareLike

Excursions in Libya: Wadi Methkandoush Excursion

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.

Rock Art, Wadi Methkandoush
Rock Art, Wadi MethkandoushThe AkakusThe Akakus, Afozedzhar ArchThe AkakusRock Art, The AkakusRock Art, Akakus MountainsSunrise, Akakus Mountains

Wadi Methkandoush Excursion

The Fezzan, Libya
  • Culture & History
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Private Tour

The route to Wadi Methkandoush lies south of Takerkiba, about four hours by 4WD.

At first you drive at up to 100kph or more over a flat plateau of gravelly sand which brings you to Wadi Berjuj, an extremely wide sandy valley alive with vegetation and herds of grazing camels. Once you pass the control point in the middle of nowhere which checks your Acacus Desert permit, you climb up on to a gravel ridge for more high-speed driving, before dropping down halfway along Wadi Methkandoush, over several kilometres of large, uneven black stones that slow you to a crawl.

The wadi itself 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 (rock carvings), some of which have been dated to 10,000BC, with many between six and eight thousand years old. Wild animals such as elephant, giraffe, hippo and crocodile are depicted, as well as domestic cattle and some formless human bodies dating to a later period. You will see no camel carvings here which may seem strange until you discover that the camel was only introduced to the Sahara around 200BC.

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

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

{FFF0C324-3072-4550-974C-563B73CA76FA}