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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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Excursions in Libya: Ubari Sand Sea & Desert Oasis

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.

Ubari Sand Sea and Lakes
Ubari Sand SeaUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand SeaUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand SeaUbari Sand SeaUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand Sea and LakesUbari Sand Sea and Lakes

Ubari Sand Sea & Desert Oasis

The Fezzan, Libya
  • Cruises, Sailing & Water
  • Culture & History

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. Around the lakes rise beautiful sand dunes.

After crossing the desert a swim in the lake followed by a rinse with nearby fresh well water is a most wonderful experience. Often Tuareg traders stay near the oasis selling a variety of souvenirs.

Recent lowering of the water table has caused the water level in some of the Ubari lakes to drop. Mandara, once on of the biggest, is now almost dry, the drop in water level has been attributed to the Great Man Made River Project. Gabraoun lake is one of the best places for a swim and there are several spots where it is possible to enter the lake, it is essential not to display too much skin if you plan to swim, we would recommend wearing long shorts & T shirts or even long skirts, the experience is not so much about swimming as about enjoying the sensation of the salt and temperature variations. Be sure to wash off in fresh water after a dip as the dried salt will become particularly uncomfortable, there are several showers nearby.

The derelict remains of Old Gabraoun lie a few metres from the lake side, after centuries of habitation, the population of Old Gabraoun was relocated to 'new Gabraoun'. You may see several ruined villages during todays excursion. In 1991 the Libyan government decided that in order to best provide health care and education to its' population it was deemed essential that they live in more accessible areas of the country. Unsurprisingly many of these villagers were distressed to leave the homes of their ancestors.

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLebanonMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

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