Sallum

Introducing Sallum

Look up in the dictionary ‘middle of nowhere’ and you might just find the town of Sallum, a mere 12km from the Libyan border. Nestled at the foot of Gebel as-Sallum and lying on the gulf of the same name, Sallum was once the ancient port of Baranis. While a few Roman wells testify to its history, it is now mostly a Bedouin trading post that sees few international visitors.

The sea here, as along the rest of this stretch of coast, is crystal clear and aquamarine in colour, but don’t think about frolicking in the water – dumped rubbish lines the sand, government property surrounds the town and permits are needed to be on the beach after 5pm.

On the eastern entrance to the town there is a modest WWII Commonwealth War Cemetery, commemorating the destruction of hundreds of British tanks by the Germans at nearby ‘Hell Fire’ pass.

There are no banks open and no exchange office in Sallum, although some hotels may agree to exchange money.

Last updated: Oct 6, 2008