Libya

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Columns and sculptures, Roman ruins, Sabratha

Introducing Libya

Travel Alert: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends against all travel to some areas and against non-essential travel to others, please check with your relevant national government.

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Libya is a crossroads of history, continents and ancient empires. Home to the Mediterranean’s richest store of Roman and Greek cities – Sabratha, Cyrene and, above all, Leptis Magna – each of which is overlaid by remnants of Byzantine splendour, it’s a place where history comes alive through the extraordinary monuments on its shores. Every corner of cosmopolitan Tripoli resonates with a different period of history. It’s where the Sahara meets the Mediterranean.

Libya is also home to Africa’s most exceptional and accessible desert scenery. The Sahara engulfs over 90% of the country, offering up vast sand seas the size of small European countries. Visit the enchanting oasis towns of Ghadames and Ghat, where the caravans once showcased the riches of Africa. Marvel at palm-fringed lakes surrounded by sand dunes in the desert’s heart. Be bewitched by extinct volcanoes, such as Waw al-Namus, where black sand encircles multicoloured lakes. Go deeper into the desert and experience Jebel Acacus, one of the world’s finest open-air galleries of prehistoric rock art.

One important point to note is that visits to Libya can only be made as part of an organised tour. While those of you accustomed to travelling independently would probably love the chance to do so in Libya, remember that Libya is a vast country and on a tour you’ll be able to cover so much more territory than you otherwise could. Remember also that organised groups can be as small as a party of one (plus guide) and with most tour companies you can design your own itinerary.

Last updated: Mar 29, 2012

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. VinnyD avatar
    RE: Moroccan menu

    by VinnyD 27 May 2012

    I've lived in Libya (2 years) and Saudi Arabia (8) and I think it's pretty rare for people to make their own bread in either country.…
  2. saoifre1 avatar
    RE: Visa problems (tourist working for a publisher)

    by saoifre1 26 May 2012

    Yes keep it simple. I know someone who was reufsed a visa to Libya a few years ago when he said in the form he was an editor. They must…
  3. JillWilson avatar
    Re: Tourist Visas available again, but...

    by JillWilson 26 May 2012

    From what I have hear and understand from the visa providers I have talked with here in Tripoli, you can only enter through the land borders…

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