Introducing Libya
Travel Alert: In mid February 2011, deadly clashes broke out between the government and protesters in Benghazi and other parts of the country, with reports of more than 200 people killed. Since then, things have escalated, with international forces intervening. Countries are warning against all travel to Libya. Border areas with Sudan, Chad, Niger and Algeria are also potentially dangerous. Check the news and government advice sites like Safe Travel for updates.
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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: Aug 22, 2011
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: how to get into Libya
by frisbee 14 September 2011
Mind you, I'm wondering if it'a a problem when it comes time to leave Libya. Still, one hassle at a time!!!!
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how to get into Libya
by frisbee 14 September 2011
Here's a [link|http://wwww.qatar-tribune.com/data/20110910/content.asp?section=Analysis1_1] to one reporters story about his/her recent…
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RE: Frormalities to enter free Libya
by Kira 13 September 2011
Getting lots of PM's about this As soon as my Libyan friends come online again I will post everything I can in regards to entering Libya…
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