Libyan Desert Explorer

16 days - from $

The vast Sahara and immense Roman ruins
Libya is well and truly an adventurous destination for the discerning traveller. Scattered along the dramatic Mediterranean coast are incredibly well-preserved Roman remains at Sabratha and Leptis Magna; between lies Tripoli and its atmospheric old town. Deep into the Sahara Desert we visit Germa, capital of the ancient Garamantian Empire, and the Acacus Mountains. Here, we uncover rock art from 8000BC, hidden in amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. Finally, a classic Saharan desert experience: three days with 4WD vehicles exploring this vast landscape, camping under a myriad of stars and traversing the Sand Sea to the caravan town of Ghadames, the 'Pearl of the Sahara'.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Tripoli. 2 Visit Roman amphitheatre at Sabratha; to Mizda. 3 To Germa via Sebha. 4 Visit Germa old town and museum. 5-7 4WD adventure exploring the Acacus Mmountains, with spectacular desert scenery and prehistoric rock art. 8 Leaving the Acacus Mountains we travel to Tkerkiba via Awinat. 9 Across the Ubari Sand Sea, visiting extraordinary oases and coloured lakes. 10 Long drive north back to Gariyat via Qurda. 11 Head west to the caravan town of Ghadames. 12 Explore the bazaars and cool streets of Ghadames; to Jabel Nafusa, visit troglodyte dwellings. 13 Visit hill villages of Jebel Nafusa and Qasr El-Haj; to Tripoli, visit old town and museum. 14 Full day at the immense Roman city of Leptis Magna. 15 End Tripoli.

Mode of travel: Travel by private air-conditioned minibus and 4WD vehicle.
Group size: Normally min. 8, max. 18, plus leader and drivers.
Accommodation: 8 nights camping, 4 nights hotels, 1 night troglodyte lodge, 1 night villa.
Food: All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners included.
Trip Reference: AYL
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: AYL