Libya Overview

Overview

Unlike its neighbours Tunisia and Egypt, Libya is only just emerging as a tourist destination after many years of international sanctions. Currently it is usually only possible to get a tourist visa as part of a group, but if you want a vacation without all the trappings of tourist resorts, yet bursting with history, now is the time to go.

Libya is one of the largest countries in Africa, with nearly 2000kms.of Mediterranean coastline and vast areas of unspoilt desert. The country is steeped in at least 10,000 years of visible history, from the ancient rock art of the Sahara, through the superbly preserved Greek and Roman towns along the coast. With a stunning backdrop of the bright blue Mediterranean, Leptis Magna is the greatest of these, well deserving its designation as a World Heritage site. Sabratha to the west and Cyrene 1000kms to the east should also be on every tour itinerary.

The population of Libya is very small in comparison with its size and the main concentrations of people are in and around Tripoli, in the west and Benghazi in the east. Tripoli is a must for every visitor, with its fascinating medina, with narrow streets, many mosques and bustling souks. The massive walls of the castle used to stand as bastions to the sea, but now house the recently reconstructed and extremely impressive museum.

The road south from Tripoli leads through the western Mountains, with their relics of the indigenous Berber population and troglodyte dwellings, and on to Ghadames. Here on the borders of Tunisia is a desert oasis and fascinating ancient town, which until quite recently bustled with life.

The most intrepid travellers will continue on to the Fezzan in search of rock art in the depths of the Sahara, with its vast areas of desert and sand seas and only the occasional oasis.

Libya has enormous tourist potential. As yet there are no resorts, but it won't be long, especially if Colonel Ghadaffi lifts the ban on alcohol!