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14 Days: Crossing The Libyan Sahara Desert

14 Days
  • 4x4 Cars & Aeroplan
  • Home Stays
  • Tunis
  • Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr & May
  • 4x4 Adventuring, Roman Ruins, Sahara Desert Expedition
  • All meals during the tour are covered
  • English, Spanish, Arabic
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2-8
  • 12
  • 65

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through Libya, a land where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. Start your journey in Tripoli, Libya’s vibrant capital, where you can experience a mix of ancient heritage and modern culture. Wander through the bustling souks, explore Ottoman-era architecture, and visit the Red Castle Museum to dive into Libya’s storied past.

From Tripoli, head west to Ghadames, the “Pearl of the Desert.” This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Berber architecture and life in its labyrinthine old town, set against the vast Sahara backdrop.

Next, uncover the wonders of the ancient Roman cities Sabratha and Leptis Magna. Sabratha, perched on the Mediterranean coastline, showcases a magnificent Roman theater and temple ruins. Meanwhile, Leptis Magna invites you to explore one of the world’s most impressive Roman archaeological sites, complete with grand basilicas, arches, and an expansive amphitheater.

Travel to the Nafusa Mountains to visit Nalut, a Berber village known for its historic granaries and dramatic mountain scenery. Continue to Sebha, the gateway to the Libyan Sahara, where you can experience desert life and prepare for your journey further south.

Explore the mystical Acacus Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with prehistoric rock art and dramatic sandstone formations. These mountains offer a captivating landscape of towering cliffs, hidden valleys, and ancient petroglyphs.

Discover the serene beauty of the Um el Ma and Gaberoun Oases—two of Libya’s most iconic desert oases. Take in the stunning views of crystal-clear lakes surrounded by golden dunes, providing a refreshing escape amidst the desert heat.

Visit Germa, the ancient capital of the Garamantian civilization, where ruins tell the tale of a powerful Saharan kingdom. Finally, reach Ghat, an ancient Saharan trading hub renowned for its historic old town, colorful markets, and proximity to the spectacular landscapes of the Acacus Mountains.

Whether you’re drawn to Libya’s history, natural wonders, or cultural heritage, these destinations, including Tripoli, Ghadames, Sabratha, Leptis Magna, Nalut, Sebha, Acacus Mountains, Um el Ma & Gaberoun Oases, Germa, and Ghat, offer an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Visiting Libya is your gateway to a world of adventure, beauty, and discovery.

Highlights

  • Ghadames, 3rd oldest inhabited city
  • Acacus Mountains - Mars on Earth!
  • Crossing the Saharan sand dunes
  • Germa and its old civilization

Itinerary

Head home, drop off your bags at the family house and head out.

Explore the old town of Tripoli (Medina) - visit the Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra), the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, and the Gurgi Mosque to soak in historical and cultural insights while engaging with locals.

Sample local cuisine at the souks (markets) like Bab al-Bahr and the Fish Market, immersing in culinary traditions and possibly interacting with vendors.

Head out early in the morning, go get some traditional Libyan donut bread.
Get to Qasar Nalut around noon, enjoy the old grainer and head into the Damous (traditional house for the amazighy people in Nalut)
Spend some time eating and drinking, listening to stories from the locals
Spend the night exploring Nalut and sleep in the Damous

Traditional Breakfast in Nalut
Head out to Ghadames which is a 3h drive
Stop for tea along the way
Get to Ghadames and head to the old town to walk around and enjoy some coffee
Find our camping spot before heading into the 3 corners sunset (Algeria, Tunis, Libya)
Enjoy some dinner in the sand dunes before bed

Day 4 :
Ghadames

Enjoy a full day in Ghadames
Walking around the old city, guided this time
Visit the houses inside and learn about the customs of the city
Dress up and walk around the old city with a photographer
Coffee and a break followed by dinner with the locals
Prep for the long 2 day crossing of the sahara desert

Crossing the sand dunes with lots of crazy views
(limited supplies and food options)

More sand dunes, more fun driving experiences
Once we get to Sebha we'll check into a house and clean up
Replenish our supplies and relax for a bit
Get ready for the following day because oassis are crazy

We have breakfast and set off to the oasis' for a whole day of chilling by them
We'll make sure we have enough supplies to camp out for the night

A long drive down into the Acacus Mountains, the desert the Toureg call home
There are a variety of camping spots, most of which are nameless so the following days will be pure exploration

The long drive back to Sebha, likely a mid day start.
Relax the night in sebha and be ready to fly out the following morning

- Travel east to Leptis Magna, an ancient Roman city, known for its ruins.
- Explore the archaeological site and learn about its history.
- Return to Tripoli, visiting Villa Sileen, a former Roman family estate.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Tripoli.

Cost

The Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Map

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14 Days: Crossing The Libyan Sahara Desert
10% Off
From $3,000 $2,700
/ Adult
  • Best Price Guaranteed
  • No Booking Fees
  • Professional Local Guide
  • 4x4 Cars & Aeroplan
  • Home Stays
  • Tunis
  • Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr & May
  • 4x4 Adventuring, Roman Ruins, Sahara Desert Expedition
  • All meals during the tour are covered
  • English, Spanish, Arabic
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2-8
  • 12
  • 65