News and Reviews

Travel to Libya - advice from the Foreign Office

Visa Requirements for travel to Libya

March 2011

Hi Everyone. I am just back from a somewhat eventful trip to Libya. I flew out to Tripoli on 16 February just as demonstrations were beginning in Benghazi. My intention on this trip, however, was not to visit the East but to spend some time in the desert talking to our guides and drivers down there. I wanted to try and come up with some more off the beaten track delights to add into our Desert Adventure itinerary and Desert Extension.

As always, I had an amazing time in the desert. There is nowhere like it on this earth to get a sense of peace and to get life back into perspective. I had a go at sand-skiing and I swam in one of the amazing Ubari lakes. The water comes from an underground source so the lake is full of salt and minerals. Similar to the Dead Sea, you can just lie back and float on top of the water. If you do put your feet down, the water underneath the surface is boiling hot. It is quite an experience.

I stayed in a variety of fixed-tent camps which I am really excited about offering in the future for those who want a bit more luxury than the wild camping option. Or perhaps you could combine the two: a couple of nights in the wild followed by a fixed camp with the delights of your own en suite bathroom!!

After five days in the desert, I flew back to Tripoli and, by that time, the demonstrations had begun there too. I was overwhelmed by the amazing hospitality of my hosts who did everything they could to look after me during that difficult time. As I have always said, the Libyan people are some of the most generous, hospitable people you will ever meet anywhere. I was hosted in people's homes at a moment's notice and offered food at all times of the night. The staff at the Corinthia Hotel, also, were friendly and efficient as they helped me organise emergency flights home. Our local ground agents could not do enough to help and even had a private museum in Tripoli opened up for me to visit whilst I was restricted from visiting sites further away.

By the time I arrived home I was more convinced than ever that the best way to support the Libyan people is to continue to promote their beautiful country. Obviously, we do not recommend that you travel there until the political situation is resolved. However, I am hopeful that peace will ultimately reign again and, at that point, it will be my pleasure to introduce you to one of the most beautiful and varied countries on this earth.

With warm regards to you all,

Zohreh.

Sand-skiing in the Ubari Sand Sea