Libya boasts no less than five UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as magnificent, varied scenery from coastal beaches to desolate sand and soaring mountains. Sun-soaked and ancient, there’s so much to do and see here that the recently war-torn country could soon become the world’s next must-see travel destination. Its infrastructure needs rebuilding, but the thaw in relations with the West after the overthrow of Gaddafi has already seen tourist numbers rising.
Most of the monuments and landmarks in Libya were unaffected by the NATO bombing and are safe to visit. Hiking and trekking in the mountains, exploring the Sahara Desert by four-wheel or camel and water sports along the Mediterranean coastline are all favorite pastimes. One of the most stunning sights in the Sahara is Jebel Acacus, with its mysterious, other-worldly, black basalt monoliths, unique natural rock formations and 12,000 year-old rock art that are begging to be explored.
Libya’s Mediterranean coast boasts superb, palm-fringed, deserted beaches with Zuwarah its top vacation destination. The sea is an unbelievable blue, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, although the resort isn’t yet set up for other water sports. A short boat trip away is Farwa Island, a pristine, off-the-radar escape. The well-respected Libya tour company Temehu offers four days in Zuwarah as part of a customized itinerary taking in historic landmarks and other areas of natural beauty.
The Libyan Sahara offers challenging hiking and trekking as well as tours by four-wheel or camel, taking visitors across one of the world’s most spectacular deserts. However you choose to traverse, you'll be following in the footsteps of ancient desert tribes whose camel caravans roamed the trade routes across the vast dunes and bare mountains. Tuareg Arabs are your guides, with their instinctive knowledge and awareness of conditions bred over generations, and you’ll learn about their unique culture and ancient way of life. Libya Adventures offer 15-day treks through the wilderness including nights camping under the stars in palm-lined wadis.
The Acacus Mountains line the far southwest side of Libya’s vast land, and are known for their innumerable rock paintings and carvings. A UNESCO World Heritage site for their early mankind art, the mountains hide springs of fresh water, deep wells and sheltering caves as well as indigenous vegetation on their slopes. The region is almost uninhabited and totally isolated, and the amazing rock formations - including massive eroded arches - are best seen via camel trek. Looklex Libya are the people to contact for this unique experience.