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Libya – misunderstood, isolated, barren, home to mad dogs.....!
This is what many think when Libya is mentioned but they are very wrong. Statues of Colonel Gaddafi peer down on his people who love him, it takes a leading role in the political life of Africa and it certainly can’t be described as barren, vast breathtaking desert vistas contain ancient rock art and carvings, while fossils and Neolithic artefacts hint at former green Saharan scenes. Towering cliffs and mountain plateaus, blasted and seared by countless desert suns, while winds slowly erode them down to the grains of sand that surround them.
Proud Tuareg, wrapped in their blue/black robes, walk alongside their camels tracing routes from the heart of the desert and mysterious black Africa to the far south. The Tuareg may be Libya’s best known tribe but Berber, Duada and Toubou have all contributed to this fascinating mix of cultures that have ebbed and flowed across the sands – the sands of the worlds greatest desert – the Sahara.
This expedition follows the great trans-Saharan route south via the ancient caravan towns of Nalut, Ghadames and Ghat, skirting the Algerian border before turning into the great mountains of the Jebel Acacus, studded with rock art testifying to lush former times. Continuing north we cross the great Ubari Sand Sea, home to some of the biggest dunes in Libya and the amazing Mandara Lakes.
We stop at Africa’s, perhaps the worlds, greatest Roman site at Leptis Magna, built to secure Rome’s supply of slaves, gold and ivory from its southernmost occupied colony. It, and the treasures in the Museum in Tripoli that we also visit, are simply breath-taking.
In summary, the warmest people, awesome archaeological sites, stunning landscapes and some of the best sand driving you will ever encounter ……… explore it now with OneLife Adventure.
Summary
Start point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
NOTE – we meet you at point of disembarkation upon arrival in Tunis
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Finish point |
Marseille, France (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Number of days |
21 days (15 days in Libya, 4 in Tunisia), 22 nights.
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Approx. distance |
5000 kilometres (not including travelling between UK ports and start point for the expedition).
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Road conditions |
Mixture of sand and gravel tracks, some local roads.
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No’ of vehicles |
Maximum of 6 guest vehicles plus support vehicle.
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Accommodation used |
Accommodation will be mainly in wild or rural community campsites with limited facilities. In some places we use organised campsites attached to an auberge, where toilet/shower facilities are usually available. In Tripoli we use a 4 star hotel for our stay.
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Specialist equipment - vehicle |
A well maintained and serviced 4x4 vehicle fitted with underbody protection. A CB radio must be fitted. Tyres of All Terrain tread patterns are most suitable. A full set of recovery equipment (strops and shackles) is essential along with a spade. A winch is not essential but could be desirable for self-recovery. An additional fuel and water capacity of 40 l each is required, (jerry cans are OK). A vehicle fridge is highly recommended for cold drinks and keeping food fresh for extended periods.
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Specialist equipment - camping |
Either roof (preferable) or ground tents are suitable. You will need good quality sleeping mats if using ground tents, along with sleeping bags. You should bring your own chairs, table, stove, pans, cutlery and utensils. Clothing can be light as the days will be hot, however you should bring some warm and windproof outer wear. Protection from the sun and UV is needed.
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Passport |
Required.
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Visa |
Required (sourced by OneLife Adventure).
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| Health |
- Small first aid kit and EHIC advisable (European Health Insurance Card - available from UK Post Offices)
- Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid vaccinations are recommendations; confirm your needs with doctor.
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| Cost of living |
A lot less than the UK - 1 GPB = approx’ 2.68 Dinar, with diesel at 0.1 dir/l (4p/l !!). You will need to bring cash as Euros or Pounds to change in Bureau de Change upon entry to Tunisia and Libya. Tripoli boasts 2 ATM’s but these rarely work ! – Bring cash with you. Credit cards are not accepted in Libya. |
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Weather
Generally dry and warm with low humidity, occasionally very hot in the dunes and valleys during the days but it can be cool in the hills and at night. Rain is rare away from the coast.
Ghat |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Mean daily temp oC
Rainfall mm |
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13
0 |
16
0 |
20
0 |
25
0 |
29
0 |
33
0 |
33
0 |
32
0 |
31
0 |
28
0 |
25
0 |
18
0 |
Food and Shopping
Food is readily available in Libya, but choice will be restricted compared to the UK. We co-ordinate and assist you with food purchasing while in country. Meals can be cooked individually or communally, the choice is yours but at times during the expedition OneLife Adventure will host group meals, with everyone helping on an informal basis.
Schedule and Pace
The route and timings are not fixed, we will be free to break journey, stop and explore, as you desire. I aim to be in the campsite by 17.00 on most days to allow us to relax and enjoy the experiences of the day. The daily distances driven vary due to the terrain and ground conditions but a typical day will be 3-4 hours driving in the morning, 1 hour for lunch and then a further 2-3 hours driving. Some days will be longer than this due to the distances to be driven.
Outbound shipping
The crossing from Dover to Calais is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. You are free to specify your own preferred dates and times. The drive from Calais to Marseille will take about 12 hours on the French autoroutes.
Note – This section of the expedition is unsupported by OneLife Adventure, the above information is to aid you plan your arrivals and departures. The booking is made on your behalf and cost of the ferry is included in the expedition price. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Inbound Shipping
The return crossing from Calais to Dover is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. Again you are free to break the return journey and specify the ferry dates and times allowing you to extend your holiday as you choose.
Note – As for the outbound journey, this section of the expedition is also unsupported by OneLife Adventure. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Cost
- For each additional adult up to a maximum of 4 per vehicle add £250.
- Under 16’s go free - OneLife Adventure does not charge its young guests.
(where shipping companies charge an additional fee these are passed on at cost, contact us for these costs)
The expedition price includes flexible return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a deluxe external cabin for Marseille to Tunis, all visa, invitation and vehicle entry costs to Libya, all campsite/accommodation costs, full backup and guiding from the support team.
It does not include your fuel, food, snacks, drinks, vehicle insurance and personal spending.
OneLife Adventure Expedition Rating System
FEZZAN EXPLORER
 Easy, short driving days, suitable for families and drivers with basic off road driving skills.
 Easy camping with occasional wild sites interspersed by sites with facilities, no technical needs, suitable for families and young children.
 Higher off road content, moderate driving days, suitable for families and medium off road driving skills.
50% wild camping, some technical needs, suitable for families and young children used to camping.
 Longer days occasionally and high content of off road driving, recoveries likely and moderate levels of off road skills needed.
 80% wild camping +, weather or environment requires some technical clothing/equipment, suitable for experienced families with older children.
 Long days and long distances are the norm, likely to encounter severe hazards and will require teamwork to succeed, experienced drivers.
Extreme weather (hot, wet or cold), will require extensive technical equipment, irregular meals and physical discomfort will be the norm! Success is achieving the destination – Camel Trophy style.
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