Mafi Ghaddafi | Journey Across Libya feat. Ghadames
Details
First appearing in a hieroglyphic inscription of Ramesses II, Libya – part of the Maghreb region – is one of the Africa’s largest nations with a landscape that is a true feast for the senses. Home to a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline, pristine beaches and azure waters, Libya was also once home to great ancient civilisations of the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans.
Its historical legacy offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, and one of this country’s crown jewels is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Leptis Magna. Once a bustling Roman city of the Carthaginian Empire lining the Mediterranean coast, its grand arches, amphitheatres, and column-lined streets will take you on an immersive journey through time as you meander some of the best-preserved, and most impressive, ancient ruins in the world.
As captivating for history buffs as it is for explorers, Leptis Magna is distinguished for being the most famous Roman city in Africa. Yet that’s only the start of the treasures this North African gem has to offer the most curious of explorers.
With a landscape that is 90 percent desert, Libya’s raw nature brings with it an unforgettable adventure across the Saharan wilderness, curated to the rhythm of desert vibes as we journey to the ‘pearl of the desert’. Once inhabited by indigenous Berbers and Tuaregs, the oasis city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, of Ghadames is a true sanctuary in the heart of Libya’s wilderness.
A trading city unique for its charm, character, and self-sustaining agricultural practices, Ghadames’ architecture demonstrates a curious blend of Islamic and Berber styles, resulting in an aesthetic and atmospheric beauty unique to this region with its crowded network of whitewashed houses and covered streets.
Distinguished for being one of the oldest cities in the pre-Saharan region with varying ethnic groups living in separate quarters, Ghadames brings with it the captivating aura of multicultural diversity, historical and cultural significance hard to find elsewhere.
And with captivating experiences woven together by the warm hospitality of the locals, this adventure will leave a lasting impression on your mind, your heart, and your taste buds; bringing you home with unforgettably beautiful memories infused with flavours of an exquisite cuisine that runs as deep in composition, and texture, as Libya’s roots.
Let’s go!
DAY 1// HELLO TRIPOLI!
Welcome to Libya’s capital! After clearing the airport, we will head straight to an exploration of modern Tripoli taking in key sites including Algeria Square with its imposing mosque converted to a cathedral, Martyrs Square, and the hub of Tripoli.
DAY 2// LEPTIS MAGNA
A truly spectacular tantalising feast fit for history buffs and explorers alike, Leptis Magna is home to the triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus, the Hadrianic Baths complex, the Palaestra (athletic ground), the Nymphaeum (Temple of Nymphs), the huge Imperial Forum, the Basilica, the Arches of Tiberius and Trajan, and a spectacular amphitheatre set against a gorgeous backdrop of Mediterranean Sea, the Sanctuary of the Divine Emperors, and the Market with unique kiosks which, at the time of construction, were a groundbreaking design in the Roman world.
DAY 3// QASR AL-HAJ – YEFREN
Today, we journey into the Berber heartland of the Jabal Nafusa. Our first stop will be at Qasr al-Haj to visit the most beautiful Berber granary qasr (castle) in Libya, seeing for ourselves why explorer Dan Cruickshank chose this imposing 13th Century circular fortress as one of ''The World’s 80 Greatest Treasures''.
DAY 4// GHADAMES
Renowned for its distinctive architecture, we visit the various small squares, the old mosque, and a madrasa (Quranic school), see the fruit and vegetable gardens and explore the ancient irrigation system. And that’s all before lunch in a beautifully decorated traditional house where we will sit on the floor and eat with our hands from communal dishes.
DAY 5// KABOW – TORMISA
Today we leave Ghadames, heading back into the Jabel Nafusa to visit another ancient qasr at Kabow before driving to the abandoned village of Tormisa with its stunning cliff top views. From here we continue to Gharyan to visit a troglodyte house and the pottery stalls for which the town is famous. Tonight, we sleep in Tripoli.
DAY 6// DEPARTURE
Grade: Easy, available to everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 3-4 star hotels, double sharing. Meals included except day 1 & 6.
Cost: 7650 AED excl. flights until NOV 16th.
Specifically Excluded: flights via CAI, any visa expenses, insurance, meals on transfers.
Flights via CAI: Approx. AED 2790.
Visa: E-visa or we facilitate your visa for additional 440 AED.
See yah in Libya x
Trekkup Crew
Mafi Ghaddafi | Journey Across Libya feat. Ghadames