In this issue of Wanderlust magazine

June 2013 issue • On sale from 23 May

In the June issue of Wanderlust it's all about dream destinations, the places on every traveller's wishlist including...

Everest Base Camp: 60 years after the highest peak on earth was first summited, we prove you don't need to be a mountaineer to experience its magic.

African Safari: Go walking among giants in Tanzania on the ultimate safari experience.

Galapagos: Discover the wildlife and local culture on Ecuador's most famous islands both by land and sea.

Antarctica: Penguins, glaciers and endless adventure at the edge of the world.

PLUS: Get paid to travel - find out how you can see the world AND make money, instant escapes to Corsica, Sweden, the Amalfi Coast and much, much more...

Click here to subscribe and receive a FREE £50 travel voucher.

Subscribe here >>>

www.wanderlust.co.uk

Tripoli, Libya.

23rd November
Rating: (0 votes)
rate

1 comment
Read the comment

The country is incredible safe for westerners even with all that is going on in the Gulf and elsewhere. People are very friend

The country is incredible safe for westerners even with all that is going on in the Gulf and elsewhere. People are very friendly they won't bother you or give you any hassle. They're a Muslim country, just not a radical one. Qaddafi doesn't tolerate religious fundamentalism -as it is seen as a threat to his rule so everyone is a bit more chilled out about their religion. The population is not armed (as this is not in Qaddafi's own self interest either). The country has got a lot of bad press internationally, but this is not the fault of the people, but of government and international politicking.
You have to be invited into Libya (this just means joining a tour as no truly independent travel (ie traveling around the country by yourself) is allowed. Instead you are escorted by a guide and a discreetly armed secret policeman (it sounds more sinister than it is) but the policeman is there to smooth the way through the numerous checkpoints.
Jews are not really welcome and anyone with an Israeli passport stamp in there passport will not be allowed into the country.
There is no alcohol allowed in the country. No exceptions for ex pats.
The streets are dirty as rubbish collection is not well organized and this is a great shame.
Outside of the main cities there are few hotels and it is better to camp in the desert.
No malaria problem.
Drink only bottled water even in smart hotels etc.
Western dress is fine most local men wear suits in Tripoli. Men and women cover up arms / legs etc. so don't wear shorts etc. There is no need for women to wear head scarfs ... most local women don't.
The latest Lonely Planet and Footprints guides are worth getting.

Arrival

Fly into Tripoli

Tripoli sights:

* the Jamahiriya Museum located in the Red Castle, is Libya's national museum - excellent worth a visit 2 hours min. you can photograph as much as you like here.
* (right next door to the museum is the old town walls and Bazaar in the walled Medina go for a wander here you can see it all in an hour (not much to buy here or anywhere in Libya - nothing but a few tacky souvenirs, but the shop owners are not pushy at all - most are disinterested and won't bother you at all).
* Arch of Marcus Aurelius - worth a photo nothing more.

Eating out & night life is non existent. Most people stay in so very few restaurants. No need to spend anytime in Tripoli itself other than to quickily see the above. The main reason for being here is as a base for the day trips to see the nearby roman cities of

* Sabratha (day trip west of tripoli)

* Leptis Magna (day trip east of tripoli) also go to Villa Sileen on the way there or back.

Hotels in Tripoli check out www.tripadvisor.com for more options.

Yosser Hotel, Anter Street | Al Dahra, Tripoli, Libya - We stayed here it was OK , but nothing special - then hotels in Libya aren't up to much. Tourism is not developed yet. It will come and in a few decades the Mediterranean coast of Libya will be like Dubai, but for now it is basic quiet and unspoilt - thank god.

View all Experiences from this member

Previous Next

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or get more from Wanderlust - register today!

Comments

1 comments

26th May by Dew

It's great to read something about Libya as we are thinking of going but not too sure about it, like for instance, what you can and can't do, the dress code etc. This is really helpful. Sounds great.

Report as inappropriate

myWanderlust

Welcome to our community

Member Login

Remember me?

Not a member?

Get more from Wanderlust - register today!

Search

Enter a region, country or destination

Find a member:

select

Departure date:

Open the calendar popup.

Return date:

Open the calendar popup.

Date flexibility:

Spin Up Spin Down

Need some travel planning inspiration?

Simply select the destination you’re interested in or the activities you’re looking for and we’ll send your request to a select panel of tour operators.

Each operator will respond to your request individually. Your details remain private and are not disclosed to any partners unless you decide to proceed with a booking. Enjoy!