Penguin Travel

Sahara desert is usually believed to be a hostile and unwelcoming place the reason being that life is very difficult, almost impossible. But although its climate is severe and inhospitable to humans, it benefits the manmade structures even more. In its dry embrace not only the Egyptian treasures survived but also many others no less valuable ancient artifacts. Some of these are the prehistoric drawings in Acacus Mountain in Libya. Painted for millions of years, they are real history textbook left in the very heart of the desert. To read it, however, the information available on the Internet will not be sufficient. You have to open it and turn the pages there on the spot - on dark basalt ridges, hiding in their shadows deep deserted gorges, amongst the stone arches and towers and the sands of this magical and enchanting world.

Having gone deep inside in the prehistoric times, when you return to the Mediterranean coast, the ancient Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabrata will seem like a journey into the future. Coming to the surface of today takes one more step and it is the oriental charm of Tripoli.

But let's first go back in time!
 

Trip plan:   

Day 1 – Flight to Tripoli
Arrival in Tripoli. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - Tripoli, Sabrata - Saba
Tour of Tripoli and visit the Roman city Sabrata. Evening transfer to the airport for a flight to Saba, the starting point for the trek across Sahara.

Day 3 – Saba - Acacus
Full day 4X4 drive from Saba to Acacus . The road passes through the desert and basalt cones of the Black Mountain. Break for lunch in Germa. The last stretch of the road to Acacus offers views of distant peaks of Hogar Mountain in Algeria. Welcome to the heart of Sahara desert! Overnight in a camp.

Day 4-8 - Acacus
These five days we will be walking and exploring the prehistoric rock paintings and wonders of the Acacus Mountain. The camps are in different places each night with an opportunity to sleep outdoors under the stars among the rocks and sands of this unique world.

Day 9-10 - Acacus - Ubari - Saba
Transfer on 4X4 from Acacus through the dunes of Wadi Kaza and Wadi Msak to the Ubari lake. The adventure ends with swimming in its salty waters. Return to Saba for a return flight to Tripoli.

Day 11 - Leptis Magna
Visit the capital of the Roman province of Africa. One of the finest cities of antiquity, considering also the fact that there are just a few tourists. Last night in Tripoli.

Day 12 - Departure

Accomodation and food: Accommodation in Tripoli and Saba are in double rooms in tourist class hotels. Accommodation in camps is in small double tents. You need to bring sleeping bags.  

Luggage transport: Put a label on your luggage inside and outside. We recommend that you limit your luggage to 15-20 kg and you pack your clothes in plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in case of rain. We prefer you carry lighter bag rather than a large backpack. It is not recommended to take a heavy suitcase. All your luggage along with sleeping bag must fit into one bag. Your baggage will be transported throughout the trip.  

Price of extra services: 75 USD entrance fees  

Included in the price: Domestic flights from Tripoli to Saba and back, four nights in hotels and seven in tent camps, full board from day 3 to day 9 inclusive., breakfast and lunch on day 10, breakfast on days 2, 11 and 12; driver ; transfer of baggage, camp equipment (except sleeping bags).   

Excluded from the price: insurance, tips, entrance fees for places - some US $ 75 in total, beverages, personal expenses, meals outside included; Libyan visa.   

Practical information:   

Food
Food in Libya is Arabic. Breakfast is usually bread, honey, cheese, fruit and coffee. Lunches are often soup, fresh salad and bread. For dinner the trekking chef will prepare delicious stew with meat and rice. Vegetarian food can also be offered but the choice is limited. During the trekking bottled water is provided.
Behavior
Life in Libya is based on socialist principles and Arabic tradition. Respect the Arabic customs. In religious buildings and towns women should dress modestly. Beachwear is acceptable only on the beach. The import of alcohol into the country is prohibited. Severe penalties are imposed for criticizing religion, government or the political system. It is recommended not to take pictures near military or official sites.
First Aid
Always take along a small personal first aid kit. It must include the following: broad-spectrum antibiotic, candies for sore throat, painkiller, patch and bandage for wounds, ointment for blisters, insect repellent, anti-inflammatory cream, medicine for diarrhea.
Currency
The currency in Libya is called dinar. You should pay in cash almost everywhere. Some credit cards are accepted in major hotels and banks. Traveler's checks are not accepted. You can take with you euro or dollar, the euro is used more frequently. You can exchange money at the airport or the hotel.
Language
The official language in Libya is Arabic. Some people speak English or Italian. The inscriptions everywhere are in Arabic. Staff in hotels, restaurants and shops usually understands English. It is always fun to learn some Arabic words and your guide will be happy to help in pronunciation.
Communications
Mobile phones operate in Libya, but in the desert they may not have coverage.
Tips
There is no requirement to give a tip. Tips in restaurants are common. Drivers and trekking guides will expect a tip at the end of the journey. Tipping is a way to personally thank the staff for their good service. The rule for tips (each person) gives 4-5 Euro per day for each driver, guide or cook.
 

Tour highlights:  

Acacus Mountain is the great objective of this trip. Located in the Sahara desert in Western Libya, it is a unique natural museum - its beautiful landscape includes stone arches, gorges, numerous isolated rock formations which look like towers in this lonely place, and huge sand dunes. Moreover, its dry climate has preserved one of the most valuable world monuments - prehistoric rock paintings, the oldest of which date back from before 12 000 years! This ancient art depicting animals and people who inhabited the area in those times, is protected by UNESCO. 

Ubari Oasis is the archetype of our idea of oasis - a string of palm trees surrounding a lake lying on sparkling yellow sands. But this is not a fata morgana. The lake really exists and to believe in this, you can swim in it - a wonderful desert experience!

Germa is an area with ruins left by the ancient the Garamanti Berber Empire which ruled a large part of Libya at the beginning of the new era.

Leptis Magna and Sabrata. Libya owns another valuable historical heritage, which is under the auspices of UNESCO. These are the remains of two Roman cities which flourished in the antiquity - Leptis Magna and Sabrata. Leptis Magna is among the best preserved in the Mediterranean reminiscences of the Roman Empire. Founded by the Phoenicians in XI century BC, the city owes its prosperity to the emperor Septimius Severus who was born there. Most impressive are the ruins of the amphitheater overlooking the sea, gladiatorial arenas, baths, and the arch of Septimius. Sabrata also has a rich history, evidence of which are temples of Isis and Serapis of Egypt, the Roman Theatre and the mosaics in the villa of local notables, Christian basilica from the time of Justinian.

Tripoli is the capital of Libya. Its name comes from Greek and means "three cities". The settlement was called like this because of the proximity of neighboring Leptis Magna and Sabrata. But unlike those which were abandoned many centuries ago, Tripoli had always been inhabited. Its history has recorded domination of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, and Turks. The only surviving monument of the Roman time is an arch from II century - that of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Whereas from the later, Muslim times, the city offers a wealth of impressive views - many shops, fountains, and mosques all over - red fortress, the beautiful palace complex, now home to an incredible collection of the museum.  

Recommended travel period of the year:  During the Trek camps are among nature in the desert. The luggage and the food are transported by 4X4 cars, so during the daily treks you will only carry a small bag with what is required for the day. The trekking usually starts early in the morning after breakfast and continue until lunch time for about three hours. It is extended to avoid walking in the heat. After that there is another three hour trek to the next camp.
This tour takes place in the relatively cool season in Libya, during which the days are bright and sunny and the nights are cold. It is possible to rein even in the desert. The terrain is rocky or sandy. The routes are mostly flat but there are several sections with moderate slope. Make sure that you are prepared for a little bit difficult terrain in such conditions.  

Nessesary equipment:

    At least one set of everyday clothes for the days in hotels. For the treks it is more important that your clothes are comfortable rather than good looking - comfort and protection from bad weather are of biggest importance in the selection of clothes. Since the weather in the mountains is constantly changing, we recommend that you wear several layers of thinner clothing than less but thicker clothes. It is desirable to take with you the following:
Clothes
Hiking shoes and spare ties
Trainees
Sandals
Socks - more than three pairs (trekking and ordinary)
Underwear 3 +
3 +, T-shirts
Travel Pants
Shorts 2 +
Thin fleece 1-2
Thick Polar 1-2
Thermal underwear and shirt (not mandatory but is useful if the nights are cold)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers (optional)
Warm jacket / fleece
Gloves
Hat against the sun
Warm hat
Swimming suit
Equipment
Small backpack (30 liters)
Sleeping bag (3 / 4 season max)
Foam mat
2 bottles for water - each 1 liter
Towel
Flashlight
Camera and Accessories
Binoculars (optional)
Plastic bags
Sunglasses
Trekking poles (recommended)
Toiletries
Insect repellent
Small personal first aid kit
Antibacterial soap
Tablets for water purification (iodine is best)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Plaster
The following items will also benefit
Small knife (do not take in your hand luggage)
Moisturizing Cream
Baby wipes
Snacks and Chocolate
Safety pins (not take them in your hand luggage)
Padlock on suitcases
Small sewing kit accessories (do not take in your hand luggage)
Small mirror
Nail Clipper (do not take in your hand luggage)
Spare glasses and contact lenses
Ear plugs (to avoid the noise of the snoring)
Power adapter
Do not forget your tickets, passport and money.
 

Insurances:   not included

Reservation System Code: LYBIA_ACACUS