Libya - Acacus Adventure

We lived in Libya 2006-10 and were fortunate to explore its many natural and historic wonders, with some of the best Roman and Greek ruins on the mediterranean, and amazing sites in the Pre-Desert, Fezzan and Jebel Acacus (this album) Regions. In late 2009, we made a truly amazing 5-day, 900 km off-road trip through the Acacus Region in the far southwest of the country - famed for spectacular desert scenery and the fantastic Rock Art Sites of the Tadrart Acacus*, dating back to 12,000 years ago when the climate was wetter and the land a savannah. We flew to Ghat, an ancient oasis trading town near the borders with Algeria and Niger. Through a local company, I had arranged the hire of a 4WD and a driver (Ida, a Tuareg from Ghat) and a guide/cook (Ibrahim, a Tuareg from Niger). We camped the first night in the dunes near Ghat, then explored the old town before setting off on our expedition, eventually emerging near Ubari and flying back from Sebha. What an adventure! Truly amazing sites, and wonderfully looked after by Ida and Ibrahim, who we communicated with via a mix of Arabic, French and English! We were lucky to live there when we did. Sadly Libya remains troubled since the revolution in 2011; I can only wish for peace and stability for all the people of this amazing country. (* = UNESCO World Heritage Site)