Great report once again! This brings back some memories from my visit to Libya in 2004 (the "good old days"). Back then, there were hardly any tourists either; many people wanted to take pictures with me
. The tourist visa cost "just" 90 euros. We did a circle trip through the country, visiting Ghadames (غدامس), Sabha (سبها), Ghat (غات), Sirte (سرت) and Banghazi ( بنغازي ). We tried to go to Tobruk (طبرق) as well, but unfortunately it was too far to visit in one day from Banghazi.
Thank you,
AJO
. Yes, I'm jealous of the people who managed to visit these countries before things went pear shaped. Ditto with Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan etc.
Originally Posted by
lamphs
Happy New Year to you DanielW from Washington DC where it is -13 C. A great report to read over a cup of coffee. Thanks for posting and thanks for incorporating the Wikipedia links. I know that takes a significant effort. I very much want to go to some of those, lets say 'discouraged', countries at some point, but I think my family would disown me!
Thanks,
lamphs. And I thought 16C here in the morning Dubai at the moment was cold
! I tell my family about visits to more adventurous countries until after I get back, saves a bit of stress on their side
.
Originally Posted by
Madone59
Wow. Just wow! Another fantastic TR - thank you for sharing ^
Many thanks,
Madone59. It was definitely one of those trips where you are excited to start it but also thankful when it is over and all went ok
.
Originally Posted by
nequine
Thanks for another great trip report from you Daniel, it looked a very interesting country to visit.
Cheers,
nequine. I really wanted to visit Libya for a quite a while so was glad when I finally made it.
Originally Posted by
kalderlake
Brilliant, as always.
Thank you very much.
kl
Thanks,
kalderlake.
Originally Posted by
MA330
Absolutely stunning report, Daniel. Just saw your upcoming Baghdad to Basra trip report and I have to admit I'm slightly jealous.
Thank you,
MA330. Yes, Iraq was a great trip too and got to see alot , from some of Saddam's old palaces to the Shia Shrines in Karbala and Najaf.
Originally Posted by
blueline7
I think you may have outdone yourself this time, Daniel! You so crazy to go to Libya, but wow, walking in those ruins, priceless.
Many thanks,
blueline7. Yes, it was great to have Leptis Magna almost to ourselves, much easier to take photo's too without other people in the way
.
Originally Posted by
rhivolution
Fantastic TR. Leptis Magna looks incredible. I know 5 others who went in 2017 and at that time, the guide said only about 20 tourists had visited Leptis Magna all year. I'm not sure if that was an exaggeration, but it wouldn't surprise me. Did you experience any hostility during your trip? I'm told reactions were "mixed" to the others. I've got quite a lot planned for the first half of 2018 but may well put Libya on the list for later in the year.
Thanks,
rhivolution. Yes, with tourist visas technically no longer issued and govt travel advisories putting Libya firmly as 'off-limits', only a few adventurous travellers make it to Libya at the moment. We didn't get any real hostility. Our guides said that in the markets someone said "why are the foreigners here" in arabic, but nothing too serious. I think in Gaddafi times there was a lot of paranoia over foreigners, and they were 'plotting to steal Libya's resources', and that there is still a bit of this about.
Originally Posted by
flyupfrnt
Wow. Absolutely Amazing. Thanks so much. Stunning historical sights and a "Risky" visit no doubt about that. Thanks very very much for sharing.
Thank you,
flyupfrnt. Yes, so much history, both ancient and within the last few centuries, such a delight to see and explore.
Originally Posted by
lb8001
HNY, Daniel - another wonderful TR with awesome photos. All the Roman ruins were so cool and the amazing preservation of so many drawings and carvings. Libya is a country I will probably never get to but I have you to share your trip - thanks again!
Cheers,
lb8001. I never expected the Roman ruins to be so extensive and well preserved. A really amazing experience.
Originally Posted by
kcmd
Great trip report, especially enjoyed reading about the Roman ruins!
Thanks,
kcmd. Yes, Leptis Magna was such a great place to wander about and take in.
Originally Posted by
londonfog
Wow! Talking about starting 2018 with a bang! Great report.
Many thanks,
londonfog. Hopefully some more adventures in 2018 to come
.
Originally Posted by
Spanish
I really enjoyed reading your trip report, and I enjoyed the prolific use of photographs. A wonderful walk through your trip to Libya. It's always an exciting experience to visiting a new country! Glad you enjoyed your time there.
Thank you,
Spanish. Yes, great to finally visit my last MENA country left to visit.
Originally Posted by
HawaiiTrvlr
Your trip reports are legendary. This is no exception. I loved the ruins the most. How much was it to employ Salem and Yousef to show you around? I assume you didn't bring your drone this time?
Thanks,
HawaiiTrvlr. Our time in Libya cost $650 each, plus flights and visa. No drone, didn't want any grief at Tripoli airport or Tunis either.
Originally Posted by
krazykanuck
First off, how do I get invited on these trips?
Second, great TR as usual.
Third, why the flash of the EU passport at the beginning and the NZ as you're leaving? Do the various African authorities care that much between passports?
Many thanks,
krazykanuck. Haha
! I actually recently joined a FB travel group, and some how found myself in Najaf, Iraq for New Years
. Last time I travelled to Tunisia I needed my UK passport for the VOA, although I think NZ can get it now too.