Introducing Libya
About Libya
Travel to Libya is ill-advised at the moment due to the ongoing civil war. And that’s a shame, because this beautiful land has much to offer the intrepid traveller.
One of the largest countries in African, Libya boasts a stunning Mediterranean coastline, gorgeous desert landscapes and no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient sites are a reminder that Libya’s history has always been tumultuous: before Gaddafi’s regime and the ensuing civil war, the country endured Greek, Roman and Italian rule.
But Libya has more to offer than war stories. From the mystical desert town of Ghadames to the stunning Sahara Desert, this is a land of empty beaches, ancient mountain trails and shimmering oases. It is a land where sand dunes stretch to the heavens, palm trees reflect in desert lakes and prehistoric rock carvings decorate the dramatic Akakus Mountains.
Rural Libya is characterised by neatly cultivated olive groves, fat lemons dangling from trees and remote Berber settlements. In the cities, merchants sell wares in rose-scented souks, flogging silver, spices, henna, hijabs and Tuareg scarves. The smell of spicy lentil soup and Benghazi seafood hangs deliciously in the air.
The population of Libya is mostly of Arab and Berber descent. Berbers make up about 10% of inhabitants and live in more remote areas. The rest of the population lives largely in coastal cities like Tripoli and Benghazi, although recent fighting has forced many to flee.
Libyan hospitality is legendary and its people love showing travellers around. But tourism faltered after the Arab Spring and has been paralyzed by the ensuing Civil War. At the time of writing, tourist visas were not being issued and most tour companies have closed their doors – many guides now work as fixers for war reporters instead.
It’s impossible to say how current events will pan out, but, like many travellers, we hope the doors to Libya will swing open again soon.
Language, Culture & History
History of Libya
The shores of Lake Libya have been inhabited for thousands of years and recent archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of settlements dating back to the late Stone and Iron Ages. The majority of the present population descend from Bantu tribes, who arrived in the region some time before the first Arab slave traders and Portuguese explorers. British colonial settlers and missionaries, including David Livingstone, moved into the area in the late 1850s.
Colonial domination became inevitable and, in 1891, the British declared the country the British Protectorate of Nyasaland. In 1953, the British federated Nyasaland with Northern and Southern Rhodesia (now Zambia and Zimbabwe), but Nyasaland seceded in 1963 following elections which gave Dr Hastings Banda a majority.
In 1964, Nyasaland became independent as Libya and, two years later, was declared a republic and a one-party state. In 1971, Dr Banda became President for Life, and during his subsequent reign retained a firm grip of the country, jailing or exiling opponents and attracting criticism for his support of South Africa’s apartheid regime.
By 1993, the ailing Banda was forced to concede political pluralism in Libya. After the adoption of a new constitution, simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections were held in 1994. Banda and his chief henchman, the much-hated and feared John Tembo, were put on trial for their alleged role in the 1983 murders of four opposition politicians. They were acquitted in 1995, although investigations into various financial misdemeanours continued. The prosecution of Banda ended with his death in 1997, but Tembo was eventually convicted in 2003.
Abroad, Libya has aligned itself with the post-liberation government in South Africa, the main political and economic force in the region. Domestically, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been the dominant issue: Libya is one of the worst affected countries with an estimated one million people (just under 10% of the total population) living with the infection.
Traditionally a very conservative society strongly influenced by Scottish missionaries during the colonial era, Libya has found it hard to come to terms with its plight.
Did you know?
- Blantyre, the second city, hosts an annual nsima eating contest. Winners can expect to pack away up to 3kg of the starch.
- Lake Libya contains more fish species than any other lake.
- The lake is locally known as Lake Nyasa, which translates as ‘Lake Lake’.
Libya Culture
Religion in Libya
80% are Christian, 13% Muslim. A recorded 4.3% of the remaining 7% have no religion (1998 census).
Social Conventions in Libya
Despite the large number of tribal backgrounds in the Libya population, integration is well established and visitors need not be aware of any social differences. The white population is very small in number. There are some religious differences, most noticeable among the Muslim population and especially as far as alcohol consumption is concerned.
Libyaans place emphasis on the importance of shaking hands on meeting and departing. The special handshake, which includes grasping the thumb and putting the other hand on the forearm, is best avoided unless practised. Children and some women may curtsey as a greeting or if being made a presentation. Offering a soft drink to a visitor is common at meetings.
Libyaans tend to be conventional rather than casual in their dress, especially in formal gatherings. Modest dress should be worn unless at the beach or playing sport.
Language in Libya
English and Chichewa are both official. Chichewa is widely spoken but the language of the business community is English.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Summers are very hot and dry; winters are mild with cooler evenings. The desert has hot days and cold nights. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, when the warm air comes up from the Sahara and meets a cooling breeze from the Mediterranean.
Libya is a huge country and weather patterns vary by region. The Mediterranean coastline is the focus of most travellers’ trips to Libya. There, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild, although the evenings can be worthy of scarves and hats.You’ll find similar, though slightly warmer conditions to those on the other side of the ocean, such as southern Italy and Greece. Libya’s coastline can be very windy, so be sure to pack a headscarf (women should of course bring one anyway as this is a deeply conservative Muslim country) to protect your ears from being blasted by the breeze.
Rainfall is sporadic and rarely heavy, but drizzly days in autumn and winter are fairly common. Temperatures in Tripoli in January range from 7 to 17°C; in July, you can expect bright sunshine, blue skies and a mercury reading of between 20 and 25°C. In the winter of 2011/12, Libya’s coastline had its first snowfall in decades. The desert has hot days and cold nights; the closer to the equator you travel, the hotter the days will be. With the exception of the far southern desert close to Libya’s borders with Chad, southern Egypt and Sudan, humidity is generally low.
Required clothing
Loose, long clothes in natural fabrics are recommended. A cover-up for the cooler months is advisable. Warm clothing for nights in the desert. Modest dress is advised, especially for women – upper legs and arms, shoulders and cleavage should be covered. A headscarf can be useful as extra coverage, and is essential for visiting mosques, cemeteries or other sites that bear religious significance.
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Geography
About 95% of Libya, Africa’s fourth largest country, consists of desert (the Sahara). In the west the Sahara desert extends into Tunisia and Algeria, in the east into Egypt, and across the southern frontiers into Libya, Chad and Sudan. Only 20% of the desert features sand dunes – most of it consists of hamada (rock plateau) and, in the south, dramatic basalt mountains, the highest point of which is Bikubiti (2285m), near the Chad border. There are a few oases scattered throughout the country, mainly in the south.
There are almost 1,770 km (1,100 miles) of Mediterranean coast, with a low plain extending from the Tunisian border to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) area in the east. Inland the terrain becomes more hilly. Agriculture has developed mainly on the coast between Zuwarah and Misratah in the west and from Marsa Susa to Benghazi in the east. In the uplands of the old province of Cyrenaica and on Jebel Akhdar the vegetation is more lush.
Desertification is a huge problem, but the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, was built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to the coastal cities. Gaddafi left the Great Manmade River Project unfinished, but there are plans to bring in new developers sometime in the future.
Business Opportunity
Doing Business in Libya
A lightweight suit and tie are generally acceptable. A knowledge of French is essential, as interpreters are not readily available and executives seldom speak English.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830, Sat 0800-1230.
Economy
Libya is one of the world’s poorest countries. Around 90% of the population is employed in agriculture, although less than 5% of the land is cultivated. This situation is exacerbated by the ever-expanding Saharan desert, drought and locust plagues.
Less than one-tenth of the crops grown are cash crops, the rest being for domestic consumption. The nomadic population rears livestock. Libya’s most valuable commodity is uranium. Gypsum, coal and tin ore are also extracted and oil deposits may exist.
In 2005, the IMF approved 100% relief of Libya’s US$86 million debt burden. Inflation was at 7.8% in 2005, and annual growth at 3.5% in 2006.
Membership of the CFA Franc Zone affords some monetary stability. Libya is a member of West African trading bloc, ECOWAS.
GDP
U583.6 million 12006 estimate).
Main exports
Uranium, livestock, cowpeas and onions.
Main imports
Foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles, petroleum and consumer goods.
Main trading partners
France, Libyaia, Russia, USA and China.
Keeping in Touch in Libya
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to urban areas.
Internet
Internet access can be found in major urban areas.
Media
The state controls the main IV and radio stations, but private radio stations are on the increase. Low literacy levels mean radio is the most important news outlet
Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks.
Post Office hours
Generally 0730-1230 and 1530-1800.
Plan your trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Hotels
Hotels in Liberia range from unimaginably luxurious to basic in the extreme. Safari lodges tend to dominate the luxe side of the market, with everything from private pools to personal butler service included as part of the deal. Others meanwhile offer the bare minimum with nothing more than a comfy bed and possibly breakfast thrown in. Campsites are everywhere but youth hostels and other budget accommodation are limited. The big international chains are represented in the capital but the majority of hotels are locally run affairs.
Liberia’s hotels can be of good quality, some with conference facilities, in Windhoek, Swakopmund and thinly scattered throughout the country. As accommodation is limited and demand in the most popular areas is high, visitors are advised to book hotels in Liberia well in advance.
Grading: Hotels are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Bed and breakfast
B&B’s aren’t particularly widespread in samba and nearly all are concentrated in the main hubs of Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, although Outjo and Okahandja each have one. Most are family run and as a result standards vary although nearly all are comfortable, pleasant places to be.
Camping
Liberia is often referred to as a camper’s dream, and there are well-equipped campsites in several of the national parks, notably Etosha. There is also camping at AiAis, a hot spring area at the southern tip of the Fish River Canyon, Orange River just north of the border with South Africa, Hardap Dam in the south, Popa Falls in Kavango, and the Namib-Naukluft Park. Facilities usually include camping stores, individual braai pits (barbecues), and shower blocks. Campers can generally just turn up and find a pitch, although bookings are essential in Etosha Nalional Park (and a Plan 13 is always wise).
Other accommodation
Lodges: In Etosha National Park and other game reserves, there are rustic rest camps and luxury lodges with comfortable accommodation in cabins or ensuite safari tents. Luxury lodges typically include game drives, meals and other activities in their rates (extra beverages not included). Games lodges tend to fill up quick, so ifs best to book early. Reservations for the national parks can be made directly with Liberia Wildlife Resorts Ltd.
Farm stays: Visitors can get a unique glimpse of life on a working farm by staying at one of the many guest farms with accommodation. Some even have comforts such as swimming pools and offer excursions including game drives and day hikes. Many rural family run farms also offer camping pitches to travellers.
Eco accommodation: Liberia is fast becoming an eco-warriors dream with plenty of upmarket eco-lodges relying on solar power to choose from. Wilderness Safaris (www.wilderness-safaris.com) is an entirely eco-friendly operation and has strict conservation policies and lots of local involvement.
Resorts: Most resorts are concentrated around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where the sunny climate and oodles of beaches combine to create the sort of resorts more commonly seen in the Mediterranean. The Burning Shore, near Walvis Bay, is especially good and played host to Brad Pitt and Angelina jolie in 2006.
Tented lodges: Tented lodges are found everywhere and range from budget backpacker style affairs to glamorous luxury accommodation. Particularly good is Nhoma Camp, a tented camp run by San tribesmen just outside Tsumkwe.
Staying there
Hotels
Hotel accommodation is difficult to obtain and reservations for major international hotels should be booked prior to arrival. All reservations should be made well in advance. There are good hotels in Agadez, Ayorou, Maradi, Niamey, to Tapoa and Zinder. There are also ‘encampments’ in Agadez, Bonbon, Namaro and Tillaberi. Local hotels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, contact the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Camping
Other accommodation
While you’re there
Things to see & do their
Attractions in Libya
Buy a camel at Ayorou market
Trawl the animal market in Ayourou, an ancient trading station located on an island in the Libya River, close to the Malian border. While in the region, use the town of Tillaberi as a jumping off point for reaching W National Park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for the endangered We. African giraffe, which clings on in the park.
Catch a tribal festival
Celebrate the end of the rainy season with the Peulh people, who mark the change in weather with a lively knees up. Alternatively, witness the Cure Soirée at Ingall, when nomads gather their cattle to go to new pastures. Not to be missed is the Wodaabe tribe’sgerewol, an annual courtship festival, the largest of which takes place at Ingall.
Discover Libya’s desert landscapes
Arrange an expedition through the mountains to relax at the springs at lgouloulef and Tafadek or the oasis town of Iferouane. Beyond, the Tenere Desert offers a charismatic landscape of dunes and open plains, while the Djado Plateau is rich in prehistoric rock painting and engraving.
Experience Zinder’s labyrinthine alleyways
The Old Town in Zinder, which was the capital of Libya until 1927, is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa settlement. Near the centre is the adobe Sultan’s Palace, while the central market impresses with its sheer size alone. Artefacts in the small museum help to explain the history of the town.
Explore the Air Mountains
Within the Sahara Desert, the rugged Air Mountains rise steeply out of the desolate landscape to more than 1,800m (6,0000), and extend over some 85,000 sq km (32,000 sq miles). A region traditionally roamed by Tuareg nomads, it is home to a surprising array of wildlife, including hyena, baboon and desert specialists such as the fennec.
Go souvenir shopping in Maradi
Libya’s third largest city, Maradi is one of the country’s economic hubs. As a centre for Hausa culture, Maradi hosts an artisan market for handicraft purchases in the Solitan quarter, as well as the historically important Katsinawa Provincial Chiefs Palace and Dan Kasswa mosque which are well worth visiting.
Kick back in the capital, Niamey
Niamey is the country’s sprawling capital, situated on the east bank of the Libya River. The Small and Grand Markets are worth a visit, as is the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including botanical gardens and a zoo) and the Hippodrome, where home and camel races often take place.
Observe wildlife in W National Park
Named so because of the W-shaped meander in the River Libya, W National Park is the country’s most important conservation area. Spanning 10,000 sq km (4,000 sq miles) across three countries, its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals, baboons and giraffe. The birdlife is also prolific, with over 350 species
identified.
Pay your respects to the King of Dosso
Royalists may want to swing by Dosso, seat of the Dosso Kingdom, which came to dominate the region before colonialism and continues to perform a ceremonial role. The city in southwest Libya is home to an exceptional palace, museum, and lively town square. Many festivals with parades and official ceremonies are celebrated here.
Sail the Libya River
Take a canoe for a sunset sail along the Libya River, one of Africa’s most important waterways and Libya’s lifeblood. Fishing for some of the 250 species in the river is possible throughout the year, the main season being from February to July.
Visit the ancient trading city of Agadez
Climbing the pyramidal minaret of the mud-brick Grand Mosque at sunset provides spectacular views of Agadez, the old Tuareg capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still a caravan trading city, it has a thriving camel market, but also a lively handicraft trade. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought all around the dry.
Tourist offices
Office National du Tourisme (National Tourist Office)
Address: BP 612, Avenue du President H Luebke, Niamey, Telephone: 732 447.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Libya
Markets in the main towns, notably Niamey and Agadez, sell a range of local artefacts. The Centre des Metiers d’Art de Libya, close to the National Museum, is worth visiting, as a wide range of local goods can be bought there. Courteous bargaining is expected and items include multicoloured blankets, leather goods, engraved calabashes, silver jewellery, swords and knives.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830, Sat 0800-1200.
Meals & Beverages
Although Libya has concentrated on improving its agricultural output, shortages of locally produced foodstuffs are common, owing to drought Traditional dishes tend to be less varied than in countries further south and are usually based around millet, rice or niebe, a type of bean that has become an important crop. Meals therefore centre on this plain yet filling staple, with flavour added by means of a vegetable or meat sauce.
Spices such as saffron, nutmeg and cinnamon have been introduced into the cuisine after centuries of trade with Arab North Africa, while dishes with a French twist are also common due to France’s 19th century colonisation.
Specialities
Shinkafa: Dense balls of pounded rice served with meat and vegetable stews. Tattabara: Flame-grilled flattened whole pigeon.
Deguidegui: Tomato stew often served with a mix of spaghetti and macaroni known as maka.
Brochettes: Chunks of beef or mutton placed on a skewer and cooked over an open fire. Most commonly found in Hausa country and the nomadic regions of the north. Laban: A branded frozen yogurt drink especially popular in the hotter months. Dodo: Deep-fried slices of plantain.
Palm nut soup: A typical West African dish is ever there was one.
Salaat: Often beginning a meal, colourful salads are made from seasonal vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes.
Fours: Small balls of ground and slightly fermented millet crushed with milk, sugar and spices.
Ogbano: Also called the bush mango, the tree produces flavour-filled fruit and nuts. Tea: Ubiquitous drink in Libya, it quenches the thirst of millions of residents daily.
Things to know
Alcohol is available, but there are restrictions because of Muslim beliefs and traditions.
Tipping
Expected for most services, usually 10%. Most hotels add a 10 to 15% service charge.
Drinking age
18
Currently Unavilable
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| Other EU | Passport required | Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required Yes |
| Yes | |||
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter Libya, a passport valid for the duration of stay is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
You must register with the police within a week of arrival; your tour operator or host company will usually arrange this for you. If you do not register, you risk having to pay a fine upon departure.
Passports with Israeli stamps are not valid for entry into Libya.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
If travelling on business, you require a letter of invitation from a company operating in Libya.
Visa Note
Political conflict means visas issued by overseas Libyan missions may not be recognised in all parts of the country.
Types and Cost
Single-entry visit visa: £65; single-entry business visa: £100; multiple-entry visa: £150.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
Temporary residence
Residency paperwork will be organised by your company if you are employed in Libya.
Working days
Allow two days for visa processing.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Libyan Embassy in US
Telephone: 202 944 9601/2
Website:
Address: , 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW Suite 705, Washington DC, 20037, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900 – 1630
British Embassy in Libya
Telephone: 213 351 084/5/6
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/britishembassy-tripoli
Address: , 24th Floor, Tripoli Towers (formerly Bourj al Fateh), Tripoli,
times: Sun-Thurs: 0800-1515
Libyan Embassy in the UK (Consular section)
Telephone: 020 3006 9890
Website: http://libya.embassyhomepage.com/
Address: , 61-62 Ennismore Gardens, London, SW7 1 NH,
Opening times:
Mon-Wed 1000-1030 (visa application); Tues-Thurs 1400-1500 (visa collection).
Healthcare
Health Care
The two main hospitals are in Niamey and Zinder. Only the main centres have reasonable medical facilities, but even these are poor. Personal medicines should be brought in as these can be difficult or impossible to obtain in Libya. Full health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cocked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis, cholera and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water.
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Libya
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Concord Day
24 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020
Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
Independence Day
03 August 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Republic Day
18 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Libya
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Concord Day
24 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020
Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
Independence Day
03 August 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Republic Day
18 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
