Libya, officially the State of Libya, is a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest.

Legislation to establish national parks in Libya was put in place as long ago as the late 1970s. Despite this, sustainable tourism is still very much in its infancy. However, a small number of national parks, nature reserves, and protected areas have been created.

Many of these help to conserve Libya’s fragile Mediterranean coastline environment, expanses of Saharan desert, and concentrations of North African wildlife. The best known include the national parks of both El-Kouf and Karabolli, as well as the nature reserves of Benghazi and Zellaf.

How to get to Libya

Tripoli International Airport was an international airport built to serve Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. Those traveling to Libya can consider flights like.

• Fly Royal Air Maroc.
• Fly Air Malta.
• Fly Qatar Airways.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Libya

Visitors to Libya must obtain a visa from one of the Libyan diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Libya currently does not issue tourist visas. As of 2014, there are plans to reintroduce tourist visas. Libyan borders with Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Algeria are closed so contact Wilderness Explorers for the current state of Affairs before making plans to travel to Libya.

The health sector of Libya

Reliance on life-saving and life-sustaining health care services supported by the humanitarian response will continue across the country in 2021. 1,195,389 people are in need of health for 2021, including 1,016,839 who have acute health needs. 72% of municipalities are in areas ranked 3 and above on the severity scale so ensure you purchase travel and medical insurance before traveling to Libya.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Libya

Although yellow fever does not occur in Libya, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

There is no risk of malaria in Libya. Bite avoidance is recommended in all areas.

Currency of Libya

The Libyan Dinar is the official currency of Libya. The Libyan Dinar is subdivided into 1000 dirham. When Libya was still under the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Empire piastres were used.

Official Language of Libya

In Libya, Arabic is the official language of the country and several varieties of the language are spoken throughout the country. English, Italian, and French are popular foreign languages spoken in Libya. Several minority languages like Berber, Domari, and Tedaga are also spoken in Libya.

Best time to travel to Libya

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 meaning February to May is the best time to visit Libya.

What to wear in Libya

In the cities, men are free to wear t-shirts and shorts below the knees. Women are accepted in three-quarter-length pants and skirts, t-shirts, and long sleeves, with no need for headscarves. There are even a number of designated ex-pat beaches where Western-style bathing suits are accepted.

What to bring while traveling to Libya

Libya is partly lying in the desert so temperatures can be high so make sure you pack wise while traveling to Libya.

1. Passport.
2. Phone charger / portable phone charger.
3. Euros.
4. EU adapters.
5. Flip flops (for the hostel bathrooms)
6. Water bottle.
7. Socks.
8. Underwear.
9. Camera
10. Phone to put the local sim card

Car hire and driving in Libya

There is no problem doing the coastal route from Misratah all the way to Tunis. It is safe to do so. But due to unpredictable security concerns, we do not advise self-driving without a driver.

Accommodation in Libya

Tripoli is the capital city and the largest city of Libya, with a population of about three million people in 2019. It is located in the northwest of Libya on the edge of the desert and there are decent accommodation facilities but outside the major cities, there are limited facilities so ensure you plan well before traveling to Libya.

Local food of Libya

Couscous is the most common and incredibly popular traditional Libyan cuisine. It is also well-known as a Maghrebi dish. This well-known North African delicacy is made using semolina. Some also regard Couscous as the national dish of Libya.

Tipping while Travelling in Libya

Tipping in Libya isn’t very common nor expected. Libya is home to friendly and kind people and tourism is on the rise because of it, yet tipping culture remains the same. It is home of the Leptis Magna, one of the few unspoiled ruins left from the Roman Empire. Otherwise, the only time you should tip is when doing a tour.

Further information for Libya

Libya is located in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Egypt is to the east, Sudan to the southwest, Algeria and Tunisia to the west, and Chad and Niger to the south. Libya is Africa’s 4th largest county by area and covers 1,800,000 sq. km.

Safety of Libya

The security situation in Libya remains uncertain and is subject to change. Currently, foreigners are warned not to travel to Libya for any reason. Infrastructure and basic services are limited in Libya’s main towns.

Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and other citizens have been targets of these crimes. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Libya. Before traveling to Libya ensure you consult your embassy or contact Wilderness explorers Africa for up to date travel information.

El-Kouf national park Libya

Karabolli national park Libya

Benghazi nature reserve Libya

Zellaf nature reserve Libya

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

9 Days Libya Explorer safaris

15 Days Libya by Camel safari

Tours to Benghazi city Libya

Tripoli city tours Libya

Visit Ghat Sahara desert town Libya

Visit Derna city Libya

Tours to Ghadhames Oasis town Libya

Visit Tukra green Mountain Region of Libya

Visit Shahat Archaeological green Mountain city

Visit Sabratah port city Libya

Visit Leptis Magna Archaeological site Libya