Libya is home to several ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the ancient city of Leptis Magna. This UNESCO World Heritage site features well-preserved Roman ruins, including a theater, basilica, and impressive columns. The city of …
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Backpacking Libya in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Libya with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Libya
Embark on a journey less trodden in Libya, where ancient history and vast desert landscapes create a unique tapestry for intrepid backpackers. Pros? Explore UNESCO-listed ruins, experience Sahara's beauty, and relish the authentic local culture. Libya offers a distinct lack of crowds. However, security concerns, limited infrastructure, and visa complexities are notable challenges. For the bold adventurer seeking historical treasures off the beaten path, Libya promises a rare authenticity, where every step reveals the layers of a nation with a rich past, making it a truly unconventional and compelling backpacker destination.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Libya
Architecture
Scenery
Libya, located in North Africa, offers a diverse range of sceneries to explore. One of the most popular destinations is the Sahara Desert, which covers a significant portion of the country. Here, visitors can experience vast sand dunes, camel …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Libya
- Leptis Magna: Visit the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Explore the grandeur of its amphitheater, basilica, and stunning mosaics.
- Sabratha: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sabratha, another impressive Roman city. Marvel at its well-preserved theater, temples, and the intricate details of its Roman villas.
- Ghadames: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Ghadames, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its traditional mud-brick houses, narrow streets, and vibrant markets, showcasing the traditional way of life in Libya.
- Libyan Desert: Embark on an adventure through the vast Libyan Desert, known for its stunning landscapes and golden sand dunes. Experience camel trekking, camping under the stars, and discover the beauty of the Sahara.
- Benghazi: Visit Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, and explore its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Discover the Old Town with its Ottoman architecture, visit the Benghazi Museum, and enjoy the bustling souks.
But Libya offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Libya
The best time to visit Libya for backpacking is during the spring season, which is from March to May. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). This allows for comfortable exploration of the country's historical sites, such as the ancient Roman ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha. Additionally, spring is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping in the Sahara Desert. It is important to note that due to the political situation and security concerns in Libya, it is essential to check the travel advisories and consult with local authorities before planning a trip.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Libya
- Violent fighting is widespread and ongoing in Libya. The security situation is very unstable. There's a high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and crime. Don't travel to Libya. If you stay in Libya, despite our advice, seek professional security advice. Monitor the media for possible risks.
- Ongoing unrest in Libya limits our consular help to Australians. If you're in Libya and it's safe to do so, leave as soon as possible.
- Areas of Libya that border Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan are very dangerous. Bandits and armed tribal groups operate in these areas. There's also a very high threat of kidnapping.
- Libya experiences severe weather. If you travel to Libya despite our advice, follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
LibyaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Libya sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Libya. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Libya may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Libya. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Libya may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Libya, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Libya, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024