We are delighted to announce one more trip to the least visited NomadMania region (at least until our first trip there!) – yes, the one least visited of all our 1301. That’s to Libya – Cyrenaica – Kufra, where only 28 of our community claim to have been.
Kufra has a unique history – it didn’t become populated by Arab Bedouins until the mid 19th century. It then fell to the Italians in 1931 following the famous Battle of Kufra. It subsequently became a garrison town – much like what it remains today – but switched hands when the British took over after defeating the Italians in WWII.
Here are the details of this trip. We will only be taking a maximum of 7 travellers on this second visit off the region. Given the uncertainty of further trips, make sure you don’t miss out now while it’s doable!
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Benghazi
Turkish Airlines is starting a new service which conveniently flies into Benghazi in the morning. Alternatively, Egyptair has a flight from Cairo. Spend the day relaxing in Eastern Libya’s biggest city. Short city tour by car. Good food is guaranteed. Benghazi will surprise you!
Photo by Harry Mitsidis
Day 2. Road trip to Kufra
This is a long trip through the endless desert, estimated at around 14-15 hours, so we will leave very early. Frequent stops and a desert ambience, along with good company, should make it all very pleasant indeed.
Day 3-4. Kufra
We will be exploring the small town and the area around it including war cemeteries and desert mountains, a ghost village and interesting mountain formation. This will be a full desert adventure! We will be staying in Kufra itself, possibly the second night will be in Tazirbu.
Day 5. Return to Benghazi
Another long drive expected coming back but there will be a stop at what is rumoured to be the oldest mosque in the Sahara!
Days 6-9 – Eastern Libya
Explore the Eastern coast of Libya including the extremely impressive WHS of Cyrenaica and Apollonia, the city of Derna, destroyed by ISIS and storm Daniel and Tobruk where we pay homage in the World War II Cemeteries. Spend a day getting to know Benghazi better and understanding its many different facets.
Further Details
The quoted price below includes everything on the ground in Libya, including:
- Evisa issuing (this costs $1000 per person for Benghazi, so makes for a quarter of the price);
- Airport transfers;
- All accommodation (8 nights) – at some places this will be very basic but in Benghazi (4 nights) it is comfortable;
- All meals;
- All transport.
Not included:
- International airfare
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Price:
- Desert Libya only (5 or 6 nights: 2750 euros)
- Coastal Libya only (4 nights: 1850 euros)
- Desert & Coastal (9 nights): 3995 euros per person
Note: The visa alone for arrival into Benghazi makes up a very large proportion of this cost, and is unavoidable.
Payment terms: 770 euros on booking; the balance 15 days before departure or upon issuing of your e-visa.
*Note 1: In Libya, things change very often. Full refunds will be given if we are unable to operate the trip; if we are unable to get to Kufra for whatever reason after arrival in Benghazi, we will refund 80% of the amount paid for that portion of the trip and will ensure decent alternatives are offered.
**Note 2: We will only take a maximum of 7 people on this trip.
We will contact all applicants on March 20th – until then, save the dates!
