Libya, the Tadrart Akakus, and Leptis Magna / November 2026

Southern Libya and Leptis Magna, the Akakus Desert in November 2026

Following our first trip to Libya in November 2025, during which we conducted a brief reconnaissance, we are returning for another trip to Libya, this time focusing on the Fezzan region, to explore much of its magnificent and diverse desert as well as historic sites such as Ghat, a former caravan hub.

A road trip from Tripoli to the heart of the Sahara, where the rock formations rising from the sandy plains of the Akakus Massif will offer us unforgettable sights. In this corner of the Sahara, past civilizations have left their mark on the rock in the form of paintings and engravings. In this arid desert, we’ll visit the Ubari Lakes, a natural wonder.

From Tripoli to the Akakus Mountains by Road

Domestic flights in Libya and in many other countries on the African continent are unreliable. We experienced this in 2025 when, for four days in a row, our flights from Tripoli to Sabha were canceled day after day.

This time, we’ve planned a route to travel overland to the Tadrart Akakus from Tripoli. This way, we can ensure the trip will go ahead, and we may even have the chance to see more sights along the way, which is always interesting.

Summary of an 11-day trip to Libya / Tadrart Akakus Desert

1. Arrival in Tripoli (hotel)
2. Route to the Zillaf Desert (campground)
3. Ubari Lakes – Desert Moon Resort
4. Garaments’ Pyramids—Mighedet (Campground)
5. Ghat Old Town & Fort—Avzger Giant Arch (camping)
6. Teshwent Valley, rock art site (campground)
7. Awes Prehistoric Engravings – Adad (Thumb Rock Formation) – Ubari (Camping)
8. Ubari – Germa (Garaments Old Town) – Sebha City (hotel)
9. We traveled back to Tripoli via Alshwerif and Gherian (hotel)
10. From Gherian to Leptis Magna and on to Tripoli (hotel)
11. Departure from the international airport

Pyramids of al-Htiya – Maghidit.

We will explore the Pyramids of al-Hatiya, which still shine brightly despite having been forgotten and abandoned. These are the pyramids of Hattia, located about 1,123 kilometers south of Tripoli, standing amid the dunes as a testament to the Garamantian civilization that settled in this region some three thousand years ago.

They are the least famous pyramids in the region compared to the pyramids of Egypt, although these archaeological monuments are no less important. They were discovered in the 1950s, when they were found buried in the sand, and can be reached via many roads, including the one to Ubari, the gateway to the Libyan Desert.

The Garamant tombs reveal a wide variety of funerary rituals, with more than 200,000 burials in the Valley of Life alone, and many of the sanctuaries featured the Roman and Greek art of pyramidal tombs, suggesting that the Garamantes were in contact with other peoples to the east and southeast. Two mummified bodies dating back 2,000 years were also found.

Wadi Meghidit, where the sandy valleys that wind their way between isolated Mighidit rock spires are known as “the ghost town.” We’re going to climb the haunted desert rock citadel at Kaf Ajnoun on our way to Ghat

Ghat, a caravan city

Visit to Ghat – Afzgar Arch – Tashwinat: We’ll explore the old town of Ghat, known for its traditional adobe houses and ancient fortifications. The city’s unique architecture blends African and Islamic influences, making it the perfect place to marvel at the city’s history and culture.

To the west, the majestic natural rock arches and breathtaking panoramic views of Jebel Akakus await us. We’ll visit the stunning Afzgar Arch, one of the most spectacular landmarks in all of Jebel Akakus. The rugged rock faces, especially those of Wadi Tashwinat, are the history books of the Sahara. There are also cave paintings here. Overnight in tents in Wadi Tashwinat.

The Ubari Lakes, the Wan Kaza and Germa Dunes

We left the Akakus Mountains to embark on a spectacular journey through the desert to Wadi Matkhendoush. Wadi Matkhendoush is home to some of the world’s oldest rock paintings. Nestled against the rocky cliff face, the dry riverbed is a veritable prehistoric gallery featuring life-size depictions of elephants, giraffes, and crocodiles. We continue on to Germa, where we’ll set up camp.

In the morning, we’ll explore an archaeological site known in ancient times as Garama. We’ll continue on to the Ubari Lakes to spend the night at the Desert Moon Resort. We’ll explore the enchanting Ubari Lakes, known for their breathtaking beauty and pristine desert landscapes. Among the most picturesque lakes are Gaberoun and Umm al-Maa (Mother of Water).

Ruins of Leptis Magna

The ruins of Leptis Magna, located in present-day Libya, are an impressive archaeological site that represents one of the most important remnants of Roman civilization in North Africa. Founded in the 3rd century B.C., Leptis Magna became a thriving commercial and cultural center over time.

Among the most notable structures in the ruins are the Theater, which could seat thousands of spectators, as well as temples, forums, and exceptional mosaics that reflect the wealth and artistry of the era. The Temple of Jupiter, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the remains of a basilica are also significant points of interest.

Tripoli, the capital

Tripoli, the capital of Libya, combines ancient history with a rich contemporary culture. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Tripoli is famous for its historic architecture, bustling markets, and the welcoming atmosphere of its cafes and restaurants

One of the city’s main attractions is the Old City, or Medina, where visitors can lose themselves among narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and colorful souks. Here you can find local products, handicrafts, and spices. Don’t miss the impressive Martyrs’ Square, an iconic site that symbolizes the Libyan people’s struggle for freedom.