My travel to Lybia: of course, desert and... much more!

It was already for some time they wanted to go to Libya. Finally we succeeded. We turned ABest Tours and travel has been better than expected. In <strong>Tripolistrong>, we stayed at the Corinthia HOTEL, really stupedo. We've been in the desert in tent camps MAGIC LODGE, comfortable and clean, set in one breathtaking scenery. Certainly a trip to be recommended.

 

Departing for Tripoli

Departure from Milan Linate to Rome with a stopover in <strong>Tripolistrong>.
Sharp arrival with Alitalia.
Arriving in <strong>Tripolistrong> we were greeted by our guide Hassan. In the afternoon we walked around exploring the city. We were pleasantly surprised the Libyans from accepting, kind and nagging for nothing, as it had happened in other Arab countries. Again, these blow-ups of their leader Gaddafi is not wasted.
After taking possession of the rooms at the Corinthia, a truly 5 star hotel, we went downtown for dinner. Dinner at a seafood restaurant in the center. We start with the vegetable soup and raw vegetables (not abandon us for the whole trip) and then fish (grilled swordfish).
Tired of travel and wander to bed early.

Sabratha

Drive to the Roman site of <strong>Sabrathastrong>.
The archaeological site of <strong>Sabrathastrong> is located on the Mediterranean coast.
The most important monument is the site of the theater romano.Composta three floors with marble columns overlap. The staircase offers a fascinating show. In the west lies the Forum, Temple of Antoninus, the temple of Jupiter and the Christian basilica built by Justinian, with its mosaic floor (visible in the museum). Less than a mile from the site on the outskirts of the city, are the remains of a Roman amphitheater built in the second drain AD which could accommodate about 10,000 spectators. The steps are fairly well preserved and are visible to the underground tunnels used to bring the beasts in the arena.
In the afternoon return to <strong>Tripolistrong> and Sabha starting with a domestic flight. Flight arrival and comfortable, though late destination.
Dell'areoporto out there waiting for the jeep to reach the tent camp of <strong>Ubaristrong> Magic Lodge. Three hours of travel (thank goodness we had the biscuits to nibble something). Arrival at the camp at 22, dinner is waiting for us.
Tents with comfortable services, but that's cold!

Ubari - the salt lakes

Check for salt lakes.
Crossing the desert sand color with many shades of sand reach the salt lakes of Gatroum - Umm al_Ma - Mafu. In the latter we stop for lunch and we have the opportunity to swim. The lake has a high salinity and then you float easily. It 's a volcanic lake so the water, the more you go to the bottom, it is increasingly hot. The first 25-30 cm of cold water, but are under more and more hot, you feel &quot;weird&quot;. The landscapes are truly &quot;breathtaking.&quot;
We return to camp for dinner, tired but happy.

Germa

Drive to Germa, ancient city of Garamantes.
The remains of the old city now form one of the most important archaeological sites all over Libya, although it is likely that there is still much to be excavated in the region, given that the kingdom of Garamantes at most of its development, there were eight major cities.
We leave and arrive late afternoon at the tented camp in the desert <strong>Akakusstrong>. Although this area is surrounded by a spectacular lunar landscape

Akakus

Departure for the tour <strong>Akakusstrong>. The desrto is a mixture of sand, rocks and mountains. It looks like a lunar landscape during the journey by jeep to have fun and see what the shapes remind us of rocks shaped by wind and sand. In this place, that thousands of years ago, there was once a rich flora and fauna, remain in the graphite ricordo.Ce are many and various ages. In the evening return to the field and luckily the night temperature is a little more acceptable.

Sabha - Tripoli

After breakfast we depart for Sabha where we expected the plane to <strong>Tripolistrong>.
During the journey we stop to see the graves of Garamantes reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids.
In the afternoon we arrive in Sabha and then to the port of <strong>Tripolistrong>.
Arrived in <strong>Tripolistrong> in the evening tired but happy, the views of the desert will remain etched forever in us.

Leptis Magna

Under Roman rule, Leptis, acquired the nickname &quot;Magna&quot;, soon became a major Roman cities in Africa thanks to the flourishing maritime trade of spices, slaves and animals from sub-Saharan Africa. It reached its zenith when Septimius Severus, a native leptitano, became emperor. In subsequent years, Septimius Severus was a generous engine of beautification of his hometown, which came in as a grandeur to rival Carthage and Alexandria. Turning to Lepis you are amazed by the beauty of the architecture and artifacts.
Unfortunately, this like any other archaeological sites in Libya are not very appreciated by the government. Could certainly be much more valued and cared for. In addition, there are also many other archaeological sites to discover.

Tripoli - Milan

Last day .. sigh sigh ...
Visit the museum in <strong>Tripolistrong>, which houses many finds from the excavations. At the entrance towering two pictures of Gaddafi, one with D'Alema and Berlusconi with a (level playing field!). But they were neccessarie propio?
Departure and arrival Alitalia flight to Italy.
The next day we learn that we were lucky because Libya has closed its borders.