Ain Mizrag:  Your guide to the beauty and mystery of LIBYA


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Berber Civilisation & the oasis City of Ghadames. 3 days


Tripoli –Gharyan – Yefren – Qasr Al Haj – Kabaw – Nalut – Tarmeisa – Ghadames – Tripoli

It is highly recommended that anyone visiting Libya for the first time include Ghadames as part of their travel plans. The Nafusa Mountains are one of the most scenic areas in Libya. This is the Berber homeland where Berber culture and language still thrive.
 

Click on thumbnail photos below to bring up larger images



The Berber Homeland
 
Ancient qasr at Kabaw


Nalut
 

We take you to Gharyan, famous for its pottery and home to some superb troglodyte dwellings. Built underground, these dwellings were a refuge from cold winters, hot summers and invaders.
 

We go on to Yefren, where the old town sits on a crag and offers an immense panoramic view over the coastal plain. This region is one of strong impressions and colours. Attractive villages lie hidden in these mountains.
 

The fortified granaries of Qasr Al Haj, Kabaw and Nalut are among the finest examples of Berber architecture in existence. Built in the 12th to 14th centuries, they are all amazingly well preserved and some still are in use. Nalut old town, also clinging precariously to the mountainside, offers views of the surrounding countryside, as does Tarmeisa near Jadu, with its ancient stone village, rebuilt in 1205. It is in an excellent state of preservation. To enter the village, you cross a drawbridge, built to ward off invaders. Tunnels lead to the underground houses.

 

 
Pottery for sale in Gharyan

Granary at Qasr al Haj

Berber residences, Qasr al Haj
 

Ghadames

 

The old city of Ghadames, a UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s best preserved oasis towns. Built on the site of previous civilisations, it has changed little in the 800 years since its foundation.  It was one of the most significant Saharan trading oases of its time with camel caravans from throughout Saharan Africa visiting here.

It is everyone’s dream of an idyllic oasis. Inside the city walls are shining white houses with unique architecture and interior decoration. The houses are separated by narrow covered alleyways. Natural light from skylights make these alleyways striated by shadows. Around every corner is a surprise, a hidden mosque or a town square. Men frequented these alleyways. The roof level was reserved for women. They could walk across the rooftops and cross the entire city without being seen. It is a mysterious, peaceful and beautiful place, surrounded by well cared for palm tree gardens

 
 
Entering the ancient town

Traditional home in old city

See other suggested tours: Roman Treasures, Cyrenaica, Fezzan/Sahara, go to our main itinerary page, or let us know your own ideas and suggestions.

Photos this page: John Leeson


Discover Libya

About Us Contact Us Libya Facts Itineraries
Découvrez la Libye Qui sommes nous? Contactez-nous  Infos voyageurs Itinéraires