Preferably I'd like an answer from someone who's from Libya or been there;
I'm planing my second Middle-Eastern/North African trip. I've always been fascinated by Libya and I really want to go there.
I met this guy from Libya last time I was in Damascus and he really recommaned it!
So; for a really white scandinavian guy with blue eyes (sounds raicist - but damn, I'm not), is travelling around rural and pupulated Libya safe? Which are the hazzards? What's the crime rate like? Which dangerous/risky situations can I expect and/or preper for? What can I do to stay safe, if nessecary? Anything is appreciated!
THX,
gum. Libya
Some car rental services are available in the large cities but the rates are typically high and the cars unreliable. This does appear to be changing as Avis and Europcar offer new cars now in their fleets. Around the major cities, driving can be an "education".
The recommended route of transport for tourists around major towns is taxis.Negotiate the price first.If you find a good taxi driver with a good car, it doesn't hurt to build up a relationship and get his mobile number.
Arabic is the main language though some more localised languages such as Berber and Touareg are used in many small town. English is somewhat widely understood in the major cities.
In Tripoli, it is surprisingly hard to find a traditional Libyan restaurant. Most serve western-style cuisine, with a few Moroccan and Lebanese restaurants thrown in. This is a shame as there are some wonderful Libyan dishes should you be fortunate enough to be invited to a Libyan dinner party or wedding (but be prepared to be over fed).
A favourite cafe for the local expatriate community is the fish restaurant in the Souq. Here, you can enjoy a great seafood couscous for a few dollars, a speciality is the stuffed calamar.
Another good seafood place is the Hofra Market.
Also recommend Al-Saraya. Food OK but it's attraction is it's position right in Green Square. Another good seafood restaurant is Al-Morgan next to the Algeirs Mosque near 1st-September Street.
Don't miss Al-Sakhra restaurant , excellent food with live entertainment and a rustic atmosphere,located on Gargaresh road .
The most common drink in Libya is tea. Green tea and "red" tea are served almost everywhere from small cups, usually sweetened. Mint is sometmes mixed in with the tea, especially after meals.
Coffee is traditionally served Turkish style: strong, from small cups, no cream. Most coffee shops in the larger cities have espresso machines and will make espresso, capuccino and such. Quality varies so ask locals for the best around.
Alcohol is officially banned in Libya though some rumors are heard that the government plans to introduce alcohol sales in some resorts planned for mass western tourism in the future. In reality alcohol is very readily available through a local black market (anything from whiskey to beer to wine).
Major cities have a range of accommodations available from shabby hotels to four-star ones. Prices vary accordingly.
In Tripoli the largest (and only international) hotel is the Corinthia Hotel, situated next to the old city (The Medina or "Al Souq Al Qadeem"). Others hotels include the Bab-Al-Bahr, the Al-Kabir and the El-Mahari. Several smaller hotels have opened around town including the Zumit Hotel: an old, beautifully-renovated hotel right next door to the Old Roman Arch in Bab-Al-Bahr.
If over in Jabal Akhdir East of Benghazi, a very tidy 4-star hotel is the Manara Hotel. It is built next door to the Ancient Greek ruins of Appolonia Port.
Not all of the bottled water in Libya is sanitary. Be sure to inquire about which brands are safest. If necessary, you can purchase foreign brands as well. I can Auusre you you will be in the safest place on Earth.
the people of Libya have a great respect for the visitors of thier land.
You may face some unsual habits (accoring to you) But it is Like the same all over the world. bottom line just be yourself and it will be fine ,tourists are well respected and there is no crimes against them ,people are friendly and u ask anyone they will guide u ,taxis are cheap and if u ride one he can inform u everything and show u wherever u need ,and u can also arrange for them to be your guide throught your trip ,and they dont charge much and give u their mobile numbers,crime wise its fine dont be worried ,since u been to damscus syria its similar ,and honestly u might bet bored of onlyone things,no alcohol and no night clubs ,,have a great trip |
