Located deep in the shifting golden sands of the Libyan desert, the city of Ghadames is a hidden gem that only attracts the most adventurous travelers. As one of the oldest cities on the African continent, Ghadames is situated in a natural oasis and was an important stop-over for caravan traders traversing the legendary trans-Saharan network of trade routes.
Nick-named the ‘Pearl of the Desert’, the ancient city is an extraordinary example of a traditional North African settlement that is thought to have been established in the 4th Century BC. Encircled by groves of palm trees, the fortified city is surrounded by mud-brick walls that protect an intricate labyrinthe of alleys, markets, and covered walkways from the unrelenting desert winds. There’s also open-air rooftop terraces, outdoor spring fed swimming pools, and a marvelous range of beautiful architecture to appreciate.
For countless generations, Ghadames served as a vital waypoint in the desert for travelers and camel trains, and became famous in Arabic folklore for its life-saving hospitality. Fortunately, despite recent geo-political tensions that led to full-scale conflict in Libya in 2011, the city of Ghadames remained relatively untouched by the ravages of the war.
However, due to ongoing socio-political uncertainties in the country, visiting Ghadames is not always easy – and it’s definitely not the ideal holiday destination for families with children or inexperienced travelers. Even so, it’s perfectly possible to visit this desert oasis to experience the magic of the ancient city for yourself, provided you take sensible precautions and aren’t expecting to stay in upmarket 5 star accommodations.
How Do You Get To Ghadames, Libya?
Reaching Ghadames can be quite difficult for inexperienced tourists, mainly due to the recent geo-political turbulence in Libya. However, it is still possible for the savvy traveler to safely visit this jewel in the crown of Northern Africa.
Firstly, you will need to fly into Libya’s major international airport, in Tripoli. Once you arrive at the Mitiga International Airport, you can book into a local hotel before traveling onwards to Ghadames.
The easiest way to travel from Tripoli to Ghamades is by signing up for a guided group tour. This will give you a greater deal of security than if you are traveling alone and your local guide will be able to navigate any difficulties you may encounter along the way. Alternatively, you could join up with an international Aid mission, operated by an agency such as the International Red Cross. This is another safe way to visit Ghadames and the surrounding areas.
If you decide to travel independently, then you will need to hire a private vehicle to get to Ghadames because public transport is extremely unreliable and not always safe for foreign visitors to the country. The drive from Tripoli to Ghadames is around 620 km and, if all goes smoothly, should take you around 7 hours. Along the way you’ll pass through the awe-inspiring expanses of the Libyan desert before arriving at the remote oasis city of Ghadames.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ghadames?
The temperatures in the Libyan desert swing from the scorching extremes of the summer to the cooler temperatures of the winter months. Consequently, the best time to visit Ghadames is between October and April, when average temperatures range from around 20 to 25 Degrees Celsius (68 to 77 Degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and will allow you to enjoy your travels while avoiding the potentially life-threatening summer temperatures in the heart of the desert.
Remember, always check the diplomatic travel advisories at your consulate in Tripoli before embarking on your trip.
What Is There To Do In Ghadames, Libya?
Once you arrive in the enchanting old-world city of Ghadames you really will feel as though you have finally arrived at a long-sought oasis in the harsh desert! Sheltered not only from the cruel desert climate but also from much of the political instabilities of the region, Ghadames still plays its ancient role of welcoming travelers into the relative luxury of its hospitality and security.
And given that foreign visitors are somewhat of a rarity today, you’ll have much of the city to yourself and you certainly won’t have to wait in long lines to see the local attractions.
Join A 7 Day Guided Tour of Tripolitania and Ghadames.
The easiest way to enjoy the sites of Ghadames and the surrounding area is to join an all-inclusive guided tour. Departing and returning from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, the Libya Adventures tour includes 6 nights of accommodation, including 3 nights in Ghadames.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour is the perfect way to discover the little-known wonders of one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. As well as exploring Ghadames, you’ll also visit the Hadrianic Baths, the Sabratha Museum, the Leptis Magna Museum, and the sites of several Roman archeological digs, including a well-preserved open air theater.
You can find out more about the 7 day tour and reserve your place on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, here.
Join an International Red Cross Aid Mission to Ghadames
If you’d like to visit Ghadames while helping to support and rebuild the war-torn country, then joining an international Aid mission is the ideal option. You’ll travel with the group, led by experienced local guides, to deliver Aid supplies to the region, all while being able to marvel at the spectacular scenery and immerse yourself in the local culture.
You won’t have as much free time as you would if you were visiting as a tourist, but you will have plenty of time in the evenings to explore Ghadames as well as lots of opportunities to meet and talk with members of the local community. Your mission will include helping to deliver solar lamps, blankets, food parcels, medicines, and other much-needed supplies to Ghadames and the surrounding communities.
This unique way of traveling will open up lots of future opportunities for you with international Aid organizations, looks great on your Resume, and provides a relatively hassle-free way to explore the remote desert oasis of Ghadames. The International Red Cross is a highly respected Aid organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world. However, the Red Cross couldn’t do their great work without the help of volunteers and their members all over the globe.
You can find out more, and get in touch with the organizers of the International Red Cross Aid missions to Ghadames, at the official International Committee of the Red Cross website, here.
Stay at the Ben Yedder Hotel, Ghadames
For independent travelers to Ghadames, there are only a few hotels that are currently open. Of the available hotels, the Ben Yedder is the preferable option for visitors to Ghadames. Situated in the newer part of the city, the Ben Yedder hotel serves a complimentary breakfast and provides clean Backpacker-style lodgings for its guests.
The Ben Yedder hotel is within easy walking distance of the Old City and several local markets, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the town. WiFi is also available in the hotel although it can be a little intermittent at times due to local power cuts.
By no means luxurious, the Ben Yedder hotel has a friendly, hostel-style feel while the staff are always on hand to give you local travel tips and advice. You can find out more, or book your room at the Ben Yedder hotel, here.
