Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Libya holidays, Sahara tour, independent reviews
 Reviewed 21 Apr 2008 by Heather Filby |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting 5 World Heritage Sites in Libya with virtually no other tourists anywhere in sight. Also sleeping wild in the sand dunes of the Sahara.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that tourist police may be listening to your conversations so don't discuss politics/Colonel Gaddafi or local staff may get into trouble.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The holiday was booked by the operator via a local tour company in Tripoli. Libyan guides and drivers were used throughout (and tourist police!). Meals were eaten in local restaurants and prepared by the kitchen van crew in the desert. We tried not to leave any litter anywhere and particularly in the Sahara.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Both parts of the tour - Lost cities of the Roman Empire and Libyan Sahara were excellent.
| Reviewed 27 Apr 2008 by Dipen Kotecha | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Camping in the sand dunes, under the stars was unbelievable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take an extra couple of days either side of the holiday to chill in Tripoli. It has some wonderful restaurants and tea cafes.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The guides and drivers were local and benefited, but the environment suffered due to the plastic plates, cups and cutlery we used.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great views, lovely people and amazing history.
Read the operator's response here:
We were delighted to read that you enjoyed your trip. It is always good to know our efforts are appreciated and therefore we are pleased to pass on your kind comments to all those involved with your tour arrangements. We are especially glad that you enjoyed camping in the sand dunes under the stars as it certainly does carry an amazing ambience.We would like to address the point raised regarding the plastic plates and cups used while camping in the desert. Water is very precious and limited in the desert and our Local Agents do their utmost to preserve this. Whilst camping in the desert our Local Agent use a mixture of disposable and reusable crockery. Disposable plastic cups are used for cold drinks and disposable paper cups are used for hot drinks. Lunches are provided as a picnic, therefore, this reduces the amount of crockery required. If plates are needed, plastic disposable plates are provided. The evening meal is served on metal coated reusable plates.
We would like to assure you that all the disposable crockery used is disposed of correctly. We make every effort to reduce the impact we have on the environment and, in the desert we are careful not to deplete the water source. We would like to stress that we only use disposable crockery when necessary and, we do not encourage this on other tours where water is readily available.
We are always trying to find alternative ways of reducing the amount of disposable crockery used on this tour. We have investigated other methods of cleaning crockery in the desert, however, these do not meet our standards for acceptable hygiene. The welfare of our customers is of paramount importance to us, therefore, we must ensure we provide high levels of hygiene on all our tours. The next Libyan Sahara tour will run in October and, we aim to have replaced all the plastic crockery with paper crockery.