Riding through
Libya
Ever since we applied for the Libyan visa, I had
butterflies in my stomach from the idea that
we would travel and ride in Libya. The media
reports on Libya were not exactly positive.
While the 2011 revolution ensured that
Gaddafi was no longer in control and that Libya
was open to the world, the new government
was not yet stable. Different groups had tried
to disrupt the country on a regular basis.
Especially around Benghazi incidents occurred
very often, and foreigners had been targeted
as well.
apply for the Libyan visas after reading travel
reports of three other motorcycle riders that
rode through Libya. They told of amazingly
hospitable people, beautiful scenery and
spectacular sights. They did not mention any
problems, but did this mean that they did not
have any? I was not too sure about it.
The butterflies in my stomach steadily
increased as we got closer to the Libyan border.
We followed the news about Libya closely. Just
before we arrived in Tunisia, a bomb exploded
at a police checkpoint in Benghazi, killing a
number of people. The travel advice published
by the Dutch Government suggested against
At the same time, in December 2013 and on
travelling to Benghazi and against taking ‘non-
our way to East Africa, riding through Tunisia,
essential’ trips to other parts of the country.
Libya and Egypt seemed to be the only way to
The advice of the British Government was more
enter Africa. The ferries between Turkey and
strict and indicated the entire country as a ’red-
Egypt were not running. The route over land
zone’. We were three weeks into our world
through Syria and Jordan was a definite no-go
riding trip and not sure what to make of this
because of the war in Syria. Another option
information. Every day, Peter and I discussed
was taking the ferry from Greece to Israel and
the route we could ride through Libya, but also
riding from there to Egypt, but this could later
ways to avoid Libya all together. We looked
cause problems at the Sudanese border as they
into the possibility of flying with the bikes from
might not allow us into the country with an
Tunisia to Egypt or even Sudan. An expensive
Israeli stamp in our passports. We decided to
flight, a long detour and lots of hassle, but
maybe a safer option.