A rider on a KTM Dakar rally motorcycle watches another rider spray sand off a dune

MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · LIBYA 

Libya Sahara Enduro Tour: Desert Challenge

The Sahara Adventure Libya is not a standard motorcycle trip. It is a guided enduro expedition into one of the most stunning regions of the Libyan Sahara. Desert stretches as far as the eye can see.


How long? 20 Days
When? Winter, Autumn
Price € 5,099 / Person

The Journey

Guided Enduro Expedition Through the Libyan Sahara

Before the Arab Spring, we last ran an adventure trip to Algeria and Libya. This re-launched expedition is only roughly described here. We will adjust the routing to fit each expedition group and the conditions on site.

The Libya Desert Challenge is a mega-tour in terms of riding and landscape. It is aimed at experienced enduro riders who have been in the desert before. You can book this African trip as a two-week flight trip or a three-week ferry trip from Italy to Tunisia and overland from Tunis to Tripoli.

This is an expedition, not a package motorcycle trip for beginners. The route takes you over the highest dunes to the top highlights of the Sahara. For experienced enduro riders, it is an absolute must. For former Tunisia participants, the sand riding is more of an easy challenge.

Libya Sahara Enduro Tour: Desert Challenge A rider in off-road gear performs a trick pose on an enduro motorcycle atop a dune A motorcyclist and a support vehicle pause on a desert track leading toward distant cliffs A white Land Rover Defender support vehicle stuck in sand with two people working on it Domed sandstone buildings viewed through a stone archway in the desert
Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 Sahara-Enduro-Expedition
01
Sahara-Enduro-Expedition
Experience a guided enduro tour through the enchanting Libyan Sahara.
02 Adventurous Dune Rides
02
Adventurous Dune Rides
Drive through the highest dunes and master fast tracks in untouched nature.
03 Visit the Mandara Lakes
03
Visit the Mandara Lakes
Enjoy the impressive surroundings of the Mandara Lakes, a true desert highlight.
04 Rock Paintings in Akkakus
04
Rock Paintings in Akkakus
Visit the fascinating rock paintings in the Akkakus Mountains, if time allows.
05 Luxury in the Desert
05
Luxury in the Desert
Experience unforgettable nights in the desert with a private chef who spoils us with delicious, local dishes. After days full of adventure, luxury accommodations await you, complete with an infinity pool for the perfect relaxation. With the night desert starry sky, this experience becomes a unique adventure that will be remembered for a long time.
Days 1–6
Palmen und ein kleiner Oasenteich, umgeben von Sahara-Sanddünen
Start of the Libya Desert Challenge

Start of the Libya Desert Challenge

One week before the official start, the motorcycles are loaded in Tübingen. From the Overcross headquarters, we drive the support vehicle toward the ferry port in Genoa. There, in the afternoon, is the second meeting point. Together we board the ferry. We leave Europe and head toward North Africa.

Ein Oasensee in der Wüste, gesäumt von Palmen, unterhalb hoher Sahara-Sanddünen
Through the Hammada al Hamrah and the Erg Ubari to the Mandara Lakes

Through the Hammada al Hamrah and the Erg Ubari to the Mandara Lakes

The days in the south of the Libyan Sahara are an unforgettable experience. Past participants say these memories will stay with them forever. Dusty tracks along the Libyan border guide us onward.

Over the last dunes, we leave the seemingly endless Sahara on fast tracks toward the north. We reach Ghadames, the former hub of caravan trade. Our guided motorcycle trip through Libya nears its end.

From Ghadames, we head north back to Tunisia. In Sidi Bouzid, our friend Rouf awaits us with a delicious dinner. Then we head to the final overnight stay in an unusual luxury hotel with an infinity pool.

Ein Fahrer in Offroad-Kleidung zeigt auf seiner Enduro-Maschine eine Trickpose auf einer Düne
Genoa — Tübingen … and Africa in Our Minds

Genoa — Tübingen … and Africa in Our Minds

We reach Tunis and still have time to wander through the souks. We end the evening with a shisha. The ferry leaves Africa behind. On board, we carry the greatest treasure that no one can take from us: a massive load of beautiful images and vivid memories from the Libya Desert Challenge expedition.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Kuppelbauten aus Sandstein, gesehen durch einen steinernen Torbogen in der Wüste
Off-Road Adventure — Mandara Lakes

Off-Road Adventure — Mandara Lakes

The days in the south of the Libyan Sahara are an unforgettable experience. Past participants say these memories will stay with them forever. Dusty tracks along the Libyan border guide us onward.

Over the last dunes, we leave the seemingly endless Sahara on fast tracks toward the north. We reach Ghadames, the former hub of caravan trade. Our guided motorcycle trip through Libya nears its end.

From Ghadames, we head north back to Tunisia. In Sidi Bouzid, our friend Rouf awaits us with a delicious dinner. Then we head to the final overnight stay in an unusual luxury hotel with an infinity pool.

Nahaufnahme eines Wüstenführers, dessen Augen über einem weißen Turban zu sehen sind
Genoa – Tübingen … and Africa in our minds

Genoa – Tübingen … and Africa in our minds

We reach Tunis and still have time to wander through the souks. We end the evening with a shisha. The ferry leaves Africa behind. On board, we carry the greatest treasure that no one can take from us: a massive load of beautiful images and vivid memories from the Libya Desert Challenge expedition.

Conclusion

We skip luxury and costly supply trucks on these Sahara motorcycle journeys on purpose. The focus is on pure experience. During this special expedition, the name “Libya Desert Challenge” says it all.

Riders must be flexible and ready to explore new paths with us. An expedition is not a flawless daily program like a package tour. That is the point. Adventure can only be lived, not planned. The sometimes chaotic conditions on the ground are what create the real adventure experiences typical for Africa.

Our tour guides know North Africa well and understand the local customs. What we offer is pure adventure, whether on off-road vehicles or motorcycles.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Motorcycle-trips in Libya

4.3

3 reviews

Oliver K.

The enduro motorcycle journey through the Libyan Sahara offers a technically challenging and well-organized expedition. On day 2, for instance, we traverse the...

Guest

Lars W.

The enduro motorcycle trip through the Western Sahara from Libya offered an interesting group dynamic due to the maximum participant limit of 12 people. During...

Guest

Andreas W.

The route planning for the enduro motorcycle trip through Libya was precise and focused on the Western Sahara. Especially the leg to Erg Urbari and the Mandara...

Guest
Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 5,099 / person

Additional Options

Rental motorcycle Yamaha Tenere 700 for this motorcycle trip / Person € 2,679
Motorcycle transport including ferry € 409

Trip includes

  • All overnight stays on the tour
  • Catering from the expedition kitchen with private chef
  • All entries and visits
  • Expedition and service vehicle
  • Luggage transport for motorcyclists to the tour start
  • Tour folder with equipment, packing and checklist
  • Travel protection certificate / insolvency insurance is mandatory according to § 651 with the tour operator OVERCROSS!
  • Two guides on the tour
  • Motorcycle transport
  • Ferry tickets incl. port fees
  • Online tour guide
  • Satellite phone usage
  • An Arabic-speaking guide who organizes the border formalities for us
  • Over 20 years of experience in the Libyan Sahara
  • Is the Libya Desert Challenge suitable for beginners?
    No. This is an expedition, not a package motorcycle trip for beginners. It is aimed at experienced enduro riders who have been in the desert before. Former Tunisia participants will find the sand riding to be more of an easy challenge.
  • Do I need a special motorcycle?
    Oh yes, a travel enduro with a maximum of 1000 cc and a 21-inch front wheel is recommended!
  • What prerequisites do I need to bring?
    Since it is an expedition, experience in enduro riding, especially in desert areas, is necessary. Physical fitness is an advantage :)
  • How is fuel supply managed in the Sahara?
    From eight motorcycle participants onward, a second pickup vehicle joins the group for fuel supply. All riders get enough gasoline for both the outbound and return journey, even far from any gas stations.
  • What languages do the tour guides speak?
    The tour guides speak Arabic, English, and German. They are well acquainted with North Africa and familiar with the customs of the country.
  • What are the main highlights of the Libya Desert Challenge route?
    Key highlights include crossing the Hammada al Hamrah, riding through the dunes of the Idhan Awbari and Erg Ubari, reaching the Mandara Lakes, a 300-kilometer asphalt stage to Al Awaynat, and visiting Ghadames, the former hub of caravan trade.
  • Is there any comfort or hotel accommodation on this trip?
    This expedition skips luxury and costly supply trucks on purpose. The focus is on pure experience. However, the final overnight stay includes an unusual luxury hotel with an infinity pool in Tunisia. In Sidi Bouzid, a local host prepares a delicious dinner for the group.

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