Gabar Aown

Gabar Aown the most famous touristic desert destination in Libya. The name “Gabar Aown “ means Aown’s tomb. Actually, I don’t know who’s Aown? It looks that he is some one who died and buried there. There is a tomb buried in the sand dune beside the Lake. Gabar Own is a salty lake located in the middle of the desert about 50 Kms to the south of Sabha. It is not the only Lake but it is the biggest of number of Lakes scattered in the valley of Gabar Own. Number of them are dried.
As a treat to the participants of the Conf. on the construction in the Desert areas, the university of Sabha organized a tour at the end of the conference to Gabar Aown. About 28 pick ups (4WD) were hired from number of tour companies based in Sabha. The trip started at 9:00 am. From the Hotel Bait Sabha. The photos below explains the trip which quite typical for any group tour to Gabar Own.

Hotel Bait Sabha, the starting point

Convoy of 28 Pick ups (4WD) heading South

The first gathering at the edge of the desert


Decreasing tire pressure to decrease the contact pressure on sand


At the begininig of the off road course all vehicles are in on line


Only 4WD vehicles are operating there

Gathering in the middle of way to check all are present

Amazing sand dunes

Real adventure, profrssinal drivers

Arriving at Gabar Aown, a lake at the middle of the desert

It is easier to sit than to stand on sand dunes

Vegetation around the lake

Smart people trading here

Snack after a desert tour isn't a bad idea

Some people think that the salty water of the lake can cure

The contrast of sand and water...

note the tomb of Aown at the middle of san dune

A bottle of Gabar Aown's water is a great present

Thick forest of palms around a salty lake

One of the dried lakes

The trip was facinating and interesting. What you find in Gabar Aown deserves the effort and time of the jurney. Anybody has the chance of such a tour should not miss it.