Sands of time in the Libyan Sahara

A bucket and spade are essential when crossing the Libyan Sahara.

Local guides do their utmost to guide adventurous travellers through the ever-shifting sands, but most have little option but to pitch in with digging, pushing and sand-matting when expedition trucks become stuck in the rarely visited desert.

Encounter is the only holiday company making the crossing through the heart of the Libyan desert to the town of Ghat on the Algerian border. Groups explore the pinnacle rock formations of the Acacus Mountains, which hide ancient cave dwellings and some of Africa's best cave art.

The 42-day Saharan Outback Tour begins in Cairo and ends in Tunis, with four departures this year. Priced from $NZ3495, all land transport, camping, food, guides and entrance fees are included, though there is an additional "local payment" of $470 required on departure.

Contact: Travel agent or Suntravel in Auckland on (09) 525 3074, or fax, (09) 525 3065.