Al Khums
The northern part of the African continent is the perfect region for your next well-earned vacation, especially if you’re looking for an adventure different from the others you’ve experienced. Whilst most will know the country of Libya for its involvement in the infamous Lockerbie bombings, this proud nation has undergone an extensive transformation in an effort to woo tourists back to her shores, and those that have been privileged to make the journey have been treated to a wonderful sojourn.
Libya boasts magnificent natural spectacles from desert towns surrounded by tranquil oases to tall majestic mountain ranges and endless shores of pristine beaches. Libya is also full of history and infused with an eclectic array of cultures namely Roman, Greek, Turkish, and Italian. The northwestern town of Al Khums, founded by the Turks in 1870 because of its esparto grass resources, is definitely worth a visit during your trip. Just 97km south east of the capital city of Tripoli, Al Khums is important to the Libyan economy not just because of its exporting of esparto grass, but because it is a centre for tunny (tuna) processing, soap manufacturing, and the marketing of olive oil and dates.
Besides this, Al Khums is the ideal base from which to explore the ancient city of Leptis, which is a big hit amongst foreigners because of its extensive array of Roman ruins and artifacts. Another popular reason for visiting Al Khums is its refreshing sandy beaches and beautiful public gardens. The city is furthermore linked by a coastal highway which connects travellers from Tripoli to Benghazi and as far as Cairo in neighbouring Egypt.
