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Awbari (Ubari)
ℹ️Practical info — Awbari (Ubari)
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Do not venture into the Ubari sand sea without a highly experienced local Tuareg guide.
- Always carry plenty of drinking water as the heat here can be extreme.
- The desert lakes are highly saline; bring fresh water to rinse off if you decide to bathe.
- Be prepared for chilly nights in the desert, pack warm layers.
- Photography of military or official checkpoints is strictly prohibited.
🍽 Food
A traditional staple that you will find in almost any local eatery.
Enjoy them freshly picked from the oasis palm groves.
A thick, sweet black tea that is often served with roasted peanuts.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for traditional silver crosses and rings in the local markets.
Buy these in bulk preferably directly from the local farmers.
A striking, quiet salt lake completely surrounded by sand dunes.
A lesser-known and quieter lake, convenient for peaceful reflection.
Water temperature…
Awbari, also known as Ubari, is a strategically important city in the Wadi al-Hayaa District of southwestern Libya. It is located in the Targa Valley between the Messak Sattafat plateau and the Ubari Sand Sea, a vast region featuring towering sand dunes. Historically, Awbari is a center of Tuareg culture and was for centuries a vital resting place for caravans traversing the Sahara. The city's surroundings are world-famous for their idyllic oasis lakes, such as Lake Gaberoun, which are framed by tall palm trees and massive dunes. These lakes are remnants of a vast prehistoric inland lake that once covered much of the region. Today, the city's economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly date farming, as well as oil extraction in the nearby fields of the Murzuq Basin. Despite its remote location, Awbari possesses significant infrastructure, including an airport that connects the region with the capital, Tripoli. The city remains a symbolic place for the identity of Saharan peoples and a starting point for expeditions into Libya's deep desert areas.
- Location: Libya
- Top sights: kasool of obari · mahkama · tobou country
- Population: ~33.569 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 13 | 18 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 24 | 18 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Geography
Facts
- Awbari is the capital of the Wadi al-Hayaa District.
- The city is located approximately 120 kilometers west of Sebha.
- The Ubari Sand Sea includes about 20 small oasis lakes near the city.
- Lake Gaberoun is the most famous lake and is extremely saline.
- The region is a major center for the extraction of high-quality crude oil.
- The majority of the inhabitants belong to the Tuareg ethnic group.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Awbari (Ubari) (3)
Frequently asked questions
What are the Ubari Lakes?
Can you swim in the Ubari Lakes?
How to reach the lakes from Ubari?
Who are the Tuareg people in Ubari?
When is the best time for a desert safari?
Awbari (Ubari): where is it located?
Awbari (Ubari): what is there to see?
Awbari (Ubari): when is the best time to visit?
Awbari (Ubari): why is it worth visiting?
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