Al Haruj

Al Haruj is one of the largest volcanic fields in the Sahara, covering a very large area of central Libya with black basalt flows, some 150 volcanoes, many of them scoria cones, with craters, and lava that erupted over millions of years with the youngest flows geologically recent. The ground is dark, sharp and almost trackless, and the contrast with the pale sand and gravel around it is visible from a long way off. Rock engravings occur in places within it.

The landscape

• The basalt flows - dark lava covering a very large area of central Libya.
• The cones and craters - some 150 volcanoes across the field.
• The colour contrast - black rock against pale desert on all sides.
• The rock engravings - the carvings found on stone within the field.

When to go

November to March is the workable season. Summer heat is extreme. Navigation is difficult at any season.

Practical notes

The ground is sharp basalt that destroys tyres and there are almost no tracks; a properly equipped expedition with guides is essential. There is no water or fuel anywhere in the field. Travel in Libya requires arrangements through a licensed operator.

Nearby

Sabha is southwest, and the coast is far north.

Key facts