On 2 August 2027, the longest total solar eclipse anyone will witness from land for over a century will sweep across North Africa.

Its centreline (i.e. the very middle of the Moon’s shadow, where totality lasts longest, and the sky is clearest) runs through eastern Libya. Specifically, across the ancient Greek coast of Cyrenaica.

Most of the world’s attention will land on Spain and on Luxor in Egypt. Whilst these may be the tourist hotspots, we like to think the more interesting answer to watching the Solar Eclipse in 2027 is Libya. 

At Koryo Tours, we like to do things a bit differently. And we think eastern Libya might just be the perfect answer for those looking to have a unique solar eclipse in 2027. 

This guide is perfect if you think that the solar eclipse 2027 in Libya makes the most sense, too!

We go over how the eclipse works, how you actually get to eastern Libya, what a trip involves, and honest answers to the questions people always ask -  before committing to somewhere this far off the usual map…!

The Essentials at a Glance

Why eastern Libya?

The short version - you get more of the eclipse, under clearer skies, with far fewer people around you.

Duration builds toward the point of greatest eclipse in southern Egypt, so eastern Libya sits close to the maximum, with totality lasting close to six minutes on the centreline. 

Decades of cloud records single out western Egypt and eastern Libya as having virtually no cloud risk in early August. A crucial detail, because six minutes of totality behind a cloud is worth nothing at all. You really don’t want to be making your way to Libya to see this then… you can’t see anything at all. Of course, it’s weather - we can’t control it. It may be that by some fluke it is indeed cloudy thta day but, the chances are slim. And while Andalucía and Luxor will be heaving, the Cyrenaican coast sees a tiny fraction of the world’s travellers. 

You get the centreline, the desert, and space to look up. 

There’s also the place itself, which is half the reason to come. It’s not just about the eclipse! But more on that below.

Getting to Libya

Eastern Libya’s main gateway is Benghazi’s Benina International Airport. You can reach it via a nuber of international airports such as through Istanbul, Cairo, Tunis or also some places in the Gulf. These do change though so make sure to check out your most convenient route. 

From there, you’re in the hands of the trip. Libya is not a country you road-trip through on a whim. You have to be booked onto a tour in order to get a visa and walking around by yourself is strictly not permitted. 

Visas and permits

Libya requires a visa for essentially all foreign visitors, and it is not a visa you can casually arrange yourself online. Entry to Cyrenaica (eastern Libya) is managed through local partners on the ground, who issue the invitation and supporting paperwork that make the visa possible.

In practice this means we handle the heavy lifting. We arrange the invitation letter and permit support, and guide you through the visa application step by step. What you’ll need from your side is a passport with plenty of validity and blank pages, some paperwork and photos, and enough time (please don’t book last minute!).

When to Get to Libya?

Our Libya eclipse trip runs 31 July – 5 August 2027, timed so the group is in position on the centreline, rested and unhurried, well before the Moon’s shadow arrives on 2 August.

Build in a buffer. Long-haul connections through regional hubs can wobble, and this is not a trip where you want to be sprinting from a delayed flight toward a shadow that will not wait. 

Where Else Can You Visit in Libya? 

The trip is built around two things! The eclipse, of course, and the extraordinary, near-empty ancient landscape of Cyrenaica. 

It’ll be hot in summer, but if you can withstand the heat, you’re in for a treat. 

Benghazi 

The coastal city that anchors eastern Libya and sits on the centreline. 

Cyrene

A UNESCO-listed Greek city with a Temple of Zeus larger than the Parthenon.

Apollonia 

Cyrene’s ancient port, with a Greek theatre at the water’s edge and half its harbour now submerged offshore. 

Qasr Libya

Fifty Byzantine mosaic panels almost no traveller has seen. 

The Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) 

The lush coastal highlands. (Yes, that’s right!)

Day of the Solar Eclipse

On the day itself, we will find a good position early on - then it’s a waiting game.  It’s a slow build over more than an hour of partial phases (eclipse glasses firmly on throughout) until the light starts to go strange, the temperature drops, and totality arrives.

For close to six minutes, you can take the glasses off and simply look at the corona, the prominences, the 360-degree sunset around the horizon. Then the first bead of sunlight returns, the glasses go back on, and the whole sequence unwinds in reverse. 

Our separate Eye-Safety & Photography Field Guide covers exactly what to do, and when, in far more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe?

See our dedicated safety guide for the full, honest answer. Cyrenaica is not one of the country’s conflict-affected areas, and the trip is planned accordingly.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. We arrange the invitation and permit support and guide you through the application. Start early.

Can I travel independently instead?

Realistically, no. Access to eastern Libya runs through local partners, and a guided trip is the practical way in.

Will I actually get the full six minutes?

Close to it. The exact figure depends on your precise spot; the centreline near Benghazi delivers close to six minutes, against a maximum of 6 minutes 23 seconds near Luxor.

Is there alcohol?

No. Libya is a dry country; alcohol is illegal and unavailable.

Is it suitable for solo travellers and for women?

Yes. We travel as a group with local guides, and solo travellers are very welcome. We’re happy to talk through anything specific beforehand.

How’s the weather?

Hot and very dry in early August, with famously low cloud risk  which is exactly why the eclipse community rates this coast so highly. Come prepared for heat and sun (see our packing guide).

Can I photograph the eclipse?

Absolutely, and our field guide tells you how, including the desert’s real enemy, which is dust rather than cloud. Just don’t spend all six minutes behind a viewfinder.

Can I extend the trip to Tripoli or Leptis Magna?

Western Libya, including the great Roman site of Leptis Magna, is a separate proposition with its own considerations. Ask us and we’ll tell you what’s sensible.

What about children or older travellers?

It’s moderate-effort travel in a hot climate with long drives. It suits fit, curious adults best. Talk to us about individual circumstances and we’ll be candid.

When should I book?

As early as you can. Places are limited, and the visa and flight logistics reward lead time. This is not a trip to arrange in a hurry. Book here. 

Koryo Tours
Libya Group Tours