Wild Lebanon
8 Days
Min 6 max 11
Price follows
The Trip
Lebanon you may know mostly from the news and turmoil. Or from Beirut and the coast. But those who search further will find a very different country. Lebanon is a long table of ethnic and religious mezze with an extremely fascinating cultural history. Inland, mountain dwellers and semi-nomadic communities maintain ancient traditions in a rugged landscape of high plains, ancient cedar forests and mountains that reach as high as over 3,000 meters. Here shepherds still trek with their livestock over mountain passes in search of higher ground.
In search of this country’s wild roots, we set sail for that other Lebanon for an exploration on foot. Equipped with our own camp, we follow ancient trade routes, pilgrim roads and shepherd trails that lead us over mountain passes overlooking valleys and the rural life of Lebanon. Sometimes we pass settlements of mountain villagers and feel as if time has stood still here. We camp in the wild, in remote forests or at simple shepherd camps, under a sky of a million stars.
Through wadis to high mountain pastures, we trek through the unspoiled part of Lebanon and our path crosses that of itinerant farming families, hawkers and game pickers who arrange life according to the rhythm of the seasons. At the end of the trek we descend to the villages, where we are warmly welcomed, rewilded and full of new perspectives on Lebanon.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
“Wild Roots ” is the theme of this group tour—a journey to a place where nature and culture are inextricably linked. This tour takes place far from civilization. Amenities are not always nearby during this trip. A good level of basic fitness and experience with hiking in mountainous terrain are recommended for this trip. We’ll be hiking 6–8 hours a day. Experience with (wild) camping and the Wild Human trip is a plus, but not required.
Impression
Your guide on this trip
Nick Platje
Gedreven wildernisgids en Mountain Leader. Eindeloos nieuwsgierig naar andere culturen en groot liefhebber van pionieren op ongewone plekken. Wordt doorgaans waargenomen met camera. In een vorig leven was Nick marinier. Zijn mantra: als het maar wild is.
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Experiences
There are no specific reviews for this trip — read experiences from other adventurers below.
Practical
Cost
Cost includes:
- Seven nights: we’ll stay at a guesthouse upon arrival and before departure, and we’ll camp in between
- Breakfast, lunch and evening meals of local fare
- A local guide
- A team of local mountain people, shepherds and donkeys
- Rewild Mountain Leader
- Using a Rewild tent
- 24/7 backup support from the Netherlands
- On-site transportation
This price does not include your flight to and from Beirut, your visa for Lebanon, personal expenses, tips for the local team, and mountaineering insurance. We recommend purchasing this insurance through the NKBV.
Logistics
You are responsible for booking your own flight to Beirut at your own expense. We recommend Middle East Airlines with a direct flight from Amsterdam Schiphol: outbound flight ME200 on Friday, June 18, 2027 (AMS 2:25 PM → Beirut approx. 7:40 PM) and return flight ME199 on Friday, June 25 (Beirut 9:40 AM → AMS approx. 2:20 PM). We’ll coordinate flight times via a WhatsApp group so you can travel with the group as much as possible. Local transportation is included in the price.
Nutrition
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring local cuisine are included in the price.
Travel guarantee and booking
The departure of this trip is guaranteed from 6 people. A maximum of 11 people can join the trip. This trip is a package tour and in order to comply with the legally required guarantee on package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee of VZR Garant. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the website of VZR Garant.
Insurance
To participate in Rewild trips, you must be insured for activities in mountainous areas off the beaten track. You can inquire about this with your current insurance company or purchase travel insurance from the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Conditions of participation
By participating in a Rewild trip, you accept the general travel conditions, as found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained here.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
Travel Day
Today we fly to Beirut. Upon arrival, we will travel directly north toward the Akkar region. After a drive of about three hours, we arrive in the village of Andqet, where we are welcomed at a local guesthouse. Here we taste the warm village hospitality for the first time and enjoy a home-cooked meal before spending the night.
Day 2 through 7
On mountain tour
A week of the best that the other Lebanon has to offer. Packed to the brim with our camping gear in our backpacks, we’ll set out as a team with a local guide through the mountains, hiking between 10 and 20 km each day with significant elevation gain (6–8 hours). The trek takes us over mountain peaks, through cedar forests, across alpine meadows, and over plateaus. We camp along the way, spend the night under the stars, and pass through small mountain villages and settlements. On the last night before departure, we’ll spend the night in a guesthouse again.
Day 8
Travel Day
Today we travel to Beirut airport for the return flight. This brings our Lebanon adventure to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
What should I be aware of in terms of culture and customs in Lebanon?
Lebanon is very religiously diverse, with Christian, Muslim, and Druze communities living side by side. In monasteries, churches, and mosques, you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. In the mountain villages, you’ll receive a warm welcome; feel free to accept any coffee or food offered to you, and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Tipping is part of the culture here: a tip for the local guides and the team at the end of the trip is appreciated.
Is it safe to travel to Lebanon right now?
You may know Lebanon mainly from the news and the turmoil there. This trip takes place in the rugged interior in the north, including the Akkar region, and we’ll stay out of the troubled areas. Official travel advisories remain our guide; please check the current status of the travel advisory for Lebanon. We are closely monitoring the situation with our local partners and will keep participants informed in a timely manner.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Upon arrival and on the last night before departure, we’ll stay at a guesthouse; on the first night, you’ll be welcomed at a local guesthouse in the village of Andqet in the Akkar region. In between, we’ll be camping: in the wilderness, in remote forests, or near simple shepherds’ camps, under a sky full of stars.
What makes this trip different from a regular trip to Lebanon?
Most people know Lebanon only for Beirut and the coast. This trip shows you the other side of Lebanon: the interior, with its cedar forests, mountain passes, and alpine meadows, where mountain dwellers and semi-nomadic communities preserve ancient traditions.
What should I bring myself?
The packing list on this page lists exactly what you need to bring yourself. Some of the equipment is available for rent; please indicate this when you book.
How do I travel to Lebanon?
Under “Logistics” in the “Practical Information” section on this page, you’ll find our travel advice and information on how local transportation is arranged. We coordinate flight times among ourselves via a WhatsApp group.
