Beirut Navigation

Beirut Safety - Is it Safe to Travel in Beirut?

For those wondering about Beirut safety - is it safe to travel in Beirut? Since 2009, Beirut has become a safe place and the number of tourists is dramatically increasing (more than 2 million in 2009). The US government's warning to travelers visiting Lebanon was lifted in mid-September 2009. The violence in Naher al-Bared has ceased. Beirut itself is safe, but avoid South Beirut if there is too much political discord with Israel. Baal-beck is safe, but also visit with caution for it is a Hizbollah stronghold. The mountain cities around Beirut and in the North are generally safe but always be on the lookout for political turmoil. Try to at least have a vague idea of the political situation, which is volatile. Try to avoid any political demonstrations. The South has a high level of Hizbollah influence/control but is by no means off-limits. Be aware that the South has a high Shia Muslim population and dress and act conservatively.

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are approachable, but try to bring a local. She/he will be worth a lot when it comes to logistics and safety. Camps vary in size and appearance (the camps in Beirut are worse than some rural camps, which can resemble more open villages). Most refugees however are both civil and open in the encounter with foreigners. The key is of course openness on your part as well. Of course, Downtown Beirut will always be a safer alternative, but for the most part you won't encounter any problems while in a refugee camp.

Recent Feedback

Thanks much. I'm really tickled I discovered you folks. Again I say: "you rock!". (To shamelessly borrow your company's response, to some of our initial inquiries.)

— John C. (65) from United States

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) Steve our driver... Wow what an amazing, patient driver!!! We felt very very safe with his driving - and on such difficult roads! I couldn't beli...

— Anne M from South Africa

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) Moffat our cook was such a kind, nurturing cook! We called him our chef - or "comrade chef"! He had to deal with 2 vegetarians, 1 vegan who didn'...

— Anne M from South Africa

(East Africa Private Charter Trip) About the crew: These guys were our heroes! First, Kevin our tour leader, was confident, professional, experienced, calm, focused, collaborative...

— Anne M from South Africa

We are back from our trip! *(East Africa Private Charter Trip)* I had to write you and thank you PROFUSELY for all your help in setting up the trip and guiding us on our itinerary....

— Anne M from South Africa

I am planning to travel to Africa within the next 2 months and have reading all the complimentary comments. If it is all true I am keen to be pursuaded your way. Please tell me mo...

— Shirley Miller from United Kingdom

Re Newsletter: This article certainly got my attention and I have saved much of the content. Just to let you know that you are reaching me and that I am paying attention!!! :)

— Ruth from United States

Checked out the Overlanding Africa website the other day - what a fantastic site! Such a shame I didn't find it before I started this trip, has a great design and loads of valuabl...

— Sonya from Australia

I will definitely recommend your services!!

— Perrick from France

Thank you again for making our trip as wonderful as it was

— Rick C. from United States

We spent 4 nights at the Mandela Rhodes Hotel in Cape Town and I highly recommend it!

— Rick C. from United States

The boys and I had an absolutely fantastic time in South Africa. Your country is so beautiful, the folks there so nice and accommodating and the trip you put together for us was s...

— Rick C. from United States

I wanted to go to Africa ever since I can remember and going there last month far exceeded my expectations and then some! Louise was so quick to respond to any query I had and the ...

— Anne B (27) from Ireland

The trip was outstanding. Our two guides Albert and Sydney were superb in every way - interest flora and fauna - amazing organization and as people wonderful to meet. We got to pla...

— Tessa Z from Israel

Thank you for making my booking so easy and for the advice you gave me about my stay in Jo'burg too, it really made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. I've already recom...

— Tamsin C (21) from United Kingdom

I did have a great trip, thank you! I was satisfied with your services on such late notice. You were great and I'm just very pleased that you went the extra mile to get me on this ...

— Rannelle M. (32) from United States

…yes there is something else! Always I ask you a question I get a prompt and useful answer! This is the way I like it! You make things so much easier for me. Can I invite you for...

— Dr. Michael T. (49) from Germany

...it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING"... from start to end we were taken care of and along the way we made more friends.

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

In regard to the trip, it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING", and if wasnt for your exceptional service and last minute request from myself, you got me this perfect adventure at my price and...

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

I had the most amazing trip! Absolutely incredible! The crew was so good. I am on a round the world trip and Africa takes the cake so far. I miss it heaps. Thank you for all your h...

— John R (24) from Australia

Go to all feedback