Joy of the great out doors in Lebanon

Joy of the great out doors by Lebanon Traveler

Nothing beats the open air when it's sunny. It is the perfect time to leave the city behind and savor the beauty of nature. Getting away from it all will help you rejuvenate and recharge. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life far from TV, radio and the stress of social media. Whether on the beach or in the mountains, Lebanon Traveler compiled a list of the best camping sites in the country.

Camping Amchit Les Colombes

Situated in Amchit about 38km north of Beirut, Camping Amchit Les Colombes accommodates tourists and locals 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, in a peaceful, natural and wild environment. Occupying 27,000 sqm of land, it is set on a 40-meter cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Apart from camping, various types of rooms and chalets that suit all tastes and budgets are offered. No services or activities are provided at the camp, but it has access to two rocky beaches. Take a walk to the sea, snorkel and swim. Later, perfect your talent as a chef by firing up the barbecue or cooking your own fish using an old family recipe. Those of you who wish to camp should bring their own tents. Common bathrooms, showers and kitchens are available on site.

+961 9 622401/402
campinglescolombes.com

Sharewood Camp

Located in the mountains above the capital, Sharewood Camp features an outstanding choice of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities and accommodations in fully equipped tents. Whether you are a group of adults or a family, 20 large tents (3m x 4m x 2.75m) zipped from all sides will ensure the best security. Activities include abseiling, rappelling, rock climbing, Tyrolean traverse, zip-line, archery, hiking, volleyball, giant chess, rifle shooting, darts, backgammon, four-in-a-line, lawn ball, donkey rides, ping pong, giant sandbox, balance beam, tug-of-war, table football, trampoline and badminton. At night, you can let your inner singer out during karaoke around the campfire. If you don't feel like cooking, you can always eat at the restaurant, which serves traditional Lebanese food and snacks.

+961 4 870592
sharewood camp.com

Bzebdine Hidden Valley Resort

Located in the Metn Mountains, a region known for its beautiful weather and pine tree forest, the Bzebdine Hidden Valley Resort is a great location for nature lovers to take in the outdoors. You can stay in a tent or in a wooden cabin. Electricity and hot water are available. Aside from the usual nature activities, you can engage in horseback riding sessions in the forest, self-guiding hiking trails, biking, caving and rappelling. The open-air restaurant serves homemade food and fires up the barbecue every Sunday for lunch.

+961 3 339370 / 466662 / 410605
bzebdinehiddenvalleyranch.com

Nature Land Camping & Adventure

Spread over 10,000 sqm of luscious green wilderness, Nature Land Camping and Adventure offers a wide variety of social, cultural and environmental outdoor activities including hiking, caving, rappelling, tree climbing, flying fox and archery. Unique half-day programs will take kids on a tour of a farm, where they will participate in milking a cow and collecting eggs. Survival half-day will teach them to use a compass and read a map. Martial art day is an occasion to perfect your fighting and self-defense technique. The evenings are reserved for astronomy lessons, or for the more energetic, night hikes and caving. You can stay in a tent that can fit different sized groups equipped with mattresses and all lighting necessities. A cooking facility is also available.

+961 3 784246, +961 71 016232, +961 1 902538
nature-land.com

La Reserve, Afqa

Situated high in Lebanon's mountains, Afqa camping welcomes you from May till October for a night in the wilderness. Every tent is equipped with (four) beds, mattresses, pillows, lighting and one electrical outlet for your mobile telephone, if being out of reach might trigger separation anxiety issues. WC's and showers are individual prefab units, and hot water is available. Campsite activities range from archery, hiking and orienteering to caving and rope courses. If you prefer not to carry food with you, a restaurant is available to satisfy your hunger.

+961 1 498775/6
lareserve.com.lb

Bkassine Forest

In the mountains near the town of Jezzine lies Bkassine Forest, an ideal location for ecotourism. In addition to it being the largest stone pine woodland in Lebanon, the forest is a delight to any nature lover as it hides waterfalls, hydraulic mills and a river. After setting up your tent, you can hike anywhere in the forest and enjoy its panoramic views of Mount Niha or the backbone of Mount Lebanon. The trail includes many traditional features such as kilns, olive presses, old bridges and water sources along the river, that flow at the edge of the forest at an altitude of 500m. During Fall, the forest offers a unique canvas of colorful foliage.

Samer Harfouche +961 3 237812

Where to get your camping equipment

- La maison du Ski Feytroun Main Road +961 9 958203 lamaisonduski.net
- Sports Experts Co ABC Mall Ashrafiyeh +961 1 202555 Kaslik +961 9 223555 Feytroun +961 9 951555 sportsexpertsco.com
- Mike Sport Zalka Highway +961 1 888855 mikesport.com