Located in the city of Al-Zawiya on the coastal road, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and about 40 km from Tripoli, the capital of Libya, Guddaiem Forest is considered one of the most important scouting training centers in Libya and the most famous forest in the western region of the country. The forest covers an area of 110 hectares and contains more than 60,000 pine trees. Recently, several tree planting campaigns have been conducted, raising the number of trees to more than 70,000.
The forest has hosted numerous festivals, cultural seminars, meetings of travelers, scouting activities, and trips for students from educational institutions. As a result, it is regarded as one of the most important training centers for scouts. The forest has hosted several major events, including:
- The 7th Arab Scout Camp in 1966
- The 14th Arab Scout Camp in 1980
- The 15th Arab Scout Camp in 1983
- The 19th Arab Scout Camp in 1990
- The 26th Arab Scout Camp in 2004
Most recently, it hosted a gathering of Arab scouts with the participation of 13 Arab countries, the first Maghreb guide meeting, the central camp of the Libyan Sea Scouts in 2024, the Arab Rover Scout gathering of 2024, and the Libyan Chess Championship for various age categories, which saw the participation of more than seventy chess players from different Libyan cities.
Guddaiem Forest is considered the top camping destination in Libya and features the following facilities:
- Mosque
- Market for participants’ basic needs
- Barber
- Post and telecommunications office
- Photography shop
- First aid center
- Scout store providing all scouting needs
- Banking services for currency exchange
- Café
- Internet service
- Dormitory building
- Football field
- Volleyball and basketball courts
- Open-air Roman theater
- Warehouses
- Main restaurant
The forest was recently reopened, with new buildings and training halls added, along with the construction of chalets for Arab and foreign tourists. Service centers, swimming pools, and football fields were also renovated.
The Libyan government’s focus on such centers and landmarks in Libyan cities is part of efforts to improve the tourism sector and enhance the quality of tourist destinations in Libya. Click here to learn more about tourism in Libya.
Additionally, in November 2023, the Ministry of Interior of the Libyan Government of National Unity announced the discovery of a Roman-era archaeological site in Guddaiem Forest.
