I chose this trip because I wanted to see the Sahara, up close and personal. Sometimes it felt like we were on another planet, surrounded by weird and wonderful rock formations. At other times it was more like being in a Top Gear Special, racing across the sand flats and over the dunes in our three jeeps, the Tuareg drivers determined not to be left behind. But at no time did the Sahara disappoint. And nor did Tripoli, although to get a real flavour of the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Libyans, try leaving the group for a while and just wandering round alone