Exploring Iraq

I had about two weeks to explore Iraq in July and split my time equally between the north and south.

Despite being warned multiple times that the summer head would be unbearable, I decided to persevere.

I flew into Bagdad to secure the e-visa that would allow me to visit the south, but also the north.

During the two weeks I spent a week in Federal Iraq – visiting Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Najef, Nasiriyah, Basra and Mosul.

Then I crossed into Kurdistan to visit Erbil, Rawanduz, Duhok, Amedi, Lalish and Suliamaniyah.

I had a few hours spare and so stopped off at Kirkuk for a quick tour before hopping on a flight from Erbil to Baghdad and then on to Lebanon.

My original plan was to rent a car once I arrived in Erbil and to drive around Northern Iraq visiting Duhok, Amedi, Akre, Rawanduz, Gomi Fellaw,  Dukan Lake, Suliamaniyah, Kirkuk and back to Erbil before continuing south to Baghdad to fly out to Beirut. 

What I wasn’t counting on, was for all the car rental companies being closed on Friday (the Middle East’s answer to the Western World’s Saturday). 

I wasn’t able to rent a car. That’s despite calling, texting, WhatsApping and emailing all the rental companies I could find.

This may have been avoided had I been more organised and tried to sort a car earlier in the week, but I was winging it all  and didn’t know for sure when I’d be arriving in Erbil.

A lot of people ask whether you should get a guide when visiting Iraq. It’s definitely possible to do it alone, but it’s hard work. I’d say save yourself the drama and get someone to help with your adventure.