The Sahara Desert is the third-largest desert on our planet, following Antarctica and the Arctic deserts. Its immense area spans over 9 million square kilometers, which is equivalent to the combined size of China and the USA.
Largest Hot Desert:
Unlike the cold deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic, the Sahara is a hot desert. It covers roughly 31% of Africa’s land area and boasts scorching temperatures that can soar above 50°C in many regions.
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Etymology:
The name “Sahara” is derived from the Arabic word “Sahra,” which simply means “desert”.
Geographical Borders.
The Sahara is bordered by several significant features:To the north, it meets the Mediterranean Sea.
In the west, it extends towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The Red Sea marks its eastern boundary.
Finally, the Sahel, a transitional zone of semi-grassland, lies to the south
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Size and Location:
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles). It spans across several countries in North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia.
Countries Within:
The Sahara spans across multiple North African nations, including Algeria, Libya, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia
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Cyclic Transformation:
Surprisingly, the Sahara undergoes a transformation from dry to wet approximately every 20,000 years. Scientists believe that thousands of years ago, the region supported crops like wheat, rice, and barley. Even today, certain hardy plants thrive in this seemingly inhospitable environment.
Crop-Friendly Areas:
Despite its arid reputation, the Sahara hosts several crops and plants. Some notable examples include:
Laperrine’s Olive Tree
Doum Palm Tree
Sahara Lovegrass
Stonehenge of Africa:
About 100 kilometers west of Abu Simbel in Egypt, lies Nabta Playa, an archaeological site featuring megalithic stones reminiscent of Stonehenge. This ancient site was established around 7500 BC.
Low Precipitation:
The Sahara ranks among the driest places globally, receiving an average of only 4 inches of rainfall per year.
2. Extreme Temperatures
The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme temperatures. During the day, temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), while at night, they can drop below freezing.
3. Sand Dunes:
The Morocco tour to the Sahara is famous for its vast sand dunes, some of which can reach heights of over 180 meters (590 feet). These dunes are constantly shifting and changing shape due to the wind.
4. Limited Vegetation:
Despite its size, the Sahara Desert has very limited vegetation. It is mostly characterized by rocky or sandy terrain, with sparse vegetation such as shrubs, grasses, and drought-resistant plants.
5. Nomadic Tribes:
The best Morocco tour in which the Sahara is the home of various nomadic tribes, such as the Tuareg and Bedouin people, who have adapted to the harsh desert environment and have a rich cultural heritage.
6. Oasis:
Despite its arid nature, the Sahara Desert is dotted with several oasis areas. These are areas where underground water sources come to the surface, creating fertile patches of land that support vegetation and human settlements.
7. Sandstorms:
The Sahara experiences frequent sandstorms, known as haboobs. These storms can be massive in scale, with strong winds carrying sand and dust over long distances, sometimes reaching as far as Europe.
8. Fossils and Rock Art:
The Sahara Desert is a treasure trove of fossils and rock art. Fossils of prehistoric animals and ancient human artifacts have been discovered in various parts of the desert, providing valuable insights into the region’s past.
9. Caravan Trade Routes:
Historically, the Sahara Desert played a crucial role in trade between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Caravan routes, such as the Trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.
10. Astronomical Observations:
The Sahara’s vast expanse of clear skies and minimal light pollution makes it an ideal location for stargazing and astronomical observations. Several observatories and research centers are located in the desert for this purpose.
Conclusion
The Sahara Desert is not only a vast expanse of sand and dunes but also a place of historical significance, unique ecosystems, and surprising resilience.
Contact a local tour operator for any tours in Morocco
Fes morocco tour Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local tour company based in Morocco, specializing in multi-day tours for solo and private groups. You can contact them through [email protected] or Whatsapp: +212 660-514355
