Sand dunes of Sahara desert in Morocco. (Image: Getty)
There are certain places in the world that just . This could be due to their size, beauty or uniqueness.
And there is something intriguing about miles of sand dunes that seem to be going forever.
has nine in total but none are arguably as famous as the Sahara.
The Sahara is the largest hot desert on Earth, covering 3.5 million square miles – an area roughly the size of the or .
It stretches across 11 countries: , , , Libya, , Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan.
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The Sahara is the largest hot desert on Earth, covering 9.2 million square kilometres. (Image: Getty)
The Sahara is mostly known for its sand dunes, but it also features rocky plateaus, salt flats, and even mountains.
Its highest point is Emi Koussi, a 3,415-metre (11,204ft) volcano in Chad’s Tibesti Mountains.
Sahara’s climate is famously unforgiving, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 58C, while nighttime temperatures can plummet to -6C.
Interestingly, though, despite its scorching reputation, the Sahara is no stranger to snow – in 2018, up to 15 inches (40cm) of snow fell in Algeria, a rare sight in a desert where there’s usually not enough moisture for snow to form.
The Sahara’s sand dunes are also truly spectacular. Some reach heights of nearly 600 feet (182m) – about twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
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The Sahara stretches across 11 countries. (Image: Getty)
However, the Sahara isn’t just endless sand. It’s home to over 20 lakes, though most are saltwater.
The exception is Lake Chad, which is a vital freshwater lake that supports local communities.
The desert’s only permanent river is the Nile, which flows across its northeastern edge.
Incredibly, the Sahara wasn’t always barren. About 5,000 years ago, it was lush and green, with rivers, lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Scientists believe that changes in the Earth’s axis caused the desertification, but some experts think it could become fertile again in the distant future.
Despite its extreme conditions, around two million people live in the Sahara. Many are nomads who move with the seasons, while others live in permanent settlements near water sources.