Being the largest desert in the world, here are 10 Interesting facts about the Sahara Desert that you did not know.
The Sahara Actually Mostly Rocks, not sand
Yes, really. The desert is made up primarily of rocky hamada landscapes. In fact, it is just 30% sand, the remaining 70% being mostly gravel. The rest of the desert comprises sand seas, stone plateaus, salt flats, arid valleys, mountains, rivers, streams, and oases
The Sahara Desert is as Big as China
Filling nearly all of northern Africa, it measures approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from east to west and between 800 and 1,200 miles from north to south and has a total area of some 3,320,000 square miles (8,600,000 square km); the actual area varies as the desert expands and contracts over time.
Saharan Dunes Can Reach Up To 180 Metres in Height
Although this is hardly dizzying heights, climbing up the slippery sand, in the heat of the day, can be a real workout! However, as the desert’s dunes otherwise known as ergs shift by several yards each year, the landscape is constantly changing.
The Sahara Is A Perfect Route For Those Who Travel With Camels
The word Bedouin is derived from the Arabic badawī, meaning “desert-dweller”. These nomadic peoples move around the desert during their migrations around North Africa and the Middle East, making tent camps near natural resources depending on the season and the community’s needs. Bedouin nomads are known for herding traditions, as well as their rich history of oral poetry. You might get the chance to meet some nomads yourself during a Sahara trek.
The Record High Temperature Of The Sahara was 136°F!
On September 13th 1922, the Sahara’s record high temperature was recorded at 136 degrees Fahrenheit in El Azizia, Libya. Despite what this might suggest, the desert is more livable than you might think. In fact, the forecast temperature for our trip next week is just around 22 degrees Celsius. Pretty perfect if you ask us!
Many Dinosaur Fossils Have Been Found In The Sahara
As you would imagine, the desert is full of archaeological and palaeontological wonders. Along with 6000-year-old megalithic stone circles and Saharan rock paintings, unique dinosaur fossils have been found by scientists. As recently as last year, the fossilised remains of an 80-million-year-old dinosaur were found in a Saharan oasis. Named the Mansourasaurus shahinae, the dinosaur is thought to have been 33 feet long and weighed 5.5 tons.
Emi Koussi Volcano is the Highest Point in the Sahara at 3,415 Metres
As said earlier, it is not all sand. Emi Koussi is a shield volcano that sits in the Tibesti Mountains of northern Chad. The volcano has various lava domes, cinder cones, lava flows and maars visible on its outer flanks, which are evidence of its active history. Today, fumaroles sit at its southern base, and hot springs heat waters up to 37 degrees celsius perfect for a relaxing dip!
The Sahara Has Been Used as a Set For Star Wars Movie
Several times, actually. The Tunisian Sahara has been used as a backdrop for the towns of Tatooine (which, by the way, is a real place) and Matmata, ever since the desert Berber towns caught the eye of director George Lucas. Matmata is the fictional village where Luke Skywalker grew up, and today you can still see some of the sets, often either abandoned or repurposed in a curious fashion.
Monitor Lizards, Camels, Foxes and Gazelles live in the Sahara
The desert might be a tough environment for humans to inhabit, but many animals do live here. Camels are the main animals you will see in the Sahara, largely due to their use by humans. However, other notable species of wildlife in the Sahara include fennec foxes, addax antelopes, Dorcas gazelles and Saharan cheetahs. You might be lucky enough to spot one of these curious creatures during your Sahara desert trek.
It’s Not Completely Dry! There are Over 20 Lakes in The Sahara
All of these are saltwater lakes, except for Lake Chad, which is the only freshwater lake in the desert. There are also over 90 oases in the Sahara. But as they’re spread out over 3.6 million miles, we wouldn’t recommend setting out in search of water. It might be a long walk!
BONUS FACT:
Every 41,000 years, the Sahara alternates between desert and savanna grassland. This is caused by a wobble in the Earth’s axis as it rotates around the sun, which changes the location of the North African Monsoon and therefore causes the Sahara’s landscape to undergo a drastic change.
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