Sahara: The World’s Largest Outdoor Sauna

The Sahara is a vast and unforgiving region in northern Africa where the sun never takes a day off. It is the world’s largest outdoor sauna, where one can go to sweat out their worries and dreams. The Sahara is a place of extremes that can turn even the toughest adventurer into a soggy mess.

Geography of The Sahara

The Sahara spans over 3.6 million square miles, making it the largest hot desert in the world. It covers most of North Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east. The landscape of the Sahara is characterized by sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and salt flats. In fact, the word “Sahara” comes from the Arabic word for “desert.”

Climate

The climate of the Sahara is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching over 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and dropping to freezing at night. Rain is a rare occurrence, with some areas going years without a single drop. Due to the lack of water, the Sahara is home to very few plants and animals.

History

The Sahara has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric civilizations dating back to 7,000 BC. It has been a significant trade route, connecting North Africa to the rest of the world. The region has also been a location for major conflicts and wars, including World War II.

Tourism

The Sahara is a popular tourist destination for those brave enough to endure its extreme heat. Visitors can take camel rides through the sand dunes or go on a desert safari. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

Fun Facts

The Sahara is so large that it’s almost as big as the entire United States.
Despite its immense size, the Sahara is not the hottest place on earth. That honor goes to the Lut Desert in Iran.
The Sahara is responsible for creating the largest sandstorm on record, which occurred in 2011 and covered an area of 1,200 miles.
The Sahara is home to the world’s largest underground lake, the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System.