The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, and much of what people imagine about it is only partly true. It is not all sand, and it has not always been dry.
Here are ten facts about the Sahara, followed by how to experience it in Morocco.
1. The Sahara covers about 9 million square kilometres, comparable in size to the United States. 2. Its name comes from the Arabic word for desert. 3. Only roughly a quarter of it is sand dunes. The rest is rocky plateaus, gravel plains, dry valleys and mountains.
4. Days can be extremely hot, but nights can be cold because dry air holds little heat. 5. Some dunes reach around 150 metres in height. 6. Snow has occasionally fallen on high ground in the Sahara region, a surprise to many visitors.
7. Around 5,000 to 11,000 years ago much of the Sahara was green, with lakes and grassland. 8. Dust blown from the Sahara reaches distant regions, including the Atlantic. 9. Wildlife such as dromedary camels, fennec foxes and desert lizards is adapted to the dryness. 10. Amazigh and other nomadic peoples have lived in and crossed the desert for centuries.
Morocco offers two main dune fields. Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is the easiest to reach, and Erg Chigaga is wilder and more remote. Plan the season with our best time to visit the Sahara guide.
Most travellers combine dunes, a camel ride and a night in a camp. Compare camps in our luxury desert camps guide, and read about a private Sahara tour from Marrakech to choose the length of your trip.
About 9 million square kilometres, comparable to the size of the United States.
No. Only roughly a quarter is sand dunes. The rest is rock, gravel and mountains.
Yes. Around 5,000 to 11,000 years ago much of it had lakes and grassland.
At Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'Hamid.
October to April. Summer is extremely hot, and winter nights are cold.
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will arrange a private Sahara trip in Morocco with driver, guide and a hand-picked desert camp.
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