sahara desert
sahara desert
introduction
The Sahara Desert was officially declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. Votes were cast by experts from around the world who noted the key statistical significance. Voters noted that the Sahara Desert is so much more than sand with many key facets of nature calling her home. Recognized as the largest dry desert in the world, this key statistic served as the leading draw for votes.
quick facts
- Largest hot desert in the world
- Covers 11 countries and accounts for 3,500,00 square miles (9,000,000 sq km)
- Sand dunes as high as 600 feet (180 meters)
- Home to several features which could be considered “wonders” themselves
description
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and the largest desert following Antarctica and the Artic. Most people think of hot dunes of sand when they envision a desert. However, according to the dictionary a desert is a barren area with little to no precipitation. Antarctica and the Artic are technically deserts and larger than the Sahara.
The Sahara Desert covers over 3,600,000 square miles (9,400,00- sq km). In comparison, this is approximately the size of the United States or China. This makes the Sahara the largest sandy or hot desert in the world
The boundaries of the Sahara Desert stretch from the Red Sea on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the valley of the Niger river on the south, to the Mediterranean Sea on the north. The desert encompasses, at least in part, the countries of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.
The Nile river runs through the Sahara Desert throughout the year, but all other rivers only exist seasonally. Grasslands may be found in the northern and southern parts of the desert, but the center region is extremely arid. The geography of the desert includes tremendous sand dunes and dune fields which may be described as a sea of sand. Additionally, there are unusual and unique landforms, stone plateaus, salt flats, gravel plains, and arid valleys.
visitor tips
ways to see
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places to stay
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ways to experience
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times to explore
The simple but unpredictable answer is when it is not snowing. The best season to explore Mount Everest is during the months of October and November which are the start of the dry season. The next best season to visit Everest is during the months of February through April; this is the end of the dry season.
weather
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photography tips
Extreme temperatures can interfere with cameras and freeze mechanisms. It is important to carry protective gear for any photographic equipment. The easiest and maybe best way to capture captivating images of Mount Everest is to take one of the guided flights around the mountain which provides a variety of different perspectives.
travel tips
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