About
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, stretching across much of North Africa and crossing many national borders. For a visitor, it is less a single place than a vast landscape that changes from one region to the next.
What to expect
The Sahara is best known for its vast sand dunes, which rise and shift across wide stretches of the land. Beyond the dunes, the desert holds other terrains, so the scenery can vary a great deal depending on where you go.
- Wide open expanses of sand and dune fields
- A strong sense of distance and quiet
- Landscapes shaped by long, dry, and harsh conditions
History and routes
The desert has long been crossed by ancient trade routes, linking communities north and south of it. Travelling across it, even today, means following paths that have carried goods and people for centuries, which gives many journeys a strong sense of history.
Planning your visit
Because the Sahara covers so many countries, your experience will depend on which part you choose and how you reach it. Going with an experienced local guide is a sensible way to approach a landscape this large and demanding. Nearby towns and oases along the edges of the desert can serve as bases for trips into the dunes.
