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Sahara Desert
ACTIVITIES
Overland Adventure
Animal Packing
Architecture
Historic Interest
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Religious Site
Music & Theatre
There's something magical about the desert that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. Have you ever dreamed of riding a camel across an endless sea of sand or counting the stars, in absolute silence? Have you ever pictured yourself sitting by the fire, in the company of weary travelers dressed in long robes and turbans, or sleeping in an authentic nomadic tent? All are possible in the Sahara. And because the environment is sterile, there are no particular health risks to inhibit family travel here.Politically divided, the Sahara Desert is a single environment that is best characterized by the complete absence of water. And it is the best place from which to fully appreciate the nature of water as an element. Here, one can witness the small miracle that takes place each time it appears: Life both plant and animal.
Yet this harsh, inhospitable environment is hauntingly beautiful. Wadis (rivers) snake at the foot of sand covered mountains and plateaus. Elegant and engaging sculpted rock adorns the horizon. The splendor of the continuously changing shape of the dunes. All are the result of the wind and become almost insignificant when compared to what has occurred over the centuries. At one time, the Sahara was fertile and populated by the large animals of Africa. Giraffe, lions, rhinoceros and even crocodile once roamed here.
But there is more to a trip to the Sahara than nature and the elements. Experiencing the desert through the eyes of a Tuareg provides an additional dimension to any journey. Kids will find mystery in their traditional way of dress and watch spellbound as they pour tea. Their knowledge of animal tracks and the many usages of desert plants will keep even the youngest children engaged throughout any trek. And those old enough to follow the eyes of these men of the desert will be dazzled by their keen sense of observation. Accustomed to an unmoving and completely mineral landscape, the Tuareg are able to detect even the slightest movement and least significant variation on the horizon.
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History & Culture
The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, literally splits Africa in two. Learn more about the desert and its people, the Tuareg and the Berbers.
Maps
Locate the Sahara, map its main geological features and get a view from the satellite.
Books
Discover books and articles on the Sahara and North Africa for adults and kids.
- Reading Lists
- kids can travel recommends
- Longitude
- Sahara Overland
Music & Sound
Learn more about the music of the Sahara and listen online.
Kids' Stuff
Online resources make learning about the Sahara Desert lots of fun. Did you know that the Sahara Desert was once a lush, green savannah? Giraffes, lions and elephants roamed here in Paleolithic times. And it was inhabited by nomadic tribes! But before the Sahara Desert was a savannah it was an inland sea and inhabited by very different plants and animals. The discovery of the SuperCroc fossil known as Sarcosuchus imperator and sauropd Nigersaurus taqueti provide a few clues about life in the Sahara 110 million years ago. Learn to identify rocks, minerals and fossils before you depart on a desert expedition. Don't forget to make a checklist to record your discoveries.
- Sahara Desert
- California Academy of Sciences Library
- SuperCroc Fossil
- National Geographic
- Nigersaurus Taqueti
- National Geographic
- Identify rocks, minerals and fossils
- The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Recommended Reads for Family Travel to the Sahara Desert
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