Sahara with Michael Palin
"Sahara is one of the most powerful and evocative names on the world map. As a child, the images I had of the Sahara were both frightening and intriguing - palm trees, camels, turbanned travellers reclining, whilst being poured sparkling water by urn-carrying maidens in flimsy veils. It looked fun."
Michael Palin in Sahara, the book
Little did Michael Palin know that his "fun" journey through the Sahara would end with sand embedded inextricably in every part of his body, luggage and clothing - not to mention the camera equipment. Nor did he suspect to become a victim of camel poisoning or to come close to suffering a fatal gunshot wound. Even if he had, the call of the Sahara would undoubtedgly have been too strong to resist.
Where the heck is it?
We all know that the Sahara is that big empty blodge on maps of Africa. But which countries dare to claim its sandy surface as their own? Well, the northwest bit is in Morocco, and Algeria makes up most of central Sahara. Then, circling counter-clockwise, there's Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Libya and Tunisia. Yes, it's huge. Bigger than the United States as a matter of fact. But a meager population of 2.5 million people means a lot less traffic.
What's so special about it?
Well, as the world's second largest desert (people always forget about Antarctica), it's got quite a lot of sand - 9 million square km, give or take. It's a bit hard to measure as the Sahara is getting bigger every day. It's not just sand dunes though. Sahara has its own range of mountains in northern Niger that rise to more than 1,830m. The Aïr Massif is home to some of the world's most ancient rock art, dating from 6,000BC. And one final note: beware Saharan water. More people drown in the Sahara each year than are killed by heat or dehydration.
What can you do there?
Do you like sand? And more sand? What about sand? Well, you'd better. The most awesome of all the miles of awe-inspiring sand can be found in The Ténéré Desert in Niger. On the edge of the desert you can visit volcanic mountains, hidden oases and booming waterfalls (heed our caveat against water!). You could also take a midnight camel tour, under stars so close you could reach out and grab one, if only you weren't petrified of falling off your camel. Or visit the picturesque pink sandstone villages of Mali. And if you're a bit of a sad Star Wars fan, see Darth Vader's home planet, Tatooine, in Tunisia.
Only the insane need apply
The Marathon des Sables, an annual race through the Northern stretches of the Sahara, attracts hundreds of athletes each year. In seven days, the participants cover 238km of one of the most desolate landscapes on Earth - on foot. They run through soaring heat up to 50° Celcius, dodging deadly snakes and carrying food, sleeping bags, and snake-venom pumping equipment. If you fancy a week in hell, this is the one for you.
Where the heck is it?
We all know that the Sahara is that big empty blodge on maps of Africa. But which countries dare to claim its sandy surface as their own? Well, the northwest bit is in Morocco, and Algeria makes up most of central Sahara. Then, circling counter-clockwise, there's Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Libya and Tunisia. Yes, it's huge. Bigger than the United States as a matter of fact. But a meager population of 2.5 million people means a lot less traffic.
What's so special about it?
Well, as the world's second largest desert (people always forget about Antarctica), it's got quite a lot of sand - 9 million square km, give or take. It's a bit hard to measure as the Sahara is getting bigger every day. It's not just sand dunes though. Sahara has its own range of mountains in northern Niger that rise to more than 1,830m. The Aïr Massif is home to some of the world's most ancient rock art, dating from 6,000BC. And one final note: beware Saharan water. More people drown in the Sahara each year than are killed by heat or dehydration.
What can you do there?
Do you like sand? And more sand? What about sand? Well, you'd better. The most awesome of all the miles of awe-inspiring sand can be found in The Ténéré Desert in Niger. On the edge of the desert you can visit volcanic mountains, hidden oases and booming waterfalls (heed our caveat against water!). You could also take a midnight camel tour, under stars so close you could reach out and grab one, if only you weren't petrified of falling off your camel. Or visit the picturesque pink sandstone villages of Mali. And if you're a bit of a sad Star Wars fan, see Darth Vader's home planet, Tatooine, in Tunisia.
Only the insane need apply
The Marathon des Sables, an annual race through the Northern stretches of the Sahara, attracts hundreds of athletes each year. In seven days, the participants cover 238km of one of the most desolate landscapes on Earth - on foot. They run through soaring heat up to 50° Celcius, dodging deadly snakes and carrying food, sleeping bags, and snake-venom pumping equipment. If you fancy a week in hell, this is the one for you.
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